General Cycling Discussion - What is wrong with Wal Mart bikes?

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
Bikes in Wal Mart are GREAT VALUE for that price compared to OVERPRICED bike shops bikes...


THAT"S THE ONLY POINT I AM MAKING>>>

You don't know that they are overpriced because you have no experience with them.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
Can of coke, 50 cents near grocery store.
$2 in the movie theatre.

Pop corn, 50 cents in the store.
$4 in the movie theatre.

Is one better than other?


Bikes in a shop are different than bikes at wal-mart.


The case you have posted isn't worthy here. I don't just run down to the theater when I want popcorn...But when I'm there, sure, I'll pay a little extra.

Disposible raisors vs. Gillette Mach 3.
Discuss.

Originally posted by RollingGeek

Its not great if the bike does not fit, frequently has maintenance problems, and is heavy, slow, and does not shift well.

This is not even the poiint. Guy said the bike FITS him and he doesn not see any obvious shifting problems so far.

Originally posted by Waldo
Disposible raisors vs. Gillette Mach 3.
Discuss.

I am showing different prices for the SAME product.

Originally posted by Waldo
Disposible raisors vs. Gillette Mach 3.
Discuss.

Mach 3 is waaaaaaay better.

Wal mart is the BIGGEST reatailer in the WORLD. It can afford lower prices...

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
I am showing different prices for the SAME product.


If you think wal-mart bikes are the same as bike shops bikes, you have a dire misunderstanding.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
Wal mart is the BIGGEST reatailer in the WORLD. It can afford lower prices...

Doesn't mean their bikes are as good as wal-mart bikes.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
I am showing different prices for the SAME product.
And you are saying that LBS bikes are the same as X-mart bikes? :roflmao:

Originally posted by Waldo
And you are saying that LBS bikes are the same as X-mart bikes? :roflmao:

No. I am saying that LBS bikes are very often overpriced compared to Wal Mart bikes. Quality is NOT an issue here.
Stereotypes and false believes are.
And again, we are only comparing SIMILAR product. Noone should even think about road bikes, or racing titanium carbon super lights... As Wal Mart doesn't sell them

We are talking about low end, BASIC mountain bikes with similar components. Stuff that costs 150 at Wal Mart, costs just a little more at bike shop TOO. That is well explained by thei need to make profit, and PROOVES that it's not the QUALITY that makes a difference.


*I think I should get one of those Schwinns...*

Originally posted by Waldo
And you are saying that LBS bikes are the same as X-mart bikes? :roflmao:

LOL!!!


Thats it for me folks..No point in continuing with this guy.

If Wal Mart would be selling road bikes, with thin tires and size of around 27 inches, I would buy one without a shadow of a doubt!

Originally posted by fubar5

Thats it for me folks..No point in continuing with this guy.
Yep. I need to rest up-I have a busy day of scamming people at my shop tomorrow. :D

Some posts sure do remind me of this old saying:

"Great minds, - discuss ideas. Average minds, - discuss events. Stupid minds, - discuss people".:lol:

Prices at the LBS are overpriced? I don't think so they could ge the same bikes wallmart has and sell them for about the same price, probably few dollars more. The level of components on a LBS bike are normaly higher, when they are built they are put together better. Due to this the bike will last longer.

A low end LBS bike will run you around $200-300 a high end X-mart bike will run you $150-200.. So let's say you take the x-mart bike to a LBS to be put together properly $40.. and LBS does free tune ups normaly for atleast 3 months sometimes up to 5 years (that is what my brother got at the LBS)... so this is roughly worth let's say another $50.. So that makes them the same cost. So not overpriced.

And the previous poster said he took it to his LBS to get tuned up, which will make it shift better and work better.

Originally posted by Kev

A low end LBS bike will run you around $200-300 a high end X-mart bike will run you $150-200.. So let's say you take the x-mart bike to a LBS to be put together properly $40.. and LBS does free tune ups normaly for atleast 3 months sometimes up to 5 years (that is what my brother got at the LBS)... so this is roughly worth let's say another $50.. So that makes them the same cost. So not overpriced.

And the previous poster said he took it to his LBS to get tuned up, which will make it shift better and work better.

Yeah, there definitely is a logic in your post. Sounds great. I absolutely agree with such a view.
After all, this is all about opinions, and if you are perfectly happy with it, then nothing needs be changed. Great... Good luck.
Everybody has different approach to biking, buying the quipment. Everybody has different budget, of course the opinions are going to be different.
It would really be interesting to look at the test results of different brand bicycle components.

Here is roughly what ways there are to compare, let's say wrenches.

A testing group purchases 5 sets of different brand wrenches, of the same size.
Each wrench is tested on twisting resistance with the dynamometr recording the torgue at which the wrench brakes. The table is made in the end with actuall results.
Something similar could be done with bicycle hubs, cranks, bearings...

It could end some of the useless arguments that only reflect one's subjective opinon...

