Walmart Bikes for Women: Exploring the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer Gravel Bike

For women looking to get into cycling without breaking the bank, Walmart has become an increasingly interesting place to find affordable options. The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike, available at Walmart, is making waves in the entry-level market, promising adventure at a budget-friendly price. But is this bike a good choice for women cyclists? Let’s dive into a detailed review of the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer, examining its features, performance, and overall value for women seeking an affordable gravel bike.

Last year, Walmart’s Ozark Trails mountain bike line surprised many with its quality at an accessible price point. Continuing this trend, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike aims to lower the barrier to entry for gravel cycling. With a drop-bar design and features geared towards adventure, this bike is positioned to appeal to budget-conscious riders, including women looking to explore gravel paths and trails.

The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer boasts a price tag under $250, making it one of the most affordable gravel bikes on the market. This low price point is particularly attractive for women who are new to cycling or are looking for a second bike for commuting or weekend adventures without a significant investment. To truly understand its capabilities and suitability for women riders, we took the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer on a challenging 300-mile journey through the Ozark Mountains.

Our test ride extended from Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, to Little Rock, covering diverse terrains and bikepacking routes. This real-world test aimed to uncover both the strengths and weaknesses of this budget gravel bike, providing valuable insights for women considering the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer as their next cycling companion.

Key Features of the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer

Before we delve into the riding experience, let’s examine the specifications and components of the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer:

• Weight: 30.4 lbs.
• Fork: Steel, quick release with mounts – offering versatility for adding racks and accessories, beneficial for women who might want to use the bike for commuting or light touring.
• Frame: 6061 aluminum – providing a balance of durability and affordability.
• Sizes: Small and medium, 29” tires – While limited to these two sizes, the small and medium frames can accommodate a range of women’s heights. Women should carefully check the geometry to ensure a proper fit.
• Drivetrain: L-TWOO 2×7, with Shimano Tourney rear derailleur – offering 14 gears, sufficient for varied terrain, although potentially less range than higher-end drivetrains.
• Handlebar: Drop bar; 400mm top width with 15-degree flare – The drop bars provide multiple hand positions for comfort and control, and the 400mm width is generally suitable for women.
• Stock tires: Kenda 700x40c, soft gum sidewalls – These tires are designed for gravel riding, providing a good balance of grip and rolling resistance.
• Stack: 560 mm (medium)
• Reach: 395 mm (medium)
• Wheelbase: 1,034 mm (medium)
• Fork geometry: 72-degree head tube; 63mm trail

Walmart Gravel Bike Review: Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer affordable bike option

Pros for Women Cyclists

• Budget-Friendly Price: The most significant advantage for women considering the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is its incredibly low price. This makes cycling accessible to a wider range of women, especially those on a tight budget or just starting out.
• Versatile Fork Mounts: The front fork mounts are a valuable feature, allowing women to easily attach racks or cages. This increases the bike’s versatility for commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on longer bikepacking trips. For women who appreciate practicality and utility, these mounts are a big plus.
• Comfortable Gravel Geometry: The bike’s geometry is well-suited for general gravel riding, offering a comfortable and stable riding position. This is important for women who want to enjoy long rides without discomfort. The geometry is not overly aggressive, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced riders looking for a relaxed gravel bike.
• Appropriate Handlebar Flare: The handlebar flare provides extra stability and control, particularly on uneven gravel roads. This feature enhances confidence and handling, especially for women who may be new to gravel riding or prefer a more stable feel.

Cons to Consider

• Questionable Brakes: One of the main drawbacks noted in our test was the performance of the brakes. They were described as “terrifying” and requiring significant effort to achieve adequate stopping power. This is a serious concern, especially for women riders who prioritize safety and reliable braking, especially in varied conditions or when carrying extra weight. Women may want to consider upgrading the brakes for enhanced safety.
• Stiff Shifting: The shifting was reported as stiff, which can be less than ideal, particularly on longer rides or when tackling hills. While consistent, the stiffness might require more effort and could be tiring for some women, especially those new to cycling or with less hand strength.
• Heavy Frame: At over 30 lbs, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is not a lightweight bike. The heavy frame can make climbing more challenging and the bike less nimble overall. For women who prioritize speed and agility, the weight might be a disadvantage.
• Flat-Prone Tires: The stock Kenda tires were susceptible to flats, especially on rougher terrain. Flat tires can be a significant inconvenience and safety hazard. Women riding on varied surfaces or planning longer rides should consider upgrading to more puncture-resistant tires for increased reliability and peace of mind.

