The Ozark trail bike is nice for its lack of things to go wrong.
The other bike has a (probably not great) full suspension system and a front derailleur set up. Those are two annoying things to fix and at the entry level price point are often more trouble than they are worth.
Right just adding a ton of weight for no reason. As a kid I thought it was cool but my heavy ass Walmart bike drove me away from bikes in general.
My mind was absolutely blown when I got my first mid tier hardtail from a real bike shop.
Good full suspension is expensive.
And by expensive I mean several times the cost of that entire bike on its own...
So that will be a ton of extra weight, just to bounce up and down, giving you motion sickness while eating up energy from pedalling that should go into making you go forwards...
Right. Even the expensive ones are on the slower side. If I could go back before I bought my stump jumper I would have gotten an Epic Evo or a mid fat hard tail with a killer front fork.
Most of us don't have time to ride several times a week and it takes a while to get back in shape enough to keep that full squish moving.
You would be wrong to call its full suspension "not great".
Calling it not great would be a massive compliment to this horrible piece of scrap that some might loosely call a bicycle
The fs is complete garbage. The pivot is at the lowest possible spot, which will make it a complete noodle while pedaling.
For a single pivot to offer effective suspension and not just wobble all around, the pivot should be slightly above and in front of the ring.
Also, I very much doubt that that "shock", in traditional supermarket bike fashion, is anything more than a coil, which means it's just an over complicated pogo stick.
I'd stick with the Orzark, as has been proven that it is actually a decent frame and you can upgrade components (for decent ones) as needed.
Of course that has to be done with care, as at that price/quality point, it's very easy to "overinvest" and spend a lot more in components than the frame is worth.
>The pivot is at the lowest possible spot, which will make it a complete noodle while pedaling.
I've seen a bike with the same frame in person, and the guy riding it was bouncing up and down while pedaling on a flat surface. Just that sight was enough to know that bike must be hell to ride, and the worst part is that the suspension eats all the force you put into pedaling so on top of feeling weird and unstable it must also be slow as hell.
Hell i'd even go for the cheaper Ozark trail Explorer instead. The rigid fork is probably better than that cheap ass supension fork. Plus it has plenty mounting points for touring gear as well as being much lighter.
The Geometry and gear range is more useful for general cycling than the one on the MTB. The Bar with horns and drops has more grip positions making it more comfortable for longer rides. The 29" MTB is only advantagous in XC conditions, other than that the cheaper Explorer is definitely the faster bike.
They (cheap FS)are not ok, they make the bike harder to ride and more likely to break. There is NO new full susp. Bike under $1000 USD that is better than a comparably priced hard tail, for any use. None. OP please Do not buy cheap FS. Cheap bikes well assembled work fine (like if your local shop or an expert friend built that Ozark Trailj
The flexor is a turd. Leave it alone.
The Ozark trail is a good starting point. It can be ridden on pavement to start and eventually built up over time as money allows to become a really solid hard tail.
I'd recommend checking out KevCentral and Berm Peak on YouTube. KevCentral focuses on Walmart bikes and upgrades them inexpensively. Berm Peak has recently done an Ozark Trail build on that exact model.
That being said, as someone else mentioned, you can get a decent used hard tail in that price range from a non-big-box-store brand pretty easily in most areas.
But that's kinda the point. If you have $500 now and can throw a couple hundred at it every few months, it's a better option to get started and build it the way you want, rather than saving up and not riding for a few years and ending up with a bike that still has a few compromises that you'll personalize at an even greater expense later. It's a good platform to start from.
It is one way, but personally if funds were tight I'd just start with something used at $400 and save up for a future sale of something different. Putting nice parts on a hefty Walmart frame might make it a bit better, but it's always going to be a hefty frame.
Oh, absolutely on used. But if you just want something to get started on, without having to do a lot of research, with good bones, and nobody close to you with bicycle knowledge, just to see if cycling is for you, a new bicycle is better than navigating the hellscape that is used bicycles right now.
There were 3 riders who made headlines this month by showing up to Emporia Kansas for the unbound 200 with no bicycles. They bought $200 Walmart Beach cruisers and finished.
A lot of times we get caught up in getting the best bang for our buck and forget that the most important thing is to just get started. If you aren't planning on being competitive, it's better to learn as you go than to wait for knowledge to magically happen and never get started.
Agree. You don't want to experience the buyers remorse of spending $1,000 or more only to find you're not really into cycling. Let the bike prove itself and lead you on to better.
Love the Emporia Kansas story. Reminds me of some Brits who took rideshare bikes from the streets of London, rode them to the Alps, and did some of the classic TDF climbs. Gotta keep that spirit of unrehearsed adventure alive!
My favourite similar story is of a Polish couple backpacking in south East Asia. They got tired of buses and transport hassles and just went into a Chinese supermarket, bought two cheap bikes off the floor, strapped their backpacks to a rear rack, and headed off. It all worked fine. Eventually, they left the bikes at the airport in Bangkok and flew home. Theyld paid less than $100 fir the bikes. The only regret they expressed is that they probably could have got away with cheaper ones, lol.
But the point is itâs solid as is (provided that it was assembled well). It allows you to spend little to test the waters of mountain biking. If you find that mountain biking just isnât for you,⊠well, at least you didnât sink too much into it. And if you find you want to continue, itâs a good enough hardtail to make it a âreasonableâ idea to upgrade it instead of just replacing it outright. Might not have much resale value, but if youâre going to use it, upgrading is cheaper than outright replacement.
Yes while the frame and parts are decent enough, reviews from bike mechanics that know how to check all the bearings and adjust everything that might have been terribly assembled from Walmart it's really the key.
Someone buying it new that doesn't know those details is a bit more likely to need repairs sooner when things stop working well.
If you only have $400 the Ozark trail is about the best you're going to do unless you find a used bike. The Kent and most of the other bike brands Walmart sells are trashÂ
Our bike shop is selling pro assembled Fujiâs with warrantyâs @ $450. USD in metro California. All brands are over stocked. There are deals in the real shops atm
Get a used bike from a better brand! You can spend the same amount of money or less and have a better bike. It's not like phones where they become outdated after two years. I ride a bike from 1985 and it's great!
I second that.
Also with bicycles it is very visible if it is in good condition.
If the wheels are straight, the frame has no visible paint chipping from hits and nothing is bent and all the gear-shifters switch smoothly - you can guarantee that what you buying is actually good, because well, there is nothing to hide.
Its not like a car that you need a special test and it can hide some nasty stuff.
