So I currently have a 2007 Giant Boulder SE:[https://www.procyclery.com/product/giant-boulder-se-1506.htm](https://www.procyclery.com/product/giant-boulder-se-1506.htm) (this exact bike)
So it’s obviously 18 years old now, but aside from age it’s not bad, shifts can be kind of rough-ish, wheels probably aren’t the most aligned they could be, but overall, it works just fine. Money is a bit tight till next year (when I plan to buy an actual NICE mtb).
But in the meantime, I have been riding a lot more and (thanks to a very popular YouTuber) I’m eyeing spending $400 to buy the Ozark Trail 29 Ridge [https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-29-Ridge-Mountain-Bike-Medium-Frame-Gray/1656914661](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-29-Ridge-Mountain-Bike-Medium-Frame-Gray/1656914661)
My question is mainly -> is this actually an upgrade from what I have and why?
So far I’m leaning towards yes because:
* 29 inch wheels upgrade from 26
* disc brakes
* 1x gearset (I know this is debated ad nausium but to me it’s an upgrade)
* Newness (my bike has been through A LOT during my childhood and moving it across the country, weather, put away wet, throwing rocks and dirt at it to make it look “cool” (kids are dumb, man), 100-degree garages, -20 degree garages, etc….seems like it would just be worth having a newer bike in general)
* I have an extra 31.6mm dropper post that would fit.
* Having a second bike also means a friend of mine can go riding with me.
Any other thoughts or things I’ve maybe missed?
EDIT: automod suggested I add this:
I will mainly be riding XC and single track, no real jumps, definitely not downhill (at least on either of these bikes). My normal go-to route has 3 miles of uphill dirt road, then about 10 miles of up and down singletrack with a few rock gardens, then mainly easy-going downhill/xc stuff. Definitely nothing too crazy. Colorado though so I might end up exploring a little bit before getting a better bike next year – but probably not too much outside of the above. Budget is $500 but I really need to get a helmet. Experience level I’d say like half a level above beginner – I’m not very good but I’m comfortable hitting a dirt trail.
by SypeSypher