This was built in late 2014.
Univega Via Activa early 90s hybrid with 3x7 drivetrain bought for $50.
SunTourbarcons used for $20.
Gary OS Sweep bar for $50.
Brake levers $15.
Stem $15.
Tape $10.
Saddle $40.
Cables and housing $10.
Pedals used $20

So that's just over $230.
After the initial build I bought some 40mm Clement GSO tires that cost $60 total, which pushed it to $290.



This was my first gravel bike and I built it for cheap to see if I even liked ridi g gravel roads. The bike was way too small for me, but it did fine and let me figure out what I wanted next.
At $230, I would take it over the Walmart bike every time, even though the frame was too small. But that's 2014 prices, so who knows what a similar parts build would cost now. Probably $275.
The 3x7 friction shifting was easy and reliable, brakes worked, etc.



I'm not sure why that Walmart bike would be a price target to meet. And I was only able to watch about 40 seconds of that video before the guy's voice made my eye twitch. Wow that is a voice for print if ever there was one.
I've read reviews of the Walmart bike- it's a typical offering that looks like it's better than it actually is, and fools some into thinking it's a good deal as a result.

ETA- oh good lord, I tried to watch more and made it another 45 seconds. I'm that time he declared he doesn't usually like drop bars, but these are the expensive looking type where the bar 'swings out' at 'the lowers'. He then says he doesn't know what to call that part of the bar, but there is the 'upper, the lower, and the horn'.
Oof. Why would anyone take a review from this guy seriously?