I really feel it’s important to be completely transparent and honest about the Arktos MTB. Originally I gave 4 stars but after riding the bike since March I’ve got real concerns. Being brand new it was a great upgrade from a bike half the cost. I’ve put roughly 1500mi on my bike. There’s some issues now apparent which weren’t before. Upon picking my bike up at the shop the headset was a serious concern. It was so overtightened I felt maybe damage was done. Now I must continue to readjust it so there’s smooth turning and no play in the bearings. It seems I’ll need to take it back and ask for a replacement. I wonder how that’s going to be received by staff. This leads to the brakes which just provide questionable stopping. Idk of other builds in 6500k bikes with 180mm rotors. Minimum should be 200mm. I’ve almost gone over the handlebars several times due to the front brake play combined with headset shaking. This is DANGEROUS and needs correction. I just haven’t gotten to where I want to argue the esoterics of that issue. Next is seatpost dropper. It’s begun to be sticky; sometimes not rebounding nor smooth lowering. I should mention that my Orbea at half the price and being 2 years older still has excellent dropper movement and very smooth braking. I’ve already mentioned the seat itself might as well just be a credit to the price and the shop offer a decent seat for $30 extra. It’s a throwaway as other people have mentioned. Otherwise I should mention the XT Grupo is quite nice and the rest of the bike is nice. Only issue is the cover where the cranks join the frame doesn’t fit right. It lets dirt into that hole. Another seemingly minor issue I’ll probably need to argue with the shop about. I certainly hope everything goes well with the shop but we’ll see when riding isn’t possible anymore. I still think some decent pedals should at least be offered to buyers at discounted prices. It’s very minor by cost- decent flats for $40. Otherwise you get a bike which isn’t rideable out of the shop. Alchemy should be a leader in small issues like this instead of a follower. Just to be fair the Deathgrips ARE AMAZING and shows what a few bucks can do to make the bike. Other minor issues that show the company getting closer to being a industry leader are bottle cage, high pressure pump for shocks and mud flap included. Seems if Alchemy put around $80 plus a little extra effort in adjustment there’d be much greater sales volume. I’ll update in November when I ask for a headset and dropper work. Industry Nine wheels with innovative hubs that accept straight double gauge spokes have ensured trued and round rolling performance. No adjustments needed so far. Nice!