For budget-conscious adventurers and weekend warriors, the dream of owning a capable gravel bike can often feel out of reach. High prices and specialized bike shops can be intimidating. But what if a major retailer like Walmart offered a gravel bike that could actually deliver? Enter the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer, Walmart’s first foray into the gravel bike market. Priced under $250, this bike promises to break down price barriers and make gravel riding accessible to a wider audience. But does it live up to the hype? We took the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer on a rigorous 300-mile journey through the Ozark Mountains to find out if this budget-friendly bike from Walmart is a game-changer or just too good to be true.
Walmart Gravel Bike Review: I Rode the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer 300 Mountain Miles
Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer: Specs and First Look
The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is positioned as an entry-level gravel bike, aiming to bring drop-bar adventure to the masses. Here’s a quick rundown of its key specifications:
- Weight: 30.4 lbs.
- Fork: Steel, quick release with mounts
- Frame: 6061 aluminum
- Sizes: Small and medium, 29” tires
- Drivetrain: L-TWOO 2×7, with Shimano Tourney rear derailleur
- Handlebar: Drop bar; 400mm top width with 15-degree flare
- Stock tires: Kenda 700x40c, soft gum sidewalls
- Stack: 560 mm (medium)
- Reach: 395 mm (medium)
- Wheelbase: 1,034 mm (medium)
- Fork geometry: 72-degree head tube; 63mm trail
Stepping back to assess the bike initially, the most immediate surprise was the inclusion of mounting points. For a bike at this price point, finding front fork mounts alongside the standard water bottle mounts on the frame is genuinely impressive. This immediately signals a nod towards adventure and bikepacking capabilities, expanding the bike’s versatility beyond just casual gravel rides. The frame geometry appears to be classic gravel, suggesting a comfortable and stable ride on varied terrain. However, the limited size options (small and medium only) are a notable constraint, potentially excluding taller riders from experiencing this budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Unbelievably budget-friendly price, making it a strong contender for best Bike Walmart option for gravel riding beginners.
- Front fork mounts enhance versatility for bikepacking and gear hauling.
- Gravel riding geometry that is generally well-suited for diverse terrains.
- Handlebar flare provides added control and comfort on rougher surfaces.
Cons
- Brakes are noticeably underpowered and can feel unreliable in demanding situations.
- Shifting is stiff, particularly when compared to higher-end drivetrains.
- Frame weight is on the heavier side, which can impact climbing and acceleration.
- Stock tires are prone to flats, especially on rough gravel or with heavier loads.
Initial Impressions and Fit
My first encounter with the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike from Walmart was a bit of a sizing gamble. At nearly 6 feet tall, I typically ride a large frame. However, the Explorer is only offered in small and medium. Thankfully, with a shorter torso, the medium frame, with its 56cm stack and 40cm reach, proved to be surprisingly workable for a 300-mile test ride. It’s worth noting that the limited sizing is a significant drawback for riders outside the typical small to medium frame range.
Front fork on Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer bike
Beyond the sizing limitations, the mounting points were a standout feature. It’s rare to find a bike, especially a Walmart bike at this price, equipped with front fork mounts. This immediately sparked thoughts of adventure and practicality. Being able to easily attach racks and cages significantly increases the bike’s utility for bikepacking, touring, or even just commuting with extra gear. This thoughtful inclusion contrasts sharply with some higher-priced bikes that skimp on such practical features. For riders looking at bikes at Walmart for their first foray into gravel riding or bike touring, this feature is a major plus. It allows for using affordable dry bags and panniers, rather than requiring expensive, trendy bikepacking bags, further reinforcing the budget-friendly ethos of this Walmart bike.
The geometry also felt immediately familiar and appropriate for a gravel bike. The 72-degree head tube angle, combined with a moderate fork offset and chainstay length, suggested a stable yet responsive ride. The handlebar drops, while a bit deep, were manageable thanks to the 15-degree flare, offering a comfortable range of hand positions for different terrains.
Taking the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer for its First Ride
Setting off from Fayetteville, Arkansas, known for its burgeoning bike culture, provided an ideal testing ground for this Walmart gravel bike. The local bike mechanic’s comment, “Better or worse, that bike is gonna shake things up for a lot of people,” echoed in my mind as I embarked on the first ride. Fayetteville’s extensive network of paved and gravel trails, including the Razorback Greenway, offered a varied landscape to assess the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer’s capabilities.
man taking ozark trail g.1 explorer gravel bike on the first ride
On paved surfaces, the Kenda tires, seemingly inspired by Kenda Booster Pros, rolled surprisingly well. However, with the added weight of gear and myself, totaling around 265 pounds, the soft sidewalls became a concern. To prevent bottoming out on rougher terrain, higher tire pressure would be necessary, potentially compromising comfort and traction.
