My First “Real” Mountain Bike? Ozark Trail FS.2 Slalom Review
last updated: 2/10/26
MY FS.2 SLALOM AFTER RIDING SOME OF THE LOCAL TRAILS IN ROGERS, AR.
Believe it or not, but even living in Northwest Arkansas, I’ve never really been into mountain biking. Sure, I would occasionally go on bike rides but never truly fell in love with it. Every time I have owned a bike, it’s been from Walmart so it’s only fitting that my first “real” mountain bike I picked up when I actually started to get into mountain biking was the Ozark Trail FS.2 Slalom. There is a lot of hype around this bike with people claiming it’s perfect and others that think you should spend your money on a name brand bike from a local bike shop.
Since I knew there was a chance that I could still not enjoy biking, but still wanting something that would actually hold up over time, I decided to buy one and put it to the test. Since then, I’ve actually used the bike more than I thought I would have and have tried everything from downhills to climbs and even some minor jumps. Even with so many hobbies, with this bike I still find myself looking to go back out and ride and get more experience. Here’s everything I’ve learned about the FS.2 Slalom and if it lives up to the hype.
This article contains affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission on sales made through these links at no cost to you. These help support my blog and content so I can keep making authentic and awesome things. Thank you!Why the FS.2 Slalom?
When I decided I wanted to try to get into mountain biking, I knew two things: I didn’t want to spend a fortune, and I didn’t want to outgrow my bike too fast. Living in Northwest Arkansas, trails are everywhere, and I needed something that could handle rough terrain and leave room to upgrade as I improved my skills.
I was initially looking at hard tail bikes since they are usually cheaper, simpler, and easier to maintain. After taking some friend’s bikes out for a test ride though, I realized I wanted something more comfortable which lead me down the path of research full-suspension bikes. The problem with that was that most decent full-suspension bikes easily start at $1,000+.
After tons of research, I stumbled on the Ozark Trail FS.2 Slalom at Walmart and I was immediately impressed. It looked surprisingly trail ready with modern geometry and a clean design. I started digging deeper and found an active community of riders modifying this exact bike and sharing upgrade tips, trail reviews, and providing solid reviews. It turns out people weren’t just buying this bike, they were actually riding it and enjoying it.
For me, the price really sealed the deal. For around $500, I could get a brand new full-suspension mountain bike that had decent components and was able to be upgraded in the future. Sure, it did have it’s quirks like odd bushing sizes and some non-standard components, but the frame was solid, the platform was upgradable, and the community support made it feel like a smart move.
On a whim, I went to my local Walmart and picked one up. To my suprise, I have really enjoyed riding it on the trails more than I thought I would have.
THE MINIMALISTIC “OZARK TRAILS” DESIGN ON THE FRAME GIVES A “HIGHER END” LOOK WITHOUT BEING FLASHY.
My Experience on the Trails
From the first time riding it, I was immediately surprised by this big box budget mountain bike. With the reputation I had experienced with older Walmart bikes in the past, I didn’t have high hopes, but I was completely wrong.
Suspension & Handling
It features an SR Suntour XCM30 fork up front, which is one of the highlights. It provides a plush and forgiving feel over roots and rocks and makes even bumpy trails manageable. They even have preload adjustments so you can fine-tune the front suspension to your liking.
The rear coil shock smoothens out drops and bumpy sections and makes the ride feel more controlled, but it is definitely a bit on the stiffer side. Being 150 lbs, I feel like this rear shock and spring setup is definitely suited to slightly heavier riders, as it can sometimes feel like it bucks you up after a big bump. It’s not a high-end suspension, but for the price point, it’s more than capable for beginner to intermediate trails. This being said, there are affordable upgrades, like the DNM AO-8RC rear air shock that’s popular with the community so far.
The overall geometry also helps. It’s more relaxed and gives me room to build confidence as I tackle tougher trails and obstacles. Whether I’m riding on flowy trails or more technical sections, it allows me to tackle them with confidence.
THE KENDA TIRES PROVIDE DECENT TRACTION IN THE MUD AND SOFT DIRT. THEY FEATURE A SCHRADER VALVE AND ARE TUBE TIRES.
Brakes & Wheels
The FS.2 features mechanical disc brakes, which is one of the reasons for the price. They’re serviceable for beginners and responsive enough to stop with control, but I found that they severely lack the bite of hydraulic brakes, which is more noticeable on steep declines. If you’re riding aggressive descents often, this might be one of the first upgrades to consider.
The stock tires are actually surprisingly decent. They grip well even in slightly loose conditions, and I have even taken them out right after it had rained. With that being said, I’d probably swap them out for something more aggressive, especially if you see more wet conditions often. The 29” wheels roll over obstacles easily and add stability when riding at faster speeds.
One thing I did notice is that it has a quick-release front axle. Although this is cool if you plan on taking off your front wheel to mount it to a fork mount, it does add a bit of instability to the whole riding experience. I definitely plan on doing a Thru-Axle conversion in the near future.
Gearing & Drivetrain
The 1x drivetrain setup keeps things simple and beginner-friendly. I didn’t have to deal with a front derailleur, which means fewer things to break or confuse me on the trail The wide range rear cassette gives enough gears to grind up climbs without feeling like I was spinning out on descents.
The shifting is smooth and consistent, especially with the trigger shifters. While it’s definitely not premium, it handles all the trails I have experienced without skipping under load or needing constant adjustment. For a bike in this price range, the drivetrain setup gives a good balance of functionality and minimal maintenance.
Weight & Fit
For reference, I’m around 5 foot 7 and chose a medium frame, and I feel like I fit perfectly. Others have said that the medium frame feels a bit large though.
Weighing in at about 35 pounds, the FS.2 is a little on the heavier side, but honestly thats expected for a full-suspension, especially around $500. I definitely feel it more on longer climbs, but the extra weight also gives the bike a planted and confident feel when descending or hitting small jumps.
COIL SPRING SUSPENSION WITH ADJUSTMENT KNOB FOR ADJUSTING THE COIL TENSION TO MATCH BODY WEIGHT AND RIDE STYLE.
Overall Impressions of the FS.2
Honestly, if you’re in the same situation as me and want to learn the ropes of mountain biking without breaking the bank or buying a high-end bike that gathers dust in your garage after a few weeks, my experience with the FS.2 Slalom leads me to believe it’s a great bike. It’s also a great bike for someone who wants a barebones bike with components that will last them a while, but ultimately wants to build up to their needs in the future.
If you’re on the fence, I would highly suggest at least trying it out for yourself. It’s not a competitor to a Specialized or Trek mountain bike, and that’s okay because it’s something completely different for more budget-friendly riders, people testing the waters, or even just a beater-bike to take out on the weekends that will get you through most of the trails with ease.
