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

Ok, I am looking for a bicyle.
Of course Wal Mart offers the cheapest one.
There is a Schwinn, for $126 that has good linear pull breaks, good seat, very comfortable to me, shimano gearing, the rims seem to be strong. They are 26'' in diametr but the tires are too thick. It's a mountain bike, while I need one for a long touring. However there are great looking thin road tires next shell for only 10 dollars. The bicycle feels great, looks decent and costs reasonable. A little heavier than those in bike stores, but the price is different too.

Talking from experience, who had problems with quality of Wal Mart Schwinn bikes?

The ones for $59 obviously are unsatisfactory quality.
So, what reasons can you people point at for not buying this bike?

here is the info on the bike (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1913343&cat=4180&type=5&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4178%3A4180)

This is taken from http://www.bikesrnottoys.com/

The Truth About Toy Store Bicycles

Bike Shops


Train their people to match your kind of riding to all your different bicycle choices.
Carefully, proportionally fit your bike to you. This is vital to your safety, comfort, and fun. Quality bikes are built in many sizes to fit you OR a growing rider more safely and longer.
Provide you honest information, have more types of bikes for different types of riding, and let you to test ride your choices.
Quality bicycles ARE repairable, worth repairing, and are built with better, more durable parts less prone to malfunction or need for repair.
Bike shops have expert, trained technicians to build AND repair bicycles..
Correct, safe bicycle assembly by a bike shop takes an average of an hour or more per bicycle and is FREE!
ALL NEW BIKES need re-adjustment of gears, brakes, spokes, bearings, etc. after an initial 15 to 30 hours of use to operate properly and last. Bike shop warranties cover free adjustments, parts, and labor if problems occur.
Properly assembled and maintained bikes last and last and last…
Bike shops teach correct operation, safe use, and care, and adjust your bike to you. ONE bicycle that fits, lasts longer and "holds-up" through many riders' use (and STILL has a re-sale value!) costs less!
You BI-cycle for years on bike shop bikes.


Toy Stores


Their clerks are trained to stock shelves!
Bikes are “one size fits all!” NO frame size selection or choice. (That’s like Nike™ making ONLY size 6 shoes to fit everybody’s feet.) Ridiculous!!!
Have few bike-type choices, no test rides, but MIGHT offer a choice of colors!
"Toy store” bikes often use un-fixable, off-brand, “odd-ball” parts, and ARE OFTEN NOT WORTH REPAIRING!
Toy stores have none!
Toy stores “throw together” 6 to 10 bikes an hour, and most charge extra for assembly! (A bike shop would charge up to $50 to re-build such a bike.)
Expect bike adjustments to cost an EXTRA $25 to $60...and toy stores DON'T do them! DON'T overlook this "hidden expense! And, they can ONLY give you another bike-in-a-box when they sell you a "lemon!"
"Toy store” bikes often malfunction, need costly repairs, and DON’T LAST!
Clerks spend little or no time with you, and you get what you pay for! Their bikes fall apart, are sometimes NOT-fixable, are often disposable, and their frequent repair or replacement COSTS YOU MORE!!!
You RE-cycle “toy store” bikes!


Schwinn was once a quality manufacture, recently, Pacific Cycles, has purchased Schwinn and GT. The name means nothing now, and is not worth mentioning when purchasing the bike... It’s just like the Pacific's at that price range. You may actualy even be paying more for the name, its not worth the extra cost.

Shimano's situation is a bit different; they make very high quality, and very low quality components. When it comes to bikes, "You get what you pay for" is really true.

For your $150 budget, you can find some great used hard tails that will last a life time, check with your local bike shop. Tell them you are on a budget, and you want to buy used, chances are they have the contacts to get you what you want.

You can purchase brand name 1" slicks (26" rim size) from most shops for ~$10 each. These will be much more efficient when riding on the road, and well worth the cost.

I have a reply for you, Joe Gardner, but I want to see what other people have to say first...
Thank you for complete response.

It'll be a decent bike for just running around town, but not much else. You could probably get a better bike for $150 from your LBS. Also that bike won't do well off trails, cheap components, cheap build quality, cheap all around, but you get what you pay for and there IS WORSE!

forgot about this window and other people got in excellent posts, listen to them!