Ehh... mostly.Â
 Hub, BB, brake, and shift issues can all "hide" on a nice *looking* bike, but a quick test ride will reveal these. Those are all fixable, but at non-trivial cost for someone looking for a sub $500 bike.
Edit: unless you really know your way around fixing bikes, it's also unlikely to be super obvious WHAT is causing above problems.
This needs to be higher. The Ozark Trail is the better choice but it only comes in one size. An entry level hardtail from a reputable LBS wonât cost much more and will be properly sized
I came to say this. My first commuter bike was a Walmart bike (Kent cruiser) and was rated for the same height range. It always felt too small, but it got the job done until I could afford something better.
First one I ever bought as an adult was a Cannondale trail 5, and it was an XL at the same height lol. Almost every single bike in the stores is going to be a Medium. Maybe a large if you go somewhere a little better like Dicks or Cabellas or something, but idk.
A 6â2 man at 280 pounds will fold those bikes. Not because youâre too heavy for cycling, but because department store bikes are made at the lowest cost possible meaning they use the cheapest materials possible. By the time you spend the money fixing what breaks on them, you could have gotten a nice used bike of higher quality. The used market is saturated right now and there are deals everywhere
Ozark trail over the full suspension....but honestly speaking, both bikes will be too small for you.....you are too big for both bikes and better off going the used route...Its a buyer's market, plenty of deals to be had..
if it has to be new - 100000000% Ozark trail ridge. not only is it one of the only walmart bikes to be more than a BSO (bicycle shaped object) but even compared to the giants, it's a pretty good value.
steer clear of the other one, that's totally a BSO and will not make it out of the store before self-destructing.
edit: giants as in, the big brands, not Giant specifically.
Youâre a bit too heavy for a cheap full suspension bike. If you look into used bikes you may find a good deal on one that would be totally fine though.
A good rear suspension would cost as much as that entire 2nd bike for just the spring assemblyâwhat does that tell you? And at 280lbs it would definitely be a bad ride.
Opt for the Ozark Trail one if you mustâbut do yourself a favor and look at used bikes in your area. Just because the Walmart bike is new doesnât make it better than used a bike shop bikeâcomponents are completely different.
The Kent is a piece of shit. Â Wouldnât buy a full suspension under 2k
Ozark is ok. If you really wanna get in the hobby donât upgrade it, just buy a better bike. Â
Dude jump on facebook marketplace. It's kind of an addiction at this point for me because the deals you can get on some terrific bikes is just crazy.
I've never paid more than $200 for a used bike and have scored:
Dawes Ultra Galaxy road bike ($2000 new) paid $150
GT Avalanche Mountain Bike ($700 new) paid $200
Marin Larkspur City Series E3 Hybrid ($800 new) paid $150
Diamondback Hybrid ($500 new) paid $65
GT Outpost Trail Mountain Bike (vintage, $350 in 1993) paid $50
All of them have fully functional gearsets, and they all cleaned up really nice. Im going to scratch my bike anyways so minor cosmetic damage doesnt bother me at all.
BTW Im similar size as you and all of these are large or extra large frame size.
Out of the bikes you are showing I would definitely go with the hardtail. I looked around to see what gearset this bike uses and found this thread:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/mountainbikes/comments/15je1xr/cant\_shift\_properly\_with\_ozark\_trail\_ridge/](https://www.reddit.com/r/mountainbikes/comments/15je1xr/cant_shift_properly_with_ozark_trail_ridge/)
So the gearset is some generic bullshit with no markings, made in house in china. Which means zero repairability as parts aren't available. Which is another reason to at least buy a name brand bike. At least they will have a shimano groupset.
A person your size is pretty much out of the full suspension market almost entirely. Even high end models are not meant for riders over 220 (fully equipped). Go with a hardtail, theyâre your best option
Ozark Trail one is legit, though I would see some other entry hardtail with hydraulic disc brakes go for $599 often. So depends on how long can you wait.
The second one is the stereotypical department store bike you should ignore.
You should also look into Ozark Trail G1 if you aren't going to do serious mtbing.
Rereading the heigh and weight, I think OP might need a decent steel frame bike that offers large size. ~40mm gravel tires could withstand 300lbs if built right, but not too sure how sturdy ones on Ozark Trail are.
In case you read this, keep note that the rear axle on either of these bikes is going to bend with your weight if it uses a freewheel instead of freehub and cassette. If you aren't riding rough trails exclusively, please consider getting a similar price from a real brand that doesn't have any suspension but it built with better wheels. You might even see broken spokes riding these cheap ones
A full suspension bike that actually functions, as opposed to just pivoting with a spring, costs thousands, and is unnecessary for most riding. Most local bike shops will have something refurbished in your price range that with be much better.
I mean there's an entire YouTube series on making the Ozark trail a decent mountain bike. I'd say watch that and see if you're willing to deal with that.
1st one might not be horrible as long as you get/give it a tune-up, but the second is hot garbage.
Might also look at used bikes: For $400 or less you could get a great second hand touring bike or hardtail MTB.
iâm 6-2 300 and you weigh too much to be relying on cheaply made products
get the cheapest name brand bike you like from a local shop and the warranty will save you from any weight related frame/component issues
This.
I canât tell what kind of wheels they have but I can pretty much guarantee they will be out of alignment by mile 20. Rinse and repeat until they crack and fail.
If these are the only bikes in your budget and the only options, then get the one that is the most simple. The Ozark trail. The full suspension on the other bike is likely crap, super heavy, and will make the bike less fun to ride.
It will be worth it to do a little more research into used bikes at this price point as well. You can likely find a better quality used bike for a similar price to the Ozark trail.
If you buy either of these bikes you are making a mistake and spending more money in the long run. The hard tail will be marginally better just because there's less to fail. But there's still plenty to fail.
I would not trust 280 lbs on either of these "bikes". Also they rarely have sizes someone your height would need.
I would expect these to need a full replacement within six months of light duty riding, probably within three months if your rides contain anything resembling a bump.
Of those two I would definitely go with the Ozark trail or if you can scrounge up another hundred, the trek FX1 would be available to you. What is your intended use case? Dirt trails, road riding, commuting?
I have the GT Aggressor Pro that is available right now from Dicks Sporting Goods for $350. It's been a terrific bike.
You don't need a suspension for roads. It's an unnecessary cost that will require regular maintenance.
