Originally Posted by
Proofide
Sadly, unless you buy your bike from a really good shop where you're actually related to the owner, you'd almost need to dismantle it and rebuild it yourself before riding it. Certainly true with department store, discount store and catalogue bikes.
Hear! Hear!
I'd like add another category to the above: Internet-bikes. My admonishment to those who wish to buy something shiny, with vintage names, from China is: These should only be purchased with the full understanding that you will need a skilled bike-mechanic to assemble and adjust these before riding. This is more than just screwing some parts on here & there. You need special tools and grease and...
Get it?
Good.