I have to agree with Joe on this one.

I agree with Joe too.. Especially on the One size fits all comment.

I wanted to add one more comment before I get off work tonight.

When on a touring bike, you need to know how to fix every little thing, and trust your life to your bike & skills. I would hate to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere because you skimped a few bucks on your wheels, or tires, or over all bike. I don’t think I would trust a $125 x-mart bike to get me from town to town, day after day.

Is your safety and life worth more then that? I would think so.

I second everything Joe said, but would like to add a little.
One of my little brothers (age 13) just got the aluminum version of that bike. I recommended it because it was the most he could afford and seems like a decent starting point for him. It is a little large right now, but I think he'll grow into before he wears it out. I don't believe the frame will fail, because he probably won't do heavy off-roading but he'll probably wear it out over time. I've been helping him with adjustments, of which there were quite a few when he brought it home. The fork has very little travel and (interestingly) even less when it is cold. The derailuers are among cheapest Shimano makes (but not quite at the bottom) and the grip shifters are uncomfortable and hard to use. The brakes have a reasonable amount of power, but could have a lot more with better levers and pads. Pretty liberal use of plastic and lower quality metal alloys (6061 vs. 7075 aluminum, plus the quick release and other fasteners seem a little softer than on my bike).
Some positives about this bike:
Shimano Altus rear derailuer- very basic, but goes on some bottom line LBS bikes
Comfort-inspite of the narrow handle bar, geometry could be a lot worse
Somewhat upgradeable-The aluminum version (not the steel version you posted a pic of) even has a threadless headset.
Novelty- This may be the BEST bike Walmart will EVER sell :D
Bottom line-chose carefully lest you regret it in the middle of a long ride. If you do get it, definitely look into getting new rims and tires for it at an LBS

I certainly can not add much more to this. If you're paying $126 and the store still has to make a profit, that doesn't leave much left for the actual cost of the components.

My last bike cost €900 (about $850). There's probably a 40% mark up which means the dealer paid € 540 and the bike manufacturer still has to show a profit. $126 for bike, it can't have quality components.

Go to your LBS, talk to the guys and be prepared to buy much more, but you'll have something of quality. If money is a problem, buy second hand from your LBS.

I was asking questions about that bike in my first post in Mountain Bikes about 3 weeks ago. I completely agree with what everyone has told you here although I followed another path. Everyone has their different reasons for the way they will purchase a bike. Again, if at all possible follow what others have suggested here as this is the best route to take if you can. For my own personal reasons I bought two Roadmaster (Pacific) mountain bikes for my girlfriend and I. I have mountain biked in the past borrowing friends Trek's, Cannondales and so forth so I know how nice a real bike is. I don't really have the money up front and didn't want to wait until I saved up for one as Spring is here. So we bought these and after I spent a few days adjusting, *****ing, moaning and reading this wonderful forum along with the Barnett's and Park Tools manuals I have learned quite a bit about bikes. This past weekend the bikes handled quite well for what they are. These bikes are for mostly weekend joy riding on a long paved trail here in Georgia, minus the days when I go by myself to get a little more exercise than what my girl wants. I have decided to upgrade the bike a little to what I want, even though it is usually not suggested here. In the past few days I have ordered through the various on-line dealers ,Nashbar, Supergo and Jenson, a set of Avid single digit 5's which perfom so much better, along with the straight jacket cables. This week, probably Thursday I should receive my new wheels, Sun Ryno Lite rims with Shimano Deore hubs. Yes they are cheap but a hell of alot better than the no name brand wheels that came with the bikes. Also the ones on the bikes have an angle on the rim where the brake shoes contact. It's been a royal pain for me to adjust the toe in and perfect angle. The new rims have a flat surface so this should help eliminate my problem. The next thing I should receive is a set of Kenda Kwest 26X1.5 which will replace the Kenda knobbys that came stock. I will keep the cheap rims and knobbys for if I ever go trail riding. Other than these upgrades the only other thing I have done is buy multitools, waterbottles, gloves, a mini pump, Yakima car rack (Costs more than one bike,ha,ha) and saddle bags. From here on out the only thing I will replace will be whatever breaks or if I just happen to have some extra cash a new component. I already have the components I want picked out. For the riding we do everything should be ok for awhile and eventually my plan is to buy a new frame. This way I know I'm on the path to a better bike, although I may spend a little more, it also gives me the fun and excitement of upgrading myself. I have taken everyone's advise and picked out a local bikeshop, at least near where I work. I have only been there once and bought a couple of things but they seem very highend and I hope to do more business with them. It was a very clean and organized shop. Actually if anyone here from ATL area uses them what are your thoughts?? It is Cycleworks on Holcomb Bridge Road. I know most of you probably don't agree with how I'm going about this but it suits me better for my needs and wants and of course the best thing is I get to ride. Thanks guy's and gal's for a wonderful forum, I have learned a great deal and hope to meet some of you one day.