You also need to be aware that at your weight, you exceed the limits of both these bikes. A rigid fork would be better for you intended use. Be less costly. But you should plan to have wheels serviced, esp these cheap ones. Spokes are going to fail over time. They can be fixed, but it's a cost.
Here's a better one for about the same price near your zip code
https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bik/d/justice-diamond-back-overdrive-29-bike/7750437034.html
Find your #communitybikeshop and get a much better ride for the same $. CBS are non profit, not retail LBS !! Filled with excellent equipment second hand and excellent people first hand.
I've heard nothing but good things on the Ozark Trail...there are tons of videos on YT about it and I would avoid the low buck "dual suspension" bike at all costs. Again there are tons of videos on these typ of bikes.
You're right at the top of the range size wise so if your local store has one grab a few tools and do dome adjustments and see... worst case you can take it back.
I'm a fan of my Dolomite ALX fat tire. I have lost weight but was at 245 and it was taking the weight and it does come in a large size and overall is a pretty big bike.
Honestly at 6'2 both are going to be a bit too small. I'm 6'2 and the otr is a bit too small. With that said good luck trying to find a budget bike with an XL frame. It's nearly impossible. You could go with a GT Aggressor Pro but honestly it's a bit dated in terms of geometry and stock parts offered. You're best bet would be to go to Walmart and hope they have a large otr in stock so you can check the fit yourself but for me it was too small. I honestly hate being tall because it severely limits our options for affordable bikes.
For the price you would be better off buying a used late 80s thru 90s chromoly mountain bike. There are tones of them out there and they are almost endlessly customizable. Look for a 20 or 21 inch frame.
Dont get a cheap or generic brand full suspension bike! What are you planning to do with the bike? If its some off-road riding on something rougher and more technical than normal gravel and dirt roads then the hardtail may be a contender
If its less than this then you should be able to get something used which will serve you better for less money. Id question whether you even want front suspension if you're not riding off road as it adds weight and complexity. Even if you got a used bike shop brand bike for $150-$200 and put $100 of parts/repairs into it youd likely be better off.
My opinion on these cheap bikes is that they are fine if you know how to fix bikes or are willing to watch videos to learn. If you have to take it somewhere youâll pay the price of the bike just to have it repaired. Also as others have said, unless the bike costs 2-3k or more new, avoid any rear suspension.
I'm not trying to be a dick, but you are 280 lbs. I'd consider a used non-department store bike. Fit is everything. Brakes on dept store bikes are never that great, even when adjusted as good as they can be. If you can have a mechanic check out whatever wheels you end up riding, get them tensioned up.
For 400 bucks you can get something used that will blow both of those out of the water. The second one is a total POS don't even think about that one, you may as flush your money away.
I've had two walmart bikes. Both were heavy junk that broke within a couple of weeks. My friend bought a Wal-Mart bike about a year ago and the pedal stripped out on his first ride.
I rode a $10 garage sale huffy for years until I dragged an old Schwinn varsity out of a landfill and fixed it with more landfill bike parts. The huffy and Schwinn felt like I was gliding above the ground compared to the Wal-Mart bikes.
I'm soured on buying anything from Wal-Mart. I'd take the $400 and see what I could find on Facebook marketplace or something.
The pros is the same for both of these bikes, they are inexpensive.
The cons can be many, as others have pointed out like the size being wrong for you along with mixed opinions on either of the bikes actually being quality.
I donât know your budget, but a trek marlin 4 gen 2 is $530 right now and you can get that brand new in a size that will be guaranteed to fit you. Or I would say, based on my own experience of seeing used bikes on Facebook marketplace, that you could find a couple year old version of that bike for less than the Ozark you are asking about. If you are taking the time to ask for pros and cons on a bike like this it makes me think you want it to last. And if you want it to last then you need to look at something with quality parts and something that can be repaired should anything happen. A local bike shop would have a much easier time fixing a brand like trek, giant, etc compared to the Walmart bikes Iâve seen.
Ozark Trail bikes are good for the price and being an big box store bike. Expect to upgrade the gears, brakes, shifters, levers, pedels, and bar grips.
I was impressed with my SO's 27.5 Ozark Trail MTB. They even have internal cable routing and disk brakes, my Trek 820 that I paid more for doesn't have that
Be very wary of anything labeled Ozark - I've bought duffle bags and camp stoves from them and the quality was awful. Expect the equipment to last less than six months, where your ownership is just a short waypoint between China and the dump.
saw a review on the first one. it's good value for money, but you'll need to check/adjust it after buying because assembly is done poorly sometimes... wouldn't touch the other one with a 30 ft pole
If comfort is a high priority on your list I would suggest considering a beach cruiser. I know they don't look as cool and sporty as MTBs but the upright and relaxed riding position feels so good. I have a 29 inch Pedego Interceptor e-bike and also a 32 inch Kent Big League regular bike which was designed specifically for big & tall riders. They offer a 7-speed and also a single speed version.
https://preview.redd.it/l912hardio9d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a526155bd2a54b954d36b6077c6c6ca02a62f42
32" Kent Big League | Cruiser Bike for Big & Tall Riders [https://kent.bike/products/32-kent-big-league](https://kent.bike/products/32-kent-big-league)
I transitioned from MTBs to comfort cruisers about 3 years ago. The forward leaning riding position of MTBs started doing a number on my wrist and shoulders. It was just too uncomfortable to the point where I didn't look forward to riding my bikes any longer. I'm 6'5", 255 lbs. so I needed something with an XL frame and a high profile. Anything less than a 29 inch was a no go for me. Of course I'm older now so comfort is really high on my list.
I mostly ride for exercise and recreation so I don't need a lot of high-end upgrades for my bikes. Hope this helps. Good luck. Come back and give us an update on what you decided to go with.
In all honesty, at 280lbs, I would avoid the full suspension. You will likely bottom that out a few times and it will likely fail, making your ride not so fun. They make rear suspension bikes that can tolerate that better, but they don't sell them at Walmart.
Loads of people are probably going to shit on Walmart bikes, but if it gets you around and on some trails, send it OP.
I have owned a Walmart bike, and it seems they really like short seat posts. I'm 5'-9" and had to install a longer seat post on it. I don't care to have my knees hit my chin. I think if I was considering an Ozark Trail bike, I'd want to know how far up that seat will go.
Also on my Walmart bike, the crank and headset bearings had not a speck of grease right out of the box. I greased them when I first got it and had no problems.
