Keep those budget tips coming. As a beginner I really enjoy and need them.

The wheel hubs on budget bikes often need a little TLC. Would love to see a tech tip on repacking them and getting them silky smooth.

@ROBinJVILLE

2 жыл бұрын

This is a fact

@EBikeBuilder_

2 жыл бұрын

cone wrenches and some grease baby

@pellabandgeek

2 жыл бұрын

RJ the bike guy has a great vid on just that. It's called "How to replace bike wheel hub bearings".

@sporkmeplenty

2 жыл бұрын

@@pellabandgeek RJ’s video currently the best out there. His bikes are tend to be a bit older and often from more established manufacturers. Part of my curiosity is to see the current state of big box hubs and their quirks. I took apart a friend’s big box hub last year and it had some machining issues that left it finicky to adjust but still functional.

@pellabandgeek

2 жыл бұрын

@@sporkmeplenty Makes sense. I thought you wanted a basic how-to from your original comment.

Love the tech tips as I getting back into biking after a decade away. Keep up the great work Kev

This bike is looking pretty good to me for my first mountain bike as an adult. Completely addicted to your channel, thank you so much for all the detailed information and reviews. I've learned alot in a short period of time from your channel. I've had several dirtbikes, sportbikes since I was a kid but now MTB is looking like an amazing fun hobby!

Got to do the internal route dropper just because a lot of us are going to try anyway. If it's a bad idea, you'd still be giving valuable information to your audience. Thanks, man.

To be honest I like mostly all of your content, variety is good.

I used to think droppers were stupid, until I started using one. Now they are a must have for me 😁

Would definitely like to see you try to install internally routed seat post on this bike. Thanks for the videos.

@destinhook3826

2 жыл бұрын

That would be nice

I'm new to biking and like to see more of your tech tips..I just recently bought the AL-COMP schwinn just from seeing your videos and enjoying it

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the comp

I am finished with my red accent stage 1 upgrade and I am totally pleased with the results. Funn bars , stem, seat, and red caps, cable ends etc...The KS external route DP turned out totally sanitary with help from Jeff at the local bike shop. The black ties disappear on the top frame part and when lowered I get a neat 4'' loop that is hidden by my left leg. I am 75 and just getting on and off is soooo much easier with the DP. Maybe a new fork and Avid BB 7's in the future. I am anti-hydraulic and anti carbon! This one runs well as an extra and a loaner along with my trick Ledge X2 and is a definite keeper. My time trials are neck and neck with the two MTB's, with the KT possibly faster at flat out top end even though I went to a 30 tooth chain ring from JGBike? Go figure.

I'm surprised that Tech Tips came in at only 7% Your tech tips are great, keep 'em coming.

I thank you so much for the review on the Trouvaille. I am planning on selling off my Hyper Explorer and getting a Trouvaille as an upgrade because I am planning on doing more trail riding. I am a novice still but I want to get into mountain biking so much more as a regular activity for fun and exercise. Keep up the good content, it's so informative and encourages me to get into the sport much more.

I was in the 42%, but I also enjoy the under $500 bike reviews and tech tips too. I wouldn't say that I have ZERO interest in e bikes, but it's pretty close to it (for now anyways), but I Like and Share those as well when you post them up 😊✌️

I think a hub greasing and repacking video would be awesome!

For those of us who buy and upgrade Walmart bikes, Tech Tips are are great way to learn how to work on our bikes. This is one of the ways I learned the difference between a free wheel and a cassette. Also, how to replace a straight steer fork with a tapered steer fork. I want to learn how to replace manual disc brakes with hydraulic disc brakes. I vote to keep them coming.

Thanks Kev!

can't wait to get one to upgrade! Need to finish my Schwinn Taff first though, especially because I broke the pro rush derailleur on the trail this morning. Whoops!

Thanks for sharing this with us. Interesting 🤔

Thanks for all the Trouvaille info but please show us how to tastefully do an external cable mount DP? I am planning on using a KS 100mm.

Love the tech tips!