if you're on that low of a budget... DEFINITELY go used. also the walmart type bikes tend to skimp on important stuff like frame and components in favor of frivolous and unnecessary stuff like suspension forks or dual suspension.

Save yourself the trouble of having to change EVERYTHING go to a real bike shop and see waht they have to offer. You could find a quality new bike for around $200 now admittedly it won't be anything spectacular BUT for all the reasons listed above by Joe you will be getting a better deal.

Well here is another thought. The single most important thing about a bike is having it fit you properly. I doubt that Walmart employees even know how to do this. A good bicycle shop earns a large part of their profit by insuring a decent fit.

Ummmm, it wasn't a Schwinn, but while camping I met someone riding a Walmart Mongoose. He was very vocal about what a good bike it was, how much fun it was to ride, and how he'd been riding it on the rough little campsite trails all day.

Then he went looking for the reflector that had fallen off the pedal somewhere, and tried to replace the rubber seal which had worked its way out of the headset.

In short, department store bikes are fine for people who aren't going to spend too much time on them or do anything strenuous. Some of my happiest times were on my old Huffies and no-name bikes I had as a kid. But if you're planning a more intense relationship with your bike, better look at the bike shop or for a good used bike.

I have seen lots of junk at the LBS too, and some ill-informed staff. The worst thing about ill-informed LBS staff is they can make you commit to a very large purchase without really understanding it. If LBS staff were so brilliant then bike cranks might also come in meaningfully different sizes, not just frames. Most LBS staff stilll just asks you to straddle the bike to size it. Give me a break. As to the lower line shimano stuff, it may actually have more steel relative to aluminum, and therefore be less subject to failure. Wrt the frames, if you cannot tell if a frame is heavy or not by picking it up, then it is time to see doctor, or compete in the world's strongest man competition. I don't thin frame flex is an issue in the lower lines. you might get really crummy wheels, but I have had really nice wheels come right out of true on the first ride too.

I don't think the bikes you get by bottom feeding either at Walmart or the LBS will satisfy the real hard core among bikers. but then those hard core cyclists probably spend a lot less on their skis and boots than I do. I am also willing to bet that the LBS is a lot like the local ski shop- not much talent. If you really want a top notch product then you don't go either to the LBS or Wal-Mart, you go to a top notch store. In skiing I would only get my boots worked on at Green Mountain bootfitters in stratton vermont or ski center in DC. I know a ouple of other guys, but I would bet it is like that with bikes, too. If you are going to pay full retail, then don't go to the LBS where a community college wannabe will have you straddle a frame. go to a real shop.


In the meantime, if you are just riding the local rail-to-trail with a 15 mph speed limit or chaining your bike to outside racks for hours on end and hoping it will still be there when you come back, your $150 special will serve your needs better than a $20,000 custom made unobtanium frame on 700x20c tires.

I only had that much to spend as well. I went to my shop, learned what to look for and spent what my neighbour did new at his local Wal-Mart for his bike but I bought mine used at a police auction.

My bike lasted 11 years and 53,000 kms before I replaced it, he had his bike 3 years and put 300 kms before he had to replace it.

Last month I visited a ToysRUS in Midtown Manhattan and noticed the brand new Schwins on display. Contrary to popular opinion, here's what I discovered.

1. These are NOT junk bikes. The $179.00 plus tax Schwinns sold at Kmart and ToysRUS are the SAME low end models sold at your local bike shop. YUP. It's true. Cycling magainze actually compared the Schwinns sold at Kmart and those at your LBS and found the specs to be almost exactly alike. Furthermore, you can upgrade the Kmart Schwinn just as you would a bike at the LBS. These are not throwaways.

