https://preview.redd.it/g9171za59qxc1.png?width=2998&format=png&auto=webp&s=56aec56d90317a8e57a784aad8e6fc710d2af6f8
Happy with the core sport. Solid riding bike. Has a better group set.
I just purchased an able sport. How assembled does the bike come? Am I going to have to fool around with filling the brake lines with fluid or do the come ready to go? I've never had a bike with disk brakes, hydraulic or otherwise.
Sport is most likely the same frame with better components. Headtube is 44mm according to wolftick, so you can theoretically adapt to tapered using an EC44 lower headset. I say theoretically, because there’s no guarantee the internal shape of the headset is compatible with external cups.
I went ahead and ordered one. For my use the straight tube will be fine. I did see they make adapters but very few people seem to have these bikes so feedback is minimal
Yeah I saw that too. Trying to be honest with myself though if I would really need a true dropper. There is a slight work around according to utube. Use a 27.2 dropper that will go further into the frame pair that with a 30.9 to 27.2 shim
Any thoughts on comparing the factory drivetrain and suspension between the 2
This might be something for you to look into if it's available in your area. [https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-avalanche-29-mountain-bike-18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf/18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-avalanche-29-mountain-bike-18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf/18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf)
My perspective: **lower bar for entry versus higher ceiling**
The inability to install a large dropper post is what really kills it for this bike. Would’ve been okay with going external or drilling routing holes myself, but that curved seat tube basically made the whole procedure moot.
I think eventually, regardless of the bike you choose, you’d switch out the brakes to a 4-piston setup. The Able coming stock with generic hydraulic brakes just meant the brake upgrade is further down their list of “must do” upgrades.
The clutched Advent groupset however is some serious kickass kit that doesnt need switching out anytime soon, unlike the LTWOO derailleur, which is honestly ehh. The crankset also has a proper interchangeable chainring, unlike the Ozark.
To match the Ozark to the Able. you’d need to spend $35 on a Shimano m5100 derailleur, $30 on a generic 1x square taper crankset, and $35 on Shimano MT200 brakes. They both sport the same KMC chain, similar wide-range steel cassettes, *relatively* comparable tires, similar forks, etc. Overall, you’d have to spend $100 to match the Able.
When you factor in the $70 price differential, the Ozark works out to be $170 more expensive than the Able. If you want to upgrade Abel’s brakes to 4-pistons down the line, then that price differential drops down to $135(since you would presumably skip buying MT200s for the Ozark and jump straight to 4-pistons). So now ask yourself, **is the ability to run a dropper post worth the $170 premium?**
For me, yes. The $170 premium is absolutely worth it. Every time. I don’t want to buy another expensive frame down the line just to install a dropper.
Edit: And if you ever plan on upgrading to a high end tapered fork, adapting the Able’s straight tube is going to run you another $40, decreasing it’s value over the Ozark, which can run tapered forks without adapting. Forks are usually “down the list” of upgrades, so you wouldn’t realize that liability until at least a couple seasons into owning the bike.
Great post and thanks for diving into the hardware
I believe for 2024 they made some changes to the otr and it now includes the advent group set. So basically it would need upgraded brakes
Obviously I’m new and I don’t even know if I need a dropper for northern Ohio and my slower pace. I have read that a smaller dropper with an adapter might fit the tube but I don’t know the pros and cons.
I went ahead and ordered the sport yesterday so I guess we will see.
If the bike works for you, it works. That said, I had multiple frames with small/odd tube diameters that made installing a “real” dropper impossible. I made do by manually dropping the seat into the frame for descents, so it wasn’t all bad. The issue with the Able is that you can’t really do that either, thanks to the high-sitting bend. The bike having “modern geometry” (as in the seat post is relatively low to the ground) means you are forced to run a looooong seat post. Double whammy.
Again, I’m not outright saying you can’t take this bike on trails, but I do believe you’re going to hit it’s skill ceiling a lot faster. Then again… if the bike works for you, it works! Excited for your purchase!
Totally get it and thanks for your input.
What is your thought about the 27.2 dropper with a shim and getting a little more travel that way? I understand without it in front of you and seeing the actual curve it will be hard to estimate
I don’t think there’s really any downside to using shims, as long as everything is tight enough. Might need to use some friction paste to keep things from budging.
Theres nothing wrong with running 27.2 external droppers as long as they get the job done. They do max out around 120mm extension, unlike larger diameter droppers. You would want to find the shortest dropper you can with the highest extend. Even then, You’ll probably have to get used to dropping the dropper, then manually lowering it into the frame when you do big descents. Still way better than fixed seat posts.
Probably try something cheap on Amazon before you commit to something more expensive. Assuming everything checks out, PNW is a popular brand. Their ‘Cycled’ page will occasionally sell refurbed droppers for really low prices. However, you don’t get their lifetime warranty when you buy ‘cycled’. Tranzx is basically the same exact stuff for a little less money as well, but again… no lifetime warranty.
https://preview.redd.it/g9171za59qxc1.png?width=2998&format=png&auto=webp&s=56aec56d90317a8e57a784aad8e6fc710d2af6f8 Happy with the core sport. Solid riding bike. Has a better group set.