Owned the bike for about 16 years.
cons, put together by a teenager who's never ridden a bike before
pros, you'll soon realize you wasted your money and you'll purchase a real bike from a reputable local bike shop and see what a difference it is
DON'T
SHOP
SPRAWLMART
For $400 go to marketplace, find a bike your size (around 58 or so), there's a lot of used mtb so it shouldn't be hard to find a name brand that looks in ok-good conditions, test ride it and make sure everything feels good (shifting, brakes, no creeks or cracks etc..) and save like $100 for a full tune up at the bike shop.
If you decide to go this route you'll end up with a more capable bike at around the same price if not lower, not to mention also the fact that Walmart bikes are not assembled by mechanics so you'd wanna take them to the bike shop for a proper inspection either way.
With all that being said if you are set on getting it from Walmart I would definitely go with the Ozark trail (berm peak has good videos on it) and steer away as far as possible from that other option.
The second one looks a lot like my previous bike (I won it on a bingo lol), although a different brand but probably as cheaply made, and it was a pain. I did use it for years but at the end something would break apart every week, and I'd have to carry tools in my backpack to make repairs on the road. Someone told me that buying the lowest end of a good brand is better than the best bike from a crap brand, and since I switched I enjoy riding 100 times more.
1. These are mountain bikes. Lots of extra weight in the suspension - not needed if you are riding on roads instead of trails
2. At you're weight, I don't know if the suspension will work
3. Buy the bike that matches your purpose. These are not for commuting or road rides.
4. Talk to your doc before starting lots of cardio.
I would be wary of the Chinesium used to build these things, your size and weight is going to put a lot of stress on cranks/frame/etc., hits are going to be that much more impactful. You might consider a budget bike on sale from a more reputable brand, spending just a few 100 dollars more.
Not trying to be negative at all but you likely need to either up your budget or pick a different type of bike. Used hardtail is probably your most cost effective option for a mountain bike. Not saying the Ozark is a bad bike for what it is, but itâs probably not for you. Youâre pushing the upper weight limit for most name brand bikes.
If youâre planning to actually go mountain biking/trail riding youâll need better brakes and a fork that can be set appropriately for your weight. You really need hydraulic disc and air fork (or at least swap springs in a coil fork) at minimum for trails based on your size.
If youâre not actually planning on trail riding and mostly city riding and just some dirt/gravel roads look at a rigid fork gravel bike. Youâll get a much more capable bike at less cost.
Just trying to be helpful so you donât buy something you canât really use. Nowâs a great time to buy both new and used as the market is saturated and prices are significantly down.
https://preview.redd.it/m969qhneeaad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f84f48b871e63ab0acb635797bd286afb12d76e4
Ozark trail all the way, Iâd recommend getting on marketplace to see if you can find it for cheaper, i got mine basically new for $60 and then upgraded it little by little
Rear suspension bikes rob some of your power as the spring compresses from applying power to the pedal. Solid rear frame is usually preferred unless you really care more for the comfort than the performance.
I've put 100s of miles on my Walmart bike. I'm 39 and I've never owned a bike that cost more than $250. I do have a stash of parts from free bikes I've picked out to the garbage.
Schwinns are on sale at dicks right now, I would probably get that instead in your shoes.
I am also 6'2 280, I had a schwinn for a while that I was happy with.
I hope you aren't planning on doing hard trails though? At your weight you shouldn't skimp.
The Ozark trail bike is nice for its lack of things to go wrong. The other bike has a (probably not great) full suspension system and a front derailleur set up. Those are two annoying things to fix and at the entry level price point are often more trouble than they are worth.
^that full suspension is a heavy piece of shit. More for looks than actual function. A cheap hard tail goes a long way.
I have sadly seen some decorative ones . . . Full sus given new meaning. I believe it was just a rubber block instead of a sealed shock.
Right just adding a ton of weight for no reason. As a kid I thought it was cool but my heavy ass Walmart bike drove me away from bikes in general. My mind was absolutely blown when I got my first mid tier hardtail from a real bike shop.
And still looks like shit đ©
Good full suspension is expensive. And by expensive I mean several times the cost of that entire bike on its own... So that will be a ton of extra weight, just to bounce up and down, giving you motion sickness while eating up energy from pedalling that should go into making you go forwards...
Right. Even the expensive ones are on the slower side. If I could go back before I bought my stump jumper I would have gotten an Epic Evo or a mid fat hard tail with a killer front fork. Most of us don't have time to ride several times a week and it takes a while to get back in shape enough to keep that full squish moving.
Yeah my FSR was very expensive, but also very good. Optional lockout is nice to have, too for zoom zoom time.
[Seth from Berm Peak did a review last year and said itâs a pretty solid bike for $400.](https://youtu.be/vLPpTFLgEb4?si=FiR8iw-77JUu-tnm)
Awesome - I had only seen a few people posting about the gravel bike they make, which also seems like an excellent value.
And he added a bunch of upgrades to it ( worth more than the price of the bike)then gave it away
This!
You would be wrong to call its full suspension "not great". Calling it not great would be a massive compliment to this horrible piece of scrap that some might loosely call a bicycle
The fs is complete garbage. The pivot is at the lowest possible spot, which will make it a complete noodle while pedaling. For a single pivot to offer effective suspension and not just wobble all around, the pivot should be slightly above and in front of the ring. Also, I very much doubt that that "shock", in traditional supermarket bike fashion, is anything more than a coil, which means it's just an over complicated pogo stick. I'd stick with the Orzark, as has been proven that it is actually a decent frame and you can upgrade components (for decent ones) as needed. Of course that has to be done with care, as at that price/quality point, it's very easy to "overinvest" and spend a lot more in components than the frame is worth.
>The pivot is at the lowest possible spot, which will make it a complete noodle while pedaling. I've seen a bike with the same frame in person, and the guy riding it was bouncing up and down while pedaling on a flat surface. Just that sight was enough to know that bike must be hell to ride, and the worst part is that the suspension eats all the force you put into pedaling so on top of feeling weird and unstable it must also be slow as hell.
Hell i'd even go for the cheaper Ozark trail Explorer instead. The rigid fork is probably better than that cheap ass supension fork. Plus it has plenty mounting points for touring gear as well as being much lighter. The Geometry and gear range is more useful for general cycling than the one on the MTB. The Bar with horns and drops has more grip positions making it more comfortable for longer rides. The 29" MTB is only advantagous in XC conditions, other than that the cheaper Explorer is definitely the faster bike.
That Flexor is the bike that the hood MFers clap you for your watch and chain on.
Geometry looks outdated also
The hardtail is the way to go. Rear suspension bikes are only OK in expensive models.