There actualy is tests done on different compoents etc.. There was a thread short bit ago about what is different about different headsets. Basicaly came down to seals and bearings. Better seals and higher quality bearings which there definately is a difference in. I think we all could agree a chris king headset is one of the best out their but twice the cost.. now is that worth the extra money is a personal choice.

You can find lots of reviews of different components, every year the lower end benefit from the higher end, since the technology advances trickle down. As a experiment why don't you go to the LBS test out the $400 road bike then go ride the $7,000 one and see how it feels to you. See if it shifts smoother, faster stiffere etc.. There is alot of personal preference in frames I admit though, since you might like steel.. or AL.. or CF.. or Ti.. Even in those groups how the frame is built can make BIG difference.

Originally posted by Kev
....snip..... LBS does free tune ups normaly for atleast 3 months sometimes up to 5 years (that is what my brother got at the LBS)... so this is roughly worth let's say another $50.. So that makes them the same cost. So not overpriced.
At my shop tune-ups are free for a year with purchase. The same service is $42.95 if you come in off the street. Replacement parts are extra in both cases. So it's worth quite a bit more than $50 if you come in at least twice to make sure all is well. (Why not it's free.)

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
It could end some of the useless arguments that only reflect one's subjective opinon...

Which is true when dealing with similar quality 'things' across the board where opinion is based on personal opinion because quality can be taken out of the equation. The minute you throw quality back in the equation personal opinion is moot because one really is better than the other, whether you believe so or not. You may want to believe a 'walmart' bike is the same quality as a 400$ lbs bike but it isn't. No matter what you think in this case you are wrong. Oh and BTW I am not talking road bikes. I am talking REAL mtbikes.

The walmart quality bike may feel fine for your riding and thats cool. Heck you may even be such a mild rider it isn't a disposable bike for you and it will last you a long time and thats cool too. But there is a big diff between them which has been explained endlessly in this thread as to why. Enjoy your bike and ride. I am always happy when someone is hitting the trails whether they are on a 5000$ dh bike or a 75$ roadmaster bought at a local Sportchek.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin

A testing group purchases 5 sets of different brand wrenches, of the same size.
Each wrench is tested on twisting resistance with the dynamometr recording the torque at which the wrench brakes. The table is made in the end with actuall results.
Something similar could be done with bicycle hubs, cranks, bearings...

Ok go to Walgreen's and buy a 6" adjustable wrench. Then get a similar wrench from say, Snap-On or Mac Tools Subject them to the same levels of use and abuse leave them out in the rain etc. I guarantee that the Snap-On wrench will last longer, and even if something DID happen to it Snap_on would stand behind their product and replace it -no questions asked. The Walgreen's wrench? You'd be lucky to get a refund.

Thank you, Maelstrom. I agree.
Can you recommend a multitool or a set of tools to put in my hydration/backpack for the trail?

I don't want to overdo it but I don't want to get stuck and all of you are way more seasoned than I will probably ever be.

When will this thread breathe its last and just die?

To quote the Eagles from Hotel California, "They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast."


:D

My favorite MultiTool so far has been the Topeak survival gear box. Saved my ass last week when my chain broke. I normaly HATE the chain tool but this one worked decently, the long lever screws in the bottom to give you a nice hand hold. It is a bit larger then some but still not big. And has everything in it patches.. tire levers a bit smaller but they work, allen wrenches etc.. And it is on sale at nashbar for $15.

Thank you for the tip! And on sale too.

This thread got really ugly for a while. Glad it's over.
<knocking on wood>

I've bought a few multi-tools so far, last one chain tool broke on me, was using at home so not that big a deal. Had plastic lever that flipped down to hold onto.. Only problem I've had so far with this kit is the glue, it is small and most patch kits come with a larger one so does not fit very well, also has thing to strap it to your seatpost if you want, I just stuff it in my saddle bag.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
Did you ever own a Wal Mart bike. Did anything break. Did you compare it to another bike? Whatr broke???
You only speak from you believes, fears, and other p[eoples opinions (SALESMEN) that push it down buyer's throats.

You don't have any reasons, or rights to call Wal Mart bike a "throaway bike". At least you have not provided ANY information supporting your statement!

The first amendment to the constitution gives me the right to say pretty much whatever I want. You don't seem to understand that too well, but YOU say whatever you want, and I can't?

Like others have repeatedly said, I have known alot of folks riding crap bikes from these stores, I have tried to help them fix their POS, watched their frustration as they continually broke while my "horrible" bikeshop ride just keeps on going.

And finally, I was not even speaking to you, just commenting on a post that I thought made some good, valid points, once again, my right to speak freely. I have been riding bikes longer than you have been alive, and learned my lessons the hard way, just like you will.

Boy, I've seen some dead horses beaten in my time, but this one takes the cake!!!!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid63/p9b1afeab0333ce83c450be9c3ed3120f/fc1824db.gif

I think after so many replies this thread is dead. Everyone's had a chance to say their piece, some several times.

The only thing we've really established is that some like Walmart Bikes, some don't. Both sides have their reasons and are not prepared to give ground. End of story.

Thread closed.