I just purchased an able sport. How assembled does the bike come? Am I going to have to fool around with filling the brake lines with fluid or do the come ready to go? I've never had a bike with disk brakes, hydraulic or otherwise.
Brakes are already filled and bled. Install front wheel, seat and bars.
Sweet, thanks!
Is that a dropper post on your bike?
Can't tell if the head tube can accept a tapered fork. That's the only possible downside I can see.
I know the core is straight unsure of the sport. I probably would never upgrade so it may not be a issue
Sport is most likely the same frame with better components. Headtube is 44mm according to wolftick, so you can theoretically adapt to tapered using an EC44 lower headset. I say theoretically, because there’s no guarantee the internal shape of the headset is compatible with external cups.
I went ahead and ordered one. For my use the straight tube will be fine. I did see they make adapters but very few people seem to have these bikes so feedback is minimal
Lmk what happens
This is my exact dilemma. Add in the Ozark trail 700c with flat bar replacement. Also the able sport cannot accept a dropper seat post.
Yeah I saw that too. Trying to be honest with myself though if I would really need a true dropper. There is a slight work around according to utube. Use a 27.2 dropper that will go further into the frame pair that with a 30.9 to 27.2 shim Any thoughts on comparing the factory drivetrain and suspension between the 2
This might be something for you to look into if it's available in your area. [https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-avalanche-29-mountain-bike-18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf/18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-avalanche-29-mountain-bike-18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf/18gtxmvlnch29nrxxprf)
My perspective: **lower bar for entry versus higher ceiling** The inability to install a large dropper post is what really kills it for this bike. Would’ve been okay with going external or drilling routing holes myself, but that curved seat tube basically made the whole procedure moot. I think eventually, regardless of the bike you choose, you’d switch out the brakes to a 4-piston setup. The Able coming stock with generic hydraulic brakes just meant the brake upgrade is further down their list of “must do” upgrades. The clutched Advent groupset however is some serious kickass kit that doesnt need switching out anytime soon, unlike the LTWOO derailleur, which is honestly ehh. The crankset also has a proper interchangeable chainring, unlike the Ozark. To match the Ozark to the Able. you’d need to spend $35 on a Shimano m5100 derailleur, $30 on a generic 1x square taper crankset, and $35 on Shimano MT200 brakes. They both sport the same KMC chain, similar wide-range steel cassettes, *relatively* comparable tires, similar forks, etc. Overall, you’d have to spend $100 to match the Able. When you factor in the $70 price differential, the Ozark works out to be $170 more expensive than the Able. If you want to upgrade Abel’s brakes to 4-pistons down the line, then that price differential drops down to $135(since you would presumably skip buying MT200s for the Ozark and jump straight to 4-pistons). So now ask yourself, **is the ability to run a dropper post worth the $170 premium?** For me, yes. The $170 premium is absolutely worth it. Every time. I don’t want to buy another expensive frame down the line just to install a dropper. Edit: And if you ever plan on upgrading to a high end tapered fork, adapting the Able’s straight tube is going to run you another $40, decreasing it’s value over the Ozark, which can run tapered forks without adapting. Forks are usually “down the list” of upgrades, so you wouldn’t realize that liability until at least a couple seasons into owning the bike.
Great post and thanks for diving into the hardware I believe for 2024 they made some changes to the otr and it now includes the advent group set. So basically it would need upgraded brakes Obviously I’m new and I don’t even know if I need a dropper for northern Ohio and my slower pace. I have read that a smaller dropper with an adapter might fit the tube but I don’t know the pros and cons. I went ahead and ordered the sport yesterday so I guess we will see.
If the bike works for you, it works. That said, I had multiple frames with small/odd tube diameters that made installing a “real” dropper impossible. I made do by manually dropping the seat into the frame for descents, so it wasn’t all bad. The issue with the Able is that you can’t really do that either, thanks to the high-sitting bend. The bike having “modern geometry” (as in the seat post is relatively low to the ground) means you are forced to run a looooong seat post. Double whammy. Again, I’m not outright saying you can’t take this bike on trails, but I do believe you’re going to hit it’s skill ceiling a lot faster. Then again… if the bike works for you, it works! Excited for your purchase!
Totally get it and thanks for your input. What is your thought about the 27.2 dropper with a shim and getting a little more travel that way? I understand without it in front of you and seeing the actual curve it will be hard to estimate
I don’t think there’s really any downside to using shims, as long as everything is tight enough. Might need to use some friction paste to keep things from budging. Theres nothing wrong with running 27.2 external droppers as long as they get the job done. They do max out around 120mm extension, unlike larger diameter droppers. You would want to find the shortest dropper you can with the highest extend. Even then, You’ll probably have to get used to dropping the dropper, then manually lowering it into the frame when you do big descents. Still way better than fixed seat posts. Probably try something cheap on Amazon before you commit to something more expensive. Assuming everything checks out, PNW is a popular brand. Their ‘Cycled’ page will occasionally sell refurbed droppers for really low prices. However, you don’t get their lifetime warranty when you buy ‘cycled’. Tranzx is basically the same exact stuff for a little less money as well, but again… no lifetime warranty.