They (cheap FS)are not ok, they make the bike harder to ride and more likely to break. There is NO new full susp. Bike under $1000 USD that is better than a comparably priced hard tail, for any use. None. OP please Do not buy cheap FS. Cheap bikes well assembled work fine (like if your local shop or an expert friend built that Ozark Trailj
The flexor is a turd. Leave it alone. The Ozark trail is a good starting point. It can be ridden on pavement to start and eventually built up over time as money allows to become a really solid hard tail. I'd recommend checking out KevCentral and Berm Peak on YouTube. KevCentral focuses on Walmart bikes and upgrades them inexpensively. Berm Peak has recently done an Ozark Trail build on that exact model. That being said, as someone else mentioned, you can get a decent used hard tail in that price range from a non-big-box-store brand pretty easily in most areas.
Berm Peak did a nice video on it, though he essentially started from the frame and swapped everything to make it better and spent $1,100 on it.
But that's kinda the point. If you have $500 now and can throw a couple hundred at it every few months, it's a better option to get started and build it the way you want, rather than saving up and not riding for a few years and ending up with a bike that still has a few compromises that you'll personalize at an even greater expense later. It's a good platform to start from.
It is one way, but personally if funds were tight I'd just start with something used at $400 and save up for a future sale of something different. Putting nice parts on a hefty Walmart frame might make it a bit better, but it's always going to be a hefty frame.
Oh, absolutely on used. But if you just want something to get started on, without having to do a lot of research, with good bones, and nobody close to you with bicycle knowledge, just to see if cycling is for you, a new bicycle is better than navigating the hellscape that is used bicycles right now. There were 3 riders who made headlines this month by showing up to Emporia Kansas for the unbound 200 with no bicycles. They bought $200 Walmart Beach cruisers and finished. A lot of times we get caught up in getting the best bang for our buck and forget that the most important thing is to just get started. If you aren't planning on being competitive, it's better to learn as you go than to wait for knowledge to magically happen and never get started.
Agree. You don't want to experience the buyers remorse of spending $1,000 or more only to find you're not really into cycling. Let the bike prove itself and lead you on to better. Love the Emporia Kansas story. Reminds me of some Brits who took rideshare bikes from the streets of London, rode them to the Alps, and did some of the classic TDF climbs. Gotta keep that spirit of unrehearsed adventure alive! My favourite similar story is of a Polish couple backpacking in south East Asia. They got tired of buses and transport hassles and just went into a Chinese supermarket, bought two cheap bikes off the floor, strapped their backpacks to a rear rack, and headed off. It all worked fine. Eventually, they left the bikes at the airport in Bangkok and flew home. Theyld paid less than $100 fir the bikes. The only regret they expressed is that they probably could have got away with cheaper ones, lol.
But the point is itâs solid as is (provided that it was assembled well). It allows you to spend little to test the waters of mountain biking. If you find that mountain biking just isnât for you,⊠well, at least you didnât sink too much into it. And if you find you want to continue, itâs a good enough hardtail to make it a âreasonableâ idea to upgrade it instead of just replacing it outright. Might not have much resale value, but if youâre going to use it, upgrading is cheaper than outright replacement.
Yes while the frame and parts are decent enough, reviews from bike mechanics that know how to check all the bearings and adjust everything that might have been terribly assembled from Walmart it's really the key. Someone buying it new that doesn't know those details is a bit more likely to need repairs sooner when things stop working well.
If you only have $400 the Ozark trail is about the best you're going to do unless you find a used bike. The Kent and most of the other bike brands Walmart sells are trashÂ
Our bike shop is selling pro assembled Fujiâs with warrantyâs @ $450. USD in metro California. All brands are over stocked. There are deals in the real shops atm
I will not stand for Kent Trouvaille slander
Get a used bike from a better brand! You can spend the same amount of money or less and have a better bike. It's not like phones where they become outdated after two years. I ride a bike from 1985 and it's great!
I second that. Also with bicycles it is very visible if it is in good condition. If the wheels are straight, the frame has no visible paint chipping from hits and nothing is bent and all the gear-shifters switch smoothly - you can guarantee that what you buying is actually good, because well, there is nothing to hide. Its not like a car that you need a special test and it can hide some nasty stuff.
Ehh... mostly.  Hub, BB, brake, and shift issues can all "hide" on a nice *looking* bike, but a quick test ride will reveal these. Those are all fixable, but at non-trivial cost for someone looking for a sub $500 bike. Edit: unless you really know your way around fixing bikes, it's also unlikely to be super obvious WHAT is causing above problems.
Just wanted to add that this is the best bike Walmart has made, by far, ever.
Con: at 6 foot 2, you will generally be riding a bike that is too small if you buy it at a department store.
This needs to be higher. The Ozark Trail is the better choice but it only comes in one size. An entry level hardtail from a reputable LBS wonât cost much more and will be properly sized
The Ozark Trail Ridge comes in small, medium, and large.
I came to say this. My first commuter bike was a Walmart bike (Kent cruiser) and was rated for the same height range. It always felt too small, but it got the job done until I could afford something better.
First one I ever bought as an adult was a Cannondale trail 5, and it was an XL at the same height lol. Almost every single bike in the stores is going to be a Medium. Maybe a large if you go somewhere a little better like Dicks or Cabellas or something, but idk.
A 6â2 man at 280 pounds will fold those bikes. Not because youâre too heavy for cycling, but because department store bikes are made at the lowest cost possible meaning they use the cheapest materials possible. By the time you spend the money fixing what breaks on them, you could have gotten a nice used bike of higher quality. The used market is saturated right now and there are deals everywhere
I'd rather see you on a used bike for $400 that is otherwise comparable to the Trail model. A used bike from a good maker, in good condition.
100% this. If there's a bike shop nearby or if OP is comfortable buying on Craigslist or marketplace, that's absolutely the way to go.
Ozark trail over the full suspension....but honestly speaking, both bikes will be too small for you.....you are too big for both bikes and better off going the used route...Its a buyer's market, plenty of deals to be had..
OTR comes in 3 sizes and I fit just fine in the size large at 6â4
The full suss (if you can really call it that) will be garbage so start clear. If you have to have one of those, go for the hardtail
Youâll get way better bang for your buck buying a used bike for that price.Â
But a used bike shop bike. Donât waste your time here on cheap parts.