2. One thing is certain. The bikes were poorly assembled. The breaks were touching the rims, tires underinflated, gears out of wack. If you don't know a thing about bicycles, you're better off heading to the LBS because there's about 3 to 8 hours work ahead of you.

If you want to learn on how to build and repair bikes, this would certainly be a good training machine to do it on. I like the paint job and the quality surprised me. The Roadmaster and Huffy models are another story. These two are the "JUNK BIKE" class and should be avoided.

Having said that. Next month, I'm considering buying a brand new ROADMASTER! Yes.. It's true... A ROADMASTER. Zoom Zoom. These bikes are selling for $60.00 at ToysRUS and with the Transit subway going up to $2.00 USD for a single ride, I'm going to need a bike to take me cross town or about 15 blocks. I figure, the bike will pay itself off within 15 days if it lasts that long. I'm sure it will. First I'm going to have to tape and scratch it up since this bike will need to look like a wreck if it's going to last on the mean streets of New York City. I'll chain it and leave there every day by the ferry and if gets stolen, I'm not going to cry about it. My Kryptonite New York Chain will be worth more than than the bike!

Yes there is a need for junk bikes. I'll post pictures of my new junk Roadmaster if I buy one at the end of the month. I'm still looking for a used junk 3 speed but these bikes are selling for $150.00 USD! Maybe I'll simply use my folding bike but secruity at the train station is a real pain and ANY bike is seen as a threat. Thus the need for the junk bike.

Considering you're purpose for the bike, I would suggest a better bike. For $50 you can get the giant sedona not top of the line but it is only $219.. or the Boulder SE for $249. Either one will last you ALOT longer and you can have the bike shop swap the tires right there for just the cost difference in the tires. And you will get a properly fitted bike with ALOT better components and wheels. There seems to be a big misconception of lower end bikes at a LBS, that you are going to spend $500 vs the $200 at wallmart. YOu can find a lower end bike at the LBS for around $200-300.

Originally posted by zman92atl
Actually if anyone here from ATL area uses them what are your thoughts?? It is Cycleworks on Holcomb Bridge Road. I know most of you probably don't agree with how I'm going about this but it suits me better for my needs and wants and of course the best thing is I get to ride.

On the bike shops, Cycleworks is an excellent shop. In fact, next time you're in say hello to Jan, Alan & Matt. Alan & Matt are two of the best mechanics in the Atlanta area and Jan always goes out of her way to make sure you get the right answers, right bikes, etc... I met them years ago at Free Flite in Marietta, before they moved over to Cycleworks. Really nice folks.

Other really good shops that I have been to include:
- The Bicycle Link in the Buckhead Triangle
- Roswell Bicycles behind Andretti's on Houze Way
- Free Flite in Marietta

All I'll say about department store bicycles is that they account for 90% or more of all bicycle sales in the US. They certainly serve a purpose but how many do you actually see being ridden? When you do see them, how are they used and who is riding them?

This isn't bicycle elitism, just a reality check. One of the worst things that can happen with a new cyclist is a bad experience -- one that is so bad that someone decides cycling isn't for them. We see this all the time with tandems -- which are hard to find, relatively expensive compared to what most folks are used to spending on a bicycle and do require proper instruction. Department store bicycles -- for a variety of reasons -- have a long history of providing buyers with bad first experiences. If this wasn't so a lot more people might be out riding them.

My friend had one of those Walmart Mongoose full-suspension bikes. I say had, because it broke in half while mountain biking! The only thing holding the frame together was the cables! That right there says a lot. The trail wasn't even that rocky. Like others have said, those bikes are cruising bikes, and fail when asked to work for a living.

Originally posted by Dahon.Steve
... Maybe I'll simply use my folding bike but secruity at the train station is a real pain and ANY bike is seen as a threat. Thus the need for the junk bike.


Can you explain the security aspect of this ? Why is a folding bike a security threat ?


Also the midwest landscape is literally littered with 26" "English Racers" and 3 speed Sturmey Archer hubs. Leave your name and number at a local thrift shop or get a Sunday paper and check for garage sales in your area. The going rate here is about $25.00 and that comes with a rack and fenders.