The L-TWOO 2×7 drivetrain, while entry-level, offered consistent shifting, albeit with a noticeable stiffness. Cruising on flats and slight downhills at speeds up to 26 mph was achievable. However, uphill climbs revealed the drivetrain’s limitations. The gear range felt restricted, and steeper inclines required significant effort. For casual riders and flatter routes, the drivetrain might suffice, but those tackling hilly terrain or carrying heavy loads may find themselves wanting more range. This is a typical trade-off for bikes at Walmart aiming for affordability.
Front tire and fork on Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer bike
The most concerning aspect of the initial ride was the brakes. Even after adjustments, achieving reliable stopping power without constant rubbing proved challenging. Hauling 265 pounds, the lack of confidence in the brakes raised concerns about tackling descents, particularly on gravel. This is arguably the biggest compromise made to reach the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer’s incredibly low price point and a critical area for potential upgrades for serious riders.
Gravel Grinding Challenges and Limitations
Venturing into the Ozark Mountains presented tougher challenges for the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer. The planned route included 50 miles of unfinished bikepacking trails, a demanding test for any bike, let alone a budget option from Walmart. Adding to the challenge, illness struck mid-test, further highlighting the bike’s performance under less-than-ideal conditions.
Despite the challenging terrain and rider condition, the frame itself performed admirably. The aluminum frame exhibited reasonable flex for a loaded bike, and the steel fork struck a decent balance between stability and responsiveness. The cockpit ergonomics were generally acceptable, with comfortable hoods. However, the handlebar drops felt somewhat deep for technical descents, and wider bars would have been preferable for enhanced control on rougher sections.
Handlebars on Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike
The limitations of the brakes, drivetrain, and tires became more pronounced on steep ascents and descents characterized by loose gravel and rocky sections. This terrain pushed the components beyond their intended limits. While the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is capable of handling mild gravel paths and moderate hills, it struggled on more aggressive gravel routes. Steep climbs often required pushing the bike, and the Kenda tires suffered two flats in two days due to pinch flats from bottoming out on jagged rocks. The tires, while potentially adequate for smoother gravel, proved vulnerable on rougher surfaces, especially under heavier loads. Descending became genuinely unnerving due to the underpowered brakes, requiring a cautious approach and limiting speed.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Where the G.1 Explorer Excels
Recognizing the bike’s limitations in demanding mountain terrain, a change of plan led to discovering the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer’s true sweet spot. Switching to a route comprising paved roads and harder-packed gravel closer to highways transformed the riding experience. Flats ceased to be an issue, and the drivetrain, previously strained on steep climbs, now felt more appropriate for the milder gradients.
drivetrain on the g.1 explorer gravel bike
On gentler terrain, the limited gear range of the 2×7 drivetrain became less of a hindrance and even offered a benefit. The smaller jumps between gears helped to mitigate the stiffness in shifting, providing a more manageable and consistent cadence. After approximately 125 miles of hard riding, the brakes and front derailleur required some basic adjustments with an Allen wrench. While not achieving silky smoothness, they became more reliable and functional. The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer also proved surprisingly nimble for city commuting, highlighting its versatility beyond gravel paths.
Conclusion: Is the Walmart Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer a Good Buy?
The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike, available at Walmart, is not without its flaws. The brakes are weak, shifting is stiff, and the tires are susceptible to flats in challenging conditions. However, considering its astonishingly low price of around $248 – less than the cost of some high-end handlebars or saddles – its accomplishments are undeniable. This Walmart bike successfully carried a loaded rider across the Ozark Mountains for hundreds of miles.
New Ozark Trail G.1 gravel bike on the road
Many of the bike’s shortcomings become less critical with lighter riders and less demanding terrain. For seasoned cyclists accustomed to high-performance gravel bikes costing ten times as much, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer will naturally feel basic. And the limited size options are a genuine constraint. However, for riders seeking an entry point into gravel riding on a tight budget, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is remarkably capable. Its widespread availability at Walmart stores and online, combined with its functionality and incredibly low price, makes it a genuine contender for budget-conscious adventurers. It truly has the potential to “shake things up” in the cycling world, making gravel biking more accessible to a broader range of people. If you’re looking for an affordable gravel bike and wondering if you can find a decent bike at Walmart, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is definitely worth considering, especially for light adventure and exploring less technical routes.
