Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Last episode, we tested some of the best value mountain bikes on the market. This time, we wanted to answer a bigger question:
Should you upgrade a cheaper bike… or spend more money from the start?
Dario put $500 of upgrades into the Ozark Trail FS, while Stephane took a different approach entirely and picked up a $1,500 State 4130 hardtail to see how the two strategies compare on real trails.
New tires, tubeless setups, cockpit upgrades, brake pads, better forks, geometry differences, durability concerns, and a whole lot of riding in the Sedona desert.
Which approach would you choose?
Presented By:
Visit Sedona - scenicsedona.com
Endura - endurasport.com
Haven't seen episode 1? Check it out here 👇
Is a Walmart Bike Actually Better Than a Specialized? | $1,000 Field Test
youtu.be/hmfiee60WLU
00:00 - The Plan
00:55 - Shopping for upgrades
02:29 - The Build
05:19 - Introducing the bikes
09:11 - Ride Impressions
14:03 - Final thoughts
Like Pinkbike? Try Trailforks, the best mountain bike trail mapping app.
applink.trailforks.com/4EpG/fvn5pxf9
Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.
Website - pinkbike.com
Podcast - pinkbike.link/pbpodcast
Instagram - instagram.com/pinkbike
Facebook - facebook.com/pinkbikecom
Last episode, we tested some of the best value mountain bikes on the market. This time, we wanted to answer a bigger question:
Should you upgrade a cheaper bike… or spend more money from the start?
Dario put $500 of upgrades into the Ozark Trail FS, while Stephane took a different approach entirely and picked up a $1,500 State 4130 hardtail to see how the two strategies compare on real trails.
New tires, tubeless setups, cockpit upgrades, brake pads, better forks, geometry differences, durability concerns, and a whole lot of riding in the Sedona desert.
Which approach would you choose?
Presented By:
Visit Sedona - scenicsedona.com
Endura - endurasport.com
Haven't seen episode 1? Check it out here 👇
Is a Walmart Bike Actually Better Than a Specialized? | $1,000 Field Test
youtu.be/hmfiee60WLU
00:00 - The Plan
00:55 - Shopping for upgrades
02:29 - The Build
05:19 - Introducing the bikes
09:11 - Ride Impressions
14:03 - Final thoughts
Like Pinkbike? Try Trailforks, the best mountain bike trail mapping app.
applink.trailforks.com/4EpG/fvn5pxf9
Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.
Website - pinkbike.com
Podcast - pinkbike.link/pbpodcast
Instagram - instagram.com/pinkbike
Facebook - facebook.com/pinkbikecom