I love and enjoy your tech tips videos. I do wish they were more frequent. I’m surprised the poll only reflected 7%. 😕

Yes please try the internal dropper routing :)

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Heh

Hey Kev been loving the videos as I’m trying to get my first mtb. How would this compare to the schwinn axum/axum dp and which of the 2 would you recommend??

i like tech tips, but as an experience amateur bike mechanic, usually i know them. so i put bike first but i still watch the tips :D

Hey Kev, Keep those budget bikes coming. Also, are you going to review the new Hyper full suspension $1,498.00 mid-drive? That’s budget for a mid-drive! Thanks!

I am just as surprised as you Kev as far as the tech tip rebuke. That goes hand in hand with owning your own bike and if your budget is low you better be able to wrench on it yourself!!

@crisnguyen571

2 жыл бұрын

It’s not a shiny click bait type of video. But it’s a category we should all be familiar with.

Well the poll did ask what we wanted to see the most. It didnt ask to rank them. KZread polls being limited as they are. I personally would love to see all 4 kinds. Just wanted one more than the others

Brought my trouvaille that I purchased yesterday to my LBS for them to tune up right. They were actually impressed by it. I asked if they had an MT200 hydro brake kit and they actually hooked me up with a like-new take off set of higher quality Shimano . So I’d suggest checking the LBS for used or takeoff parts as a bargain/budget part

@lambertj.2892

Жыл бұрын

What's LBS?

@shinekraj4944

Жыл бұрын

@@lambertj.2892 L ocal B ike S hop

Kev I think I can speak for most of us when I say we would watch any video you release. Doesn’t matter what it is about.

@cetamayo1

2 жыл бұрын

Ditto

Very fine bike. Please don't destroy the frame. Just stick with external drop cabling. I must admit I just like this one too much to see it damaged! I may start saving up to get one myself. Not a jumper / mountain biker, but roads here are clay and pebbles and moderately hilly. The Trouvaille just might be perfect. I just love your videos. Very informative and very clear.

I agree I have two Walmart bikes mongoose and genesis love em both despite what people say about em have been upgrading em new brakes levers pedals and stems necks seat posts seats next is wheels getting aligned.

Thanks for information

Been a minute... What is these beautiful lm going to watch

Maybe it is that we get so many tech tips via your build videos.

all of the above please, great stuff

I think it would be very easy to drill a hole for an internal dropper. Maybe slot it with a dremel and make sure it’s deburred good. Simple. Go for it!👌🏻

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Still up in the air, but thanks for the suggestion

@TonyHob

2 жыл бұрын

I did this on one of my bikes, works great!

Kev, thing is that there are a bunch of e bike, mountain and spandex boys channels, not too many regular bike channels as easy to comprehend as yours.

Yes try! I was thinking of using a dropper that controls under the seat.... not expensive

Got our Trouvaille set-up today. Had to get a shop to straighten the hanger but everything else seems okay

TranzX and KS both make dropper posts for dirt jumpers that have a lever under the seat. It’s not as easy as a bar mounted lever but at least it doesn’t require any cables.

wish they had one of these on the Shelf at the local Walmart so I could confirm if I could swing a leg over. A dropper would be just about mandatory for me I suspect. And it'd end up with cables all over the place from a motor anyway, so the internal routing is here nor there (thougyh the added protection for the brake line is a nice perk)

bikes under $500 and budget parts is what we need right now! Most of us don't want an e-bike nor can afford it.

Can you do a video on making comfortable grips? - by adding a foam tube (eg pipe insulation or barrow handles) to the existing grips.

Definitely want to see you try to drill the frame, just sick curiosity if you can make it work.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Ha!

Drill a hole in the back of the seat tube for the ir seatpost!! My specialized fuse has a hole drilled(from the factory) ant ids never been an issue!!

I lucked up and picked up this bike for 180$ added pedals hayes dyno hydraulic brakes a chain guide and a small front fender this bike shreds but I think the bottom bracket is already going after 3 weeks got new crankset ordered going to do an internal dropper stem bars and saddle but loving it

More tech tips please . Some of us older riders don't know everything .