Dan

Great comments everyone! I can't find anything to add!

Well - one little anectdote: A guy that used to work here was pretty excited about riding with us during lunch. He went out and bought a Walmart cheapo. We "spoke the message" about buying a quality bike. By the end of our one hour - fairly easy XC ride at a local park...he had:

Bent both rims to the point of being unusable.
Bent the handlebars down about 15 degrees.
Felt very out of control on the downhill sections because the brakes were so weak...his hands were cramped and sore by the time we returned to work.

He was soured by the experience unfortunately - returned the bike and never went again.

>>>>>Can you explain the security aspect of this ? Why is a folding bike a security threat ?<<<<<

I used to take my folding bike on the train into Manhattan but recent events continues to make this more difficult each week. The police and the national guard stop me and sometimes will not allow me to pass. I'm tired of of the whole situation. I guess they think my bike has bombs in its tubes or a biological weapon in disguise?? It's just a sign of the times.


>>>>Also the midwest landscape is literally littered with 26" "English Racers" and 3 speed Sturmey Archer hubs. Leave your name and number at a local thrift shop or get a Sunday paper and check for garage sales in your area. The going rate here is about $25.00 and that comes with a rack and fenders.<<<<

I'm trying my best to get hold of a three speed Stumey Archer English racer that I can park on the mean streets of Manhattan. (with Kryptonite lock ofcourse) Unfortunately, these bikes are going for $150.00+ in New York City!! Yes it's true. Beater junk bikes are NOT cheap where I live! This is the reason why I'm seriously thinking of buying a disposable Roadmaster for my commuting. It will ONLY be used for cross town (about 15 blocks in total) and thus save me $4.00 dollars per day. I can buy a new one every 4 months and save nearly $300.00 in the process!! My real bike will be parked on the other side of the river for my longer commute home.

Anyone have any ideas what I should do with the old Roadmaster once I'm done with it after four months? I'd feel guilty if I gave this bike away and someone got into a serious wreck!

Check your PM's Dahon You've got an OLD one there.

Originally posted by Dahon.Steve
[BAnyone have any ideas what I should do with the old Roadmaster once I'm done with it after four months? I'd feel guilty if I gave this bike away and someone got into a serious wreck! [/B]

We have locaol charities that rebuild the bikes for poor kids etc...(some even ship them to africa) look for something similar locally.

Originally posted by Dahon.Steve
Anyone have any ideas what I should do with the old Roadmaster once I'm done with it after four months? I'd feel guilty if I gave this bike away and someone got into a serious wreck!

Everyone hates Roadmasters. My wife and I had a pair for 10 years. They never had ANY kind of maintenance. They sat, unused in my shed for MOST of those 10 years. I took them out, aired up the tires and we rode the heck out of them for the next 2 months with NO problems of ANY kind. I put on slicks because we only rode street with them. The knobbies were fine. I 'tuned' them myself. By that I mean I turned some screws on the derailleurs because a) the shifting was a little slow (from day one) and b) I had NO idea what I was doing. But the shifting was better.
When we got "real" bikes, I gave the RMPOSes to my sister. Her hubby has been riding the thing all over the place with no more maintenance than I ever did to it.

We have a group down here that will take bikes and fix them up for homeless/carless folks to help them on the road to recovery. Find someplace like that to "dump" your (4 mos) old Roadmaster. They'll be glad to have them without fear of some massive failure.:rolleyes:

Bike shops aren't problem-proof either. When I bought my gf her Raleigh, I had to take it back a couple of times for some derailleur installation problems. One of the wheels had fallen out of true, even. The mechanic just made up an excuse about how many different people assemble the bikes and that I didn't need a wheel trueing.

Yeah, right. They assemble the bikes right in the shop! :o So I ended up truing the wheels at home. Good practice. ;)

Anyway, back to the first question. I got my bike for $172 on eBay, used '91 Trek 7000 aluminum bike weighing less than 30 pounds (haven't weighed it yet, but feels hella light! :D). If I were you, I'd go on eBay and get a used bike. Don't worry about components because all components fit all bikes, regardless of the frame size. All bikes are upgradeable. There are very few exceptions to this, and usually that's because the bike's REALLY old, like 30 years old.