Front fork on Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer bike, highlighting mounting points for women's bike accessories

First Impressions and Ride Experience

Initial impressions of the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer reveal a bike that, despite its budget price, offers surprising features. The inclusion of mounting points, often absent on more expensive bikes, is a testament to its adventure-ready intentions. For women who appreciate practicality, these mounts immediately enhance the bike’s appeal.

The geometry, described as “classic gravel geometry,” provides a familiar and comfortable feel. The handlebar drop depth was noted as somewhat deep, but the 15-degree flare is a welcome feature for gravel riding. The overall geometry aims for a balance of stability and responsiveness, suitable for a variety of riding styles.

During the test ride, the tires performed adequately on pavement, but their soft sidewalls required higher pressure to prevent bottoming out, especially with a heavier rider and gear. The shifting, while stiff, was consistent, and the bike could maintain decent speeds on flat terrain. However, uphill climbs highlighted the limitations of the 2×7 drivetrain, and the bike’s weight became more noticeable.

The most significant concern during the initial rides was the braking performance. The lack of stopping power and the difficulty in adjusting the brakes raised safety concerns, particularly for descents and emergency stops. For women riders, especially those prioritizing safety or riding in traffic, the brakes are a critical component that may require attention or upgrades.

Man riding Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike on a gravel path, showcasing its capability for women's outdoor adventures

Finding the Sweet Spot

Despite its limitations in challenging terrains, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer found its sweet spot on milder gravel, dirt roads, and paved surfaces. When the terrain became less demanding, the bike’s shortcomings became less pronounced. The drivetrain’s limited range, initially a disadvantage on steep climbs, became less of an issue on gentler slopes and even aided in smoother gear transitions due to smaller jumps between gears.

After some initial wear and tear, the brakes and front derailleur required adjustment. While they didn’t become high-performance components, they became more reliable after basic maintenance. This suggests that regular maintenance and adjustments are essential to keep the bike functioning optimally.

The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer also proved to be a capable city commuter, offering a reasonably nimble ride for urban environments. This adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both recreational gravel rides and everyday transportation.

Handlebars on Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer gravel bike, highlighting the cockpit and controls for women's comfort

Conclusion: Is the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer a Good Walmart Bike for Women?

The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is not without its flaws. The brakes, shifting, and tires are areas that could be improved. However, considering its incredibly low MSRP of around $248, it represents exceptional value for women seeking an entry-level gravel bike. This price point is lower than many high-end cycling components, making it a remarkable achievement in affordability.

For women who are:

• New to gravel cycling: The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer provides an affordable way to try gravel riding without a significant financial commitment.
• Budget-conscious: It is one of the most affordable gravel bikes available, perfect for those on a tight budget.
• Looking for versatility: The frame mounts and gravel geometry make it suitable for commuting, light touring, and recreational gravel rides.
• Riding on milder terrain: It performs best on paved roads, gravel paths, and less technical trails.

However, women who are:

• Prioritizing high performance: Experienced cyclists or those seeking high performance might find the components lacking.
• Riding challenging terrain: For aggressive gravel riding or very hilly areas, the brakes and drivetrain may be insufficient.
• Sensitive to weight: The heavy frame may be a drawback for those prioritizing lightweight and nimble bikes.

Drivetrain on the G.1 Explorer, showing components relevant to women's cycling needs

Overall Assessment

The Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is a capable and surprisingly versatile bike, especially considering its price. It offers a fantastic entry point into gravel cycling for women on a budget. While it may require some component upgrades in the long run, particularly the brakes and tires, its affordability and functional design make it a genuine contender in the entry-level market. For women seeking an affordable and accessible gravel bike from Walmart, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is definitely worth considering. It proves that adventure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

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