That’s a great looking bike.

Any inside info on the upcoming availability of the large frame?

Could you provide your thoughts on the costco infinity boss 3 disc. I got a kent trouvaille but realized my rides are mostly in paved roads and hybrid would be a better option. Is it worth keeping the kent and switching to hybrid tires or return the kent and go for the boss hybrid for 269$. Only things missing are quick release rear wheels and front shocks.

Got to go wireless for the dropper. Because spending more on the dropper is more important than ruining the cable free look :)

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Lol

Kev, you have a great channel with content that is on the leading edge of big box bikes. You get the scoop before almost anyone else and that amazing. You help advance the sport and make it accessible to everyone. I don’t know anyone who does it better. That said, your tech tips are sometimes questionable. One example that springs to mind, is when you were reviewing the women’s Comp AL, when you measured the bars you said something about having to take the curve of the bar into account. Handlebars are measured tip to tip in a straight line. You can confirm this with the index marks on the ends of the handlebars that have them. When you discuss the dropper post, it’s an easy measure, measure again, drill, file and plug process. Just three holes and some filing. Not that complicated. I understand you want to go for aesthetics but there’s nothing wrong with having the cable exit the seat tube on the left side just above the BB and then entering the Downtube on the left side just ahead of the BB, then drill and exit the Downtube about 2-3 inches behind the head tube. I’d match it up with the hole on the right side of the Downtube behind the headset. Measure the frame plugs you plan to use (Salsa makes the ones I’ve used) and make a template for drilling. This literally takes about 10 minutes per hole. The only caveat is that you’ll void the warranty. Keep up the great content.

I just got my trouaville and I'm very impressed with it and it's components..only thing I'll change for now is the seat

@KevCentral

Жыл бұрын

Congrats on the new bike!

@chriswebb383

Жыл бұрын

Brakes !!!

I have checked all your trouvaille series looking for this, but do you happen to have, or mind supplying the brake line lengths? I am looking to throw some hydro's on my trouvaille 👍

Why not use an external router dropper? I would love to see you review those and I think it would apply to alot of other older bikes.

Can you review a bike in the Linus lineup? They have a lot of affordable commuters like the Roadster Classic that I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on

They do make exterior cable tie holders for zip ties on Amazon . It would be interesting to see if that would work before drilling out the frame . I think it comes with double sided tape . Now command has many products that are scewless connection's that from my experience has been very durable . Maybe worth exploring

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I have some, but I wouldn’t want to route externally aside from coming up the bottom of the down tube

I ordered and got this bike, but it arrived with a bent derailleur hanger and horribly adjusted parts; then I realized I wasn't cut out to ride a bike with long reach and wide handlebars and should probably stick with a gravel or hybrid... the Marin DSX 1 has a beautiful frame but it's obviously way more expensive than big box pricing. Do you know any affordable flat bar gravel bikes with similar geometry to that?

Hey, Kev Central I own a Trouville, the lower headset bearing snapped and broke, what size bearing is the lower headset bearing?

I'm trying to remove the bottom bracket on the Trouvaille. Trying to install a bafang kit into this bike. I'm going slowly and carefully. I got the crank arms off with little trouble.... well a little trouble. In the non-drive side I was able to remove the thing easily. On the drive side it will NOT budge! I've read where some go clockwise and others go counter-clockwise. I get zero movement in either direction. Trying not to strip anything. Please help! Is removal clockwise or counter-?