Usually, if the bike's a high-end bike, it'll come with quality components and it'll give you some good times before you have to really start spending cash on it to fix it. It may need some maintenance, but nothing that'll break your bank. A new chain costs less than $15 now.

Since you are posting on this board, I figure you are experienced enough to know what bike's a good bike, so even if you find a Walmart bike that's got a good frame, remember: components can be swapped out!!

Also the support you get from your LBS, will make up for alot of the cost. My brother bought a low end KHS bike from his LBS, they gave him 3 years free maintenance on it. Imagine how much that saves you alone. Bikes from a LBS on average will last longer, for example I picked up a bianchi from the thrift shop, still had original components from what I could tell, and runs beautifuly. $20 for the bike, and replaced the look pedals with some clipped style pedals I had in my garage, and set of tires I was not using. I was amazed how smooth that bike still ran, and it had to be over 20 years old!

It would be nice if the LBS did quality work ... maybe it's just me, but it seems like the mechanics at the LBS around here are more concerned with assembling new bikes than they are about fixing customers' rides.

Well, I think it's all been said twice, so unless you have further questions, chose wisely and good luck!

You will find some good LBS and some bad ones. No doubt about that, but you will find the same in any service oriented business. I'm sure you can't find one person that has not had a bad experience with some type of service they have had done in the past.

A Walmart Schwinn might be fine for tooling around town but it is definitely a low end bike. Using such a bike might be an interesting strategy for a cross country trip. When it breaks down, you just throw it away and buy another from the nearest Walmart!

Seriously, if I were planning a cross country trip, I'd invest in a good quality bike. The extra cost for the bike is minimal compared to the total cost of the trip. May as well get a bike that will be comfortable during those many, many miles in the saddle and be less likely to break down 100 miles from the nearest bike shop.

That's not a bad idea supcom.. Figure on a one way cross country trip. Pickup a $60 walmart bike, figure on about $200-300 on bike cost for the trip. Probably pickup a decent saddle to help out. But as it brakes down 3-5 times across the US you pickup a new one. Then just toss it and fly back home the other day.

Originally posted by Chi
up truing the wheels at home. Good practice. ;)

Anyway, back to the first question. I got my bike for $172 on eBay, used '91 Trek 7000 aluminum bike weighing less than 30 pounds (haven't weighed it yet, but feels hella light! :D). If I were you, I'd go on eBay and get a used bike. Don't worry about components because all components fit all bikes, regardless of the frame size. All bikes are upgradeable. There are very few exceptions to this, and usually that's because the bike's REALLY old, like 30 years old.

Usually, if the bike's a high-end bike, it'll come with quality components and it'll give you some good times before you have to really start spending cash on it to fix it. It may need some maintenance, but nothing that'll break your bank. A new chain costs less than $15 now.

Since you are posting on this board, I figure you are experienced enough to know what bike's a good bike, so even if you find a Walmart bike that's got a good frame, remember: components can be swapped out!!


Thanks for the suggestion, but I am skeptical about buying the bicycle on ebay because I can not test ride it and see if it feels "RIGHT" to me. I have spent the whole day here in LA visiting different bike shops, and from about 10 bikes, only 3 would feel good enough. Some would have the handle bar too close which would make me feel unsafe, others would be too short, or too long. Basically some will just not fit me.

I see that Wal Mart bike issue has been discussed a lot in previous threads... However, I still disagree with many things said regarding this, and still HAVE my own opinion.
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts. I have some time to choose the bicycle, and will let you all know what it will be.
Hey, maybe I should actually get that ugly Wal mart two wheeler, ride it across Canada and change the stereotypes a little? :D Or maybe Wal Mart would even sponsor my trip as it serves a good advertisement purpose. This would also add, actual FACTS about using Wal Mart sold bicycles, as there are very little people who are speaking from their OWN experience instead of their beliefs.

With Best Regards...