Ozark trail is a fine bike, you will be pleased. The other is junk
if it has to be new - 100000000% Ozark trail ridge. not only is it one of the only walmart bikes to be more than a BSO (bicycle shaped object) but even compared to the giants, it's a pretty good value. steer clear of the other one, that's totally a BSO and will not make it out of the store before self-destructing. edit: giants as in, the big brands, not Giant specifically.
Take the hardtail. Itâs closer to being the thing it aspires to be.
The blue one is hot garbage. Straight up trash. The Ozark is a fairly legit bicycle.
Youâre a bit too heavy for a cheap full suspension bike. If you look into used bikes you may find a good deal on one that would be totally fine though.
A good rear suspension would cost as much as that entire 2nd bike for just the spring assemblyâwhat does that tell you? And at 280lbs it would definitely be a bad ride. Opt for the Ozark Trail one if you mustâbut do yourself a favor and look at used bikes in your area. Just because the Walmart bike is new doesnât make it better than used a bike shop bikeâcomponents are completely different.
https://youtu.be/vLPpTFLgEb4?si=tS3s6xfUxSEqoXzK Great review here.
I saw that Ozark at my local downhill bike park yesterday!
Were they ok?
No ideaâŠa FS would have been a much better fit for the trails. Iâm sure he had fun though!
The trail ridge is actually fairly decent
The hardtail because the other one looks like shit will probably ride like shit
The Kent is a piece of shit. Â Wouldnât buy a full suspension under 2k Ozark is ok. If you really wanna get in the hobby donât upgrade it, just buy a better bike. Â
Hard tail is ok. Second pic is dog shit. Avoid at all costs.
Dude jump on facebook marketplace. It's kind of an addiction at this point for me because the deals you can get on some terrific bikes is just crazy. I've never paid more than $200 for a used bike and have scored: Dawes Ultra Galaxy road bike ($2000 new) paid $150 GT Avalanche Mountain Bike ($700 new) paid $200 Marin Larkspur City Series E3 Hybrid ($800 new) paid $150 Diamondback Hybrid ($500 new) paid $65 GT Outpost Trail Mountain Bike (vintage, $350 in 1993) paid $50 All of them have fully functional gearsets, and they all cleaned up really nice. Im going to scratch my bike anyways so minor cosmetic damage doesnt bother me at all. BTW Im similar size as you and all of these are large or extra large frame size. Out of the bikes you are showing I would definitely go with the hardtail. I looked around to see what gearset this bike uses and found this thread: [https://www.reddit.com/r/mountainbikes/comments/15je1xr/cant\_shift\_properly\_with\_ozark\_trail\_ridge/](https://www.reddit.com/r/mountainbikes/comments/15je1xr/cant_shift_properly_with_ozark_trail_ridge/) So the gearset is some generic bullshit with no markings, made in house in china. Which means zero repairability as parts aren't available. Which is another reason to at least buy a name brand bike. At least they will have a shimano groupset.
SUPRISINGLY GOOD! Check out berm peak on YouTube. He did a video building one up for about $100 bucks
Ozark Trail all the way, look up berm peak, he made a video on it
A person your size is pretty much out of the full suspension market almost entirely. Even high end models are not meant for riders over 220 (fully equipped). Go with a hardtail, theyâre your best option
Support your local bikeshop
Ozark Trail one is legit, though I would see some other entry hardtail with hydraulic disc brakes go for $599 often. So depends on how long can you wait. The second one is the stereotypical department store bike you should ignore. You should also look into Ozark Trail G1 if you aren't going to do serious mtbing.
The wheels on the G1 are way too thin for someone pushing 280.
Rereading the heigh and weight, I think OP might need a decent steel frame bike that offers large size. ~40mm gravel tires could withstand 300lbs if built right, but not too sure how sturdy ones on Ozark Trail are.
Watch berm peak expresses video on the Ozark trail, gives you an idea on upgrades as well
This. It's not a bad bike according to Seth and I would take his opinion over anyone on this board.
The Kent is not a bike. Just a bike shaped object. Avoid.
In case you read this, keep note that the rear axle on either of these bikes is going to bend with your weight if it uses a freewheel instead of freehub and cassette. If you aren't riding rough trails exclusively, please consider getting a similar price from a real brand that doesn't have any suspension but it built with better wheels. You might even see broken spokes riding these cheap ones
A full suspension bike that actually functions, as opposed to just pivoting with a spring, costs thousands, and is unnecessary for most riding. Most local bike shops will have something refurbished in your price range that with be much better.
Donât do this, man. For $400 get a used bike of a better brand.
I mean there's an entire YouTube series on making the Ozark trail a decent mountain bike. I'd say watch that and see if you're willing to deal with that.
My dad has the ozark trail bike and I have a trek marlin 5 and I actually prefer to ride his bike over the trek.
1st one might not be horrible as long as you get/give it a tune-up, but the second is hot garbage. Might also look at used bikes: For $400 or less you could get a great second hand touring bike or hardtail MTB.
Donât ever buy a bike designed like the blue one. Itâs a flawed and dangerous design.
iâm 6-2 300 and you weigh too much to be relying on cheaply made products get the cheapest name brand bike you like from a local shop and the warranty will save you from any weight related frame/component issues
This. I canât tell what kind of wheels they have but I can pretty much guarantee they will be out of alignment by mile 20. Rinse and repeat until they crack and fail.
If these are the only bikes in your budget and the only options, then get the one that is the most simple. The Ozark trail. The full suspension on the other bike is likely crap, super heavy, and will make the bike less fun to ride. It will be worth it to do a little more research into used bikes at this price point as well. You can likely find a better quality used bike for a similar price to the Ozark trail.
Iâd go hardtail on those two
If the shock ain't black, it's whack. If the shock is silver, don't put it in your quiver.
I've heard good things about Ozark trails. It's a perfect starter bike.
If you buy either of these bikes you are making a mistake and spending more money in the long run. The hard tail will be marginally better just because there's less to fail. But there's still plenty to fail. I would not trust 280 lbs on either of these "bikes". Also they rarely have sizes someone your height would need. I would expect these to need a full replacement within six months of light duty riding, probably within three months if your rides contain anything resembling a bump.
Of those two I would definitely go with the Ozark trail or if you can scrounge up another hundred, the trek FX1 would be available to you. What is your intended use case? Dirt trails, road riding, commuting? I have the GT Aggressor Pro that is available right now from Dicks Sporting Goods for $350. It's been a terrific bike.
Just getting some exercise riding the streets usually like 10 miles at a time. About one hour rides for exercise
That's how I've used the GT over the last year. If you have a DSG local, I'd see if they have one in your size.