It's unfortunate that Walmart sells these because Walmart's inventory system is a joke. I actually think they list items as 'in stock' at local stores so people go to their local store and purchase a replacement when they don't find what they intended to purchase in the first place. Three days ago I tried to purchase one of these bikes(because of this video) because it's listed as being in stock at two of my local stores. I tried to call the store to make sure they were in stock but no one in the bike department would pick up the phone so I ordered it anyway. I got an email telling me to pick up the bike anytime after noon. Noon time I start driving to Walmart to get the bike and I get an email telling me my pickup is delayed. I go home and call the store. The woman at Walmart tells me she is too busy to check my order but she will substitute the bike for another one if they don't have what I ordered. I said 'What?'. I asked her to transfer my order to the other local store that supposed to have these bikes in stock. She said she couldn't. Another 'What?" comes from my mouth. I call the other store to make sure they have the bike and they don't. I contact Walmart support and they tell me no stores near me have the bike. I complained and asked them to update their inventory. I ended up ordering the bike online to be shipped 3 days ago. It was suppose to arrive the next day and now when I check the order and it is still in the 'processing' state. The order also says I should receive it in 20 days. 20 days? I can order something from China if I am going to wait 20 days. This may be a good bike but Walmart is a nightmare to deal with. I'm debating whether to cancel my order so I don't give any more of my money to these idiots.

no bushings on those tube inserts?

For the dropper post. There’s some very good budget droppers that are wireless. That’s what I’d recommend since this bike doesn’t have the best internal routing. I’m very interested in buying one of these for a loaner bike when my friends come over. They seem extremely capable for a budget hardtail.

@KevCentral

Жыл бұрын

What’s the price and brand?

i only voted on budget bike parts because i though u would make a video of budget parts on the Trouville... i got wut i wanted 😎

how would you compare this one to Shwinn Axum? Shwinn Axum is on a rollback right now so it's the exact same price as Kent Trouvaille

Is it possible to change from single front gearset to a triple front gearset?

I didn't get to vote, would have picked budget parts. Kind of looking for a saddle replacement for my Schwinn Kempo preferably black/red themed color accents to match.

@chairmanmeow8388

2 жыл бұрын

You can pick up black and red charge spoon saddles fairly cheap if you catch them on offer.

Please keep the tech tips. They where my second choice

I wouldn't bother hacking up your frame for a dropper. It's unfortunate that they didn't plan for it given the popularity of the Axum, but maybe next year's model will have the option.

Hey Kev, appreciate all your content and new fan here. I am looking for something more beginner/entry in a 29er hopefully under $400. Trouvaille is high on the list. Would you recommend the Trouvaille, Schwin Axum or something else in that area/price range?

@georgee1389

2 жыл бұрын

Same here, I went with the Kent Comes in a week, I’m excited I believe adjustable fork, 180/160mm brakes, tapered fork was the deciding factor iirc

@theduderino2.069

2 жыл бұрын

Ya, I ended up getting the Kent as well and it was available for delivery from the store. It is noticeably bigger than the Trek 700 I had since early 2000s. However, this actually fits me much better. Haven't had the chance to give it a test ride yet, but hopefully very soon. Hope you enjoy yours!

Any chance you know what number the derailleur hanger is?

May I ask does it fit 44t chain ring?Thanks

Would a set of good mechanical , hydraulic brakes work on the Trouvaille? Kent puts them on a road bike.

im gonna wait until the large version of this bike comes out then try and convert it to a 2000w E-bike! that medium frame triangle makes me worry tho. even the large I'm assuming would be tight to fit the battery and controller inside.

We like all 4 choices of what next, but just chose 1 out of them (i voted e-bike) tech vids are still good and a keeper Don't drill/ruin your new frame just for a dropper imo Peace Kev

Hey Kev! Have you ever thought about buying a marlin frame building it up with your usual parts ? Be interesting comparing the price of a Walmart build and a trek frame build.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t buy a Marlin frame (2022) since they don’t have some of the features Schwinn/Mongoose/Kent/soon to see big box bikes have

Maybe you could MacGyver a GoPro mount to bolt onto the kickstand bracket?

A internal dropper mod (lower downtube angled drilled hole) is risky. Did one on Hyper Hydro 3 years ago. works great but I think I just got lucky. New budget part upgrade romance, Zoom Etech cable actuated hydraulic disc brakes. A cheaper and lighter option than the great TRP ones I have tried and love also.

@TonyHob

2 жыл бұрын

I did one on my Venzo, no problems either. I think it’s fine as long as you are not a hardcore jumper

Is there a non cable dropper option?