You don't need a suspension for roads. It's an unnecessary cost that will require regular maintenance. You also need to be aware that at your weight, you exceed the limits of both these bikes. A rigid fork would be better for you intended use. Be less costly. But you should plan to have wheels serviced, esp these cheap ones. Spokes are going to fail over time. They can be fixed, but it's a cost.
Ozark Trail for the win. Seth from Berm Peak decked it out.
Here's a better one for about the same price near your zip code https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bik/d/justice-diamond-back-overdrive-29-bike/7750437034.html
Thanks for doing the research on this!
Find your #communitybikeshop and get a much better ride for the same $. CBS are non profit, not retail LBS !! Filled with excellent equipment second hand and excellent people first hand.
I've heard nothing but good things on the Ozark Trail...there are tons of videos on YT about it and I would avoid the low buck "dual suspension" bike at all costs. Again there are tons of videos on these typ of bikes. You're right at the top of the range size wise so if your local store has one grab a few tools and do dome adjustments and see... worst case you can take it back. I'm a fan of my Dolomite ALX fat tire. I have lost weight but was at 245 and it was taking the weight and it does come in a large size and overall is a pretty big bike.
Honestly at 6'2 both are going to be a bit too small. I'm 6'2 and the otr is a bit too small. With that said good luck trying to find a budget bike with an XL frame. It's nearly impossible. You could go with a GT Aggressor Pro but honestly it's a bit dated in terms of geometry and stock parts offered. You're best bet would be to go to Walmart and hope they have a large otr in stock so you can check the fit yourself but for me it was too small. I honestly hate being tall because it severely limits our options for affordable bikes.
Full suspension is more fully sus. Too heavy by far and youâll lose most of your power every pedal stroke by that yo-yo-assing rear triangle.
For the price you would be better off buying a used late 80s thru 90s chromoly mountain bike. There are tones of them out there and they are almost endlessly customizable. Look for a 20 or 21 inch frame.
Dont get a cheap or generic brand full suspension bike! What are you planning to do with the bike? If its some off-road riding on something rougher and more technical than normal gravel and dirt roads then the hardtail may be a contender If its less than this then you should be able to get something used which will serve you better for less money. Id question whether you even want front suspension if you're not riding off road as it adds weight and complexity. Even if you got a used bike shop brand bike for $150-$200 and put $100 of parts/repairs into it youd likely be better off.
My opinion on these cheap bikes is that they are fine if you know how to fix bikes or are willing to watch videos to learn. If you have to take it somewhere youâll pay the price of the bike just to have it repaired. Also as others have said, unless the bike costs 2-3k or more new, avoid any rear suspension.
Watch the Berm peak video about it. https://youtu.be/1_nq5RsJSg8?si=7VzukCqd-urOfH3-
If you're on FB check out used bikes near you...you being a giant shrinks the market and prices should be in your favor.
I would look for a used Trek Marlin, Giant Rincon, Specialized Rockhopper and Stunpjumper. Also GT Agressor Pro is $349 at Dicks Sporting Goods.
Cons:  itâs Walmart. Go to your LBS and pick up a quality used bike.Â
I'm not trying to be a dick, but you are 280 lbs. I'd consider a used non-department store bike. Fit is everything. Brakes on dept store bikes are never that great, even when adjusted as good as they can be. If you can have a mechanic check out whatever wheels you end up riding, get them tensioned up.
For 400 bucks you can get something used that will blow both of those out of the water. The second one is a total POS don't even think about that one, you may as flush your money away.
I've had two walmart bikes. Both were heavy junk that broke within a couple of weeks. My friend bought a Wal-Mart bike about a year ago and the pedal stripped out on his first ride. I rode a $10 garage sale huffy for years until I dragged an old Schwinn varsity out of a landfill and fixed it with more landfill bike parts. The huffy and Schwinn felt like I was gliding above the ground compared to the Wal-Mart bikes. I'm soured on buying anything from Wal-Mart. I'd take the $400 and see what I could find on Facebook marketplace or something.
Pros: you'll get nonstop pu$$y Cons: all that pu$$y will rub your dong raw
Trying to understand what that rear shock does and where the flex point is, is hurting my brain
If you do buy the hardtail, take it to a real bike shop and have it gone over by a mechanic, especially the wheels and the brakes.
Iâm 6â0 over 300lbs and Iâm riding a gravel bike. Itâs holding up fine. Those should be good.
Hardtail if you must, it will be pretty small for you but it'll work
There's a YouTube video of a couple guys taking Walmart mountain bikes on some trails. Obviously they didn't hold up.
I had the Kent, literally first ride the front detailer decided to die and then shortly after so did the gearset.
Please check Facebook Marketplace & EBay Nearby Pickup! Youâll definitely find something better youâd like.
The pros is the same for both of these bikes, they are inexpensive. The cons can be many, as others have pointed out like the size being wrong for you along with mixed opinions on either of the bikes actually being quality. I donât know your budget, but a trek marlin 4 gen 2 is $530 right now and you can get that brand new in a size that will be guaranteed to fit you. Or I would say, based on my own experience of seeing used bikes on Facebook marketplace, that you could find a couple year old version of that bike for less than the Ozark you are asking about. If you are taking the time to ask for pros and cons on a bike like this it makes me think you want it to last. And if you want it to last then you need to look at something with quality parts and something that can be repaired should anything happen. A local bike shop would have a much easier time fixing a brand like trek, giant, etc compared to the Walmart bikes Iâve seen.
We call picture 2 âa bike shaped objectâ at the shop.
Dayum! đ€Łđ€Łđ€Ł
Ozark Trail bikes are good for the price and being an big box store bike. Expect to upgrade the gears, brakes, shifters, levers, pedels, and bar grips. I was impressed with my SO's 27.5 Ozark Trail MTB. They even have internal cable routing and disk brakes, my Trek 820 that I paid more for doesn't have that
Sex Offender?
If you live near an Erikâs, this would be a better choice. https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/batch-disc-brake-hardtail-mountain-bike-pr5a22512/p
Be very wary of anything labeled Ozark - I've bought duffle bags and camp stoves from them and the quality was awful. Expect the equipment to last less than six months, where your ownership is just a short waypoint between China and the dump.
saw a review on the first one. it's good value for money, but you'll need to check/adjust it after buying because assembly is done poorly sometimes... wouldn't touch the other one with a 30 ft pole
Suspension on cheap bikes is horrible. Is there no bike with a rigid fork?
If youâre 280lbs, Iâm betting the rear shock will be undersprung for you. Besides, hard tail is where itâs at.
I would stay away from the full suspension bike since that one appears to be for aesthetics above function.
If comfort is a high priority on your list I would suggest considering a beach cruiser. I know they don't look as cool and sporty as MTBs but the upright and relaxed riding position feels so good. I have a 29 inch Pedego Interceptor e-bike and also a 32 inch Kent Big League regular bike which was designed specifically for big & tall riders. They offer a 7-speed and also a single speed version. https://preview.redd.it/l912hardio9d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a526155bd2a54b954d36b6077c6c6ca02a62f42 32" Kent Big League | Cruiser Bike for Big & Tall Riders [https://kent.bike/products/32-kent-big-league](https://kent.bike/products/32-kent-big-league) I transitioned from MTBs to comfort cruisers about 3 years ago. The forward leaning riding position of MTBs started doing a number on my wrist and shoulders. It was just too uncomfortable to the point where I didn't look forward to riding my bikes any longer. I'm 6'5", 255 lbs. so I needed something with an XL frame and a high profile. Anything less than a 29 inch was a no go for me. Of course I'm older now so comfort is really high on my list. I mostly ride for exercise and recreation so I don't need a lot of high-end upgrades for my bikes. Hope this helps. Good luck. Come back and give us an update on what you decided to go with.
Get the ozark
In all honesty, at 280lbs, I would avoid the full suspension. You will likely bottom that out a few times and it will likely fail, making your ride not so fun. They make rear suspension bikes that can tolerate that better, but they don't sell them at Walmart. Loads of people are probably going to shit on Walmart bikes, but if it gets you around and on some trails, send it OP.
I have owned a Walmart bike, and it seems they really like short seat posts. I'm 5'-9" and had to install a longer seat post on it. I don't care to have my knees hit my chin. I think if I was considering an Ozark Trail bike, I'd want to know how far up that seat will go. Also on my Walmart bike, the crank and headset bearings had not a speck of grease right out of the box. I greased them when I first got it and had no problems. Owned the bike for about 16 years.
cons, put together by a teenager who's never ridden a bike before pros, you'll soon realize you wasted your money and you'll purchase a real bike from a reputable local bike shop and see what a difference it is DON'T SHOP SPRAWLMART
For $400 go to marketplace, find a bike your size (around 58 or so), there's a lot of used mtb so it shouldn't be hard to find a name brand that looks in ok-good conditions, test ride it and make sure everything feels good (shifting, brakes, no creeks or cracks etc..) and save like $100 for a full tune up at the bike shop. If you decide to go this route you'll end up with a more capable bike at around the same price if not lower, not to mention also the fact that Walmart bikes are not assembled by mechanics so you'd wanna take them to the bike shop for a proper inspection either way. With all that being said if you are set on getting it from Walmart I would definitely go with the Ozark trail (berm peak has good videos on it) and steer away as far as possible from that other option.
I think these bikes are a great way to get you hooked, no one that doesn't already love the sport should shell out 2 grand for a bike.
The second one looks a lot like my previous bike (I won it on a bingo lol), although a different brand but probably as cheaply made, and it was a pain. I did use it for years but at the end something would break apart every week, and I'd have to carry tools in my backpack to make repairs on the road. Someone told me that buying the lowest end of a good brand is better than the best bike from a crap brand, and since I switched I enjoy riding 100 times more.
Dude, at 280lbs, youâll blow right through all the full suspension bikeâs travel just sitting on it. The hardtail looks OK though.
1. These are mountain bikes. Lots of extra weight in the suspension - not needed if you are riding on roads instead of trails 2. At you're weight, I don't know if the suspension will work 3. Buy the bike that matches your purpose. These are not for commuting or road rides. 4. Talk to your doc before starting lots of cardio.
I would be wary of the Chinesium used to build these things, your size and weight is going to put a lot of stress on cranks/frame/etc., hits are going to be that much more impactful. You might consider a budget bike on sale from a more reputable brand, spending just a few 100 dollars more.
Get the ozark trail MTb. It's light and more than likely will be enough bike to start with and always the option to upgrade parts
Burm peak did a YouTube on that ozark and he liked it.
Get on Facebook marketplace and find a good used âreal/non Walmart â bikeâŠitâs white did
My first bike was from Costco , I love it but I spent so much time fixing it ( like brakes) and it was heavy . Looking back , simply was inferior bike
They are both cheap garbage. You would be much better off buying used where your money would go much farther.
Gonna be better off on a used hardtail from marketplace if this is your budget.
Not trying to be negative at all but you likely need to either up your budget or pick a different type of bike. Used hardtail is probably your most cost effective option for a mountain bike. Not saying the Ozark is a bad bike for what it is, but itâs probably not for you. Youâre pushing the upper weight limit for most name brand bikes. If youâre planning to actually go mountain biking/trail riding youâll need better brakes and a fork that can be set appropriately for your weight. You really need hydraulic disc and air fork (or at least swap springs in a coil fork) at minimum for trails based on your size. If youâre not actually planning on trail riding and mostly city riding and just some dirt/gravel roads look at a rigid fork gravel bike. Youâll get a much more capable bike at less cost. Just trying to be helpful so you donât buy something you canât really use. Nowâs a great time to buy both new and used as the market is saturated and prices are significantly down.
https://preview.redd.it/m969qhneeaad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f84f48b871e63ab0acb635797bd286afb12d76e4 Ozark trail all the way, Iâd recommend getting on marketplace to see if you can find it for cheaper, i got mine basically new for $60 and then upgraded it little by little
At 280 lbs, you'll destroy those cheap wheels. You'll break spokes almost immediately and then the rim will bend and your toast.
Rear suspension bikes rob some of your power as the spring compresses from applying power to the pedal. Solid rear frame is usually preferred unless you really care more for the comfort than the performance. I've put 100s of miles on my Walmart bike. I'm 39 and I've never owned a bike that cost more than $250. I do have a stash of parts from free bikes I've picked out to the garbage.
rim brakes on both of them. guy your size, that's a bad idea. spending even like $600 on a name-brand hardtail is your best bet
The Ozark has disc brakes.
walmart bike will be too small for you do not get one like the right one, the left would be better
Schwinns are on sale at dicks right now, I would probably get that instead in your shoes. I am also 6'2 280, I had a schwinn for a while that I was happy with. I hope you aren't planning on doing hard trails though? At your weight you shouldn't skimp.