Oh brother… adding the hydro brakes is a challenge. Toke me a few goes to finally get the brakes truly bled . They work but I still feel like they are a bit soft🤦‍♂️

I just got this bike and it has a hole for a dropper post. They must have updated the bike. Also the derailleur has a good amount of tension so it doesn't drop chain as much.

Please let us know what you replace the stem with! I’m going to get those pedals. :)

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Also check out fooker pedals. As I mentioned, those are better than factory and are cheap, but I haven’t had a set in action very long

Kev also check kent valor or something..they look the the same but it has hydraulic brakes and 1x10spd

Great coverage of the Trouvaille. I just picked one up last week. Have you found a good dropper yet?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I have droppers, but all are internally routed. I’m not a fan of external dropper cabling on frames with otherwise internal cable routing

@michaelortegajr.1287

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral assume we’d need to run 27.2 with a shim? Also…I noticed mine had bad bearings on the tapered end of the headset. Is there a good aftermarket set you recommend (top/bottom) when keeping the straight tube fork? Thanks man!

Hi Kev - have you done any Big Box bike +upgrades vs entry level Trek (etc) bike store bike comparo?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve mentioned entry level Trek bikes as a comparison in many videos

@MichaelRei99

2 жыл бұрын

Yes he has.

would it be a bad idea to take a link or 2 out of the chain to help with chain slap or it popping off, would it effect how it functions in any way?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

If a chain were too long that would be ok, but not as a method to reduce slap from a derailleur with no clutch.

could you do a review of schwinn standpoint

Is that a medium advent 9 clutch or a long

Attempt the external routed frame!

@joeymalin

2 жыл бұрын

What the heckkk lol. I meant to say attempt the INTERNALLY routed DROPPER

I wonder if you file the inside of the seat post if its possible to fit a 30.9 dropper? A lot more options than 27.2 😖

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

That’s not something I would recommend

cam you do a review on a wallmart Tricycle and see if there is a way to upgrade to higher gearing than a 7 speed ?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion, but I hope it’s many years before I’ll be on a trike. If I come across one I’ll be sure to check it out

How would you compare the MT-200 to the stock Trouvaille brakes? I adjusted the brakes on a Trouvaille and I discovered that the stopping power was extremely poor. For $60, I'm thinking a (probably knockoff) set of MT-200 would possibly be worth the upgrade. Also, weight savings....other than an air fork (which one? lol), where do you think wight could be shed?

@1OTDM

Жыл бұрын

Just did this.. Much better performance. The stock mechanical brakes are terrible no matter how expertly you set them up.

I have an Ozark trail ridge and I have upgraded everything but the fork and I’m still well under $1000

Kevcentral can you give me some pointers to get my disc brakes working better on my trouvaille? Ive been trying to adjust them and tune them but my v brakes on my old bike stop better than these.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Have you bed them in? What exactly are they doing?

@into_it_all_hobby_enthusia8726

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral ive rode the bike and applied the front and rear brakes and let them slow the bike down without coming to a complete stop a few times but they seem like they dont have the "bite" power like when you put pressure on the brakes the bike keeps rolling thru where my old v brakes just seem to stop when i want the bike to stop.

hey kev what do you think about the advent super short derailleur?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t know they had one. That would limit cassette options as it would cap out at a lower tooth count cassette

Does anyone know if these Trouvaille’s suffer from the “bad” headset bearing issue like the Schwinn Boundary?

@KevCentral

Жыл бұрын

They can. I’ve had experience unboxing 3 and 1 of the 3 had destroyed headset bearings

Man it’s gotta be hot. I know in Texas it’s insane, especially with humidity.

as an Axum DP owner I do want to see you go for it.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Heh

I'd change the front brake only since that does (a reported) 70% of the stopping.

I'm disabled considering the schwinn 499.00 my bike. To make a rail to trails, tow path bike I havoc it works asome for a soft ride with schwinn Springer old person seat. Your oppion would be great sir, thank you

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Hello. Which Schwinn are you looking at?