Well Inoplanetyanin, from my personal experience, I have done repair work on more of wally world bikes than I have the rigs I sell or have sold. I also notice the ride quality is not the same form mass merchant dealers as are the bikes I sell or even own. For one the quality of the bearings in the wheels and hubs in my rigs are superior. Same goes for the bottom brackets and the components that make up the wheels. Thus it gives a smoother ride. Also the brake componets are superior mainly in the springs which make for safer stopping. As far as fit goes your LBS should be able to fit the bike to you easily. I for example normally will do this at no extra charge barring the componets you choose are not an upgrade to the stock ones.
Also I gurantee my builds to be safe and assembled correctly. I give a year free service.
It has also been my experience that the assemblers at the mass merchant for the most part are nowhere near qualified to build the bike correctly. I doubt very seriously that out of a mass mercant store that you could ride it across Canada. Also for the type of riding you are talking about, from a safety point of view, unless you are going to learn bike mechanics very soon, you may want to go talk to your LBS about your fit issues again.

Originally posted by Hunter
Well Inoplanetyanin, from my personal experience, I have done repair work on more of wally world bikes than I have the rigs I sell or have sold. I also notice the ride quality is not the same form mass merchant dealers as are the bikes I sell or even own. For one the quality of the bearings in the wheels and hubs in my rigs are superior. Same goes for the bottom brackets and the components that make up the wheels. Thus it gives a smoother ride. Also the brake componets are superior mainly in the springs which make for safer stopping. As far as fit goes your LBS should be able to fit the bike to you easily. I for example normally will do this at no extra charge barring the componets you choose are not an upgrade to the stock ones.
Also I gurantee my builds to be safe and assembled correctly. I give a year free service.
It has also been my experience that the assemblers at the mass merchant for the most part are nowhere near qualified to build the bike correctly. I doubt very seriously that out of a mass mercant store that you could ride it across Canada. Also for the type of riding you are talking about, from a safety point of view, unless you are going to learn bike mechanics very soon, you may want to go talk to your LBS about your fit issues again.


To give some information:

I worked as an automechanic for over a year, I always fix my own cars myself and was also riding a motorcycle for two years(including US to Canada trips. Yamaha Maxim 650cc). I am studying to be a mechanical engineer.
As far as bicycle, I have ridden one for 17 years in Russia. The same, stock - one speed bike! The only thing that iventually had to be replaced on it, was the rear axle that combines the brake inside, - one that engages when it is turned backwards. The reason that part broke is because I used to run the bicycle fast over a tramplin and then brake with sliding the sheel... Bike was 24 inch wheels, Orlenok, ... teenagers bike. It was used suverly for towing 60,70 kg metal beams for our bulinding house that was 17 kms away from the city. Even my father rode it bike sometimes. All this tells me that the quality of that mass produced bike, sold at a place similar to Wal Mart, in the 80s... was good enough for what I am going to do. Again, all the bearing, chain, frame and pedal components were original while tires were changed 3 times.
If something breaks on the bike from Wal Mart, I beleive I will be able to fix it. As I am going to take extra spare parts anyway, for any bike, I believe it is life important to have them ready, when you are cycling alone somewhere in NorthWesrt Territories...

Many people who study economics know, that often, best sales can be reached when the price on the item is less, because it will result in more overall sales.
Now, I am not talking about classic, expensive bicycles or ones from Europe, but all bikes that are sold at supermarkets, are made either in China, Taiwan, Thailad or other Asian country with low labor rates. Also, I noticed that low end bikes that were sold in the Local Bike Shop that I visited, were also labeled "made in China". That makes me think that the product is generally similar, bike are more expensive because people who assemble them in a bike shop, need to get paid for their time on the job, plus additional warranty, better customer service, adjustments, reputation and so on.
In fact, one of bike mechanic in Helens Cycle, in Monrovie, or Duarte(not exactly sure, it's on Huntington Drive, near 210 Freeway West), that mechanic said that the low end China made bikes are very similar with what is sold at Wal Mart, and he beleives that the major problem is, of course, not experienced asseblers...
enough for right now...
:)

It's funny to read people who say they wear out a bike in three months...

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
This would also add, actual FACTS about using Wal Mart sold bicycles, as there are very little people who are speaking from their OWN experience instead of their beliefs.

You want facts? Big box bikes are designed to be disposible. If a 90 day warranty isn't indicative of that, I don't know what is. Simply because they have the same country of origin doesn't mean the bicycles are of comparable quality. All Shimano components are not of nearly the same quality, and I could go on and on from there. Look closesly at an inexpensive bike at a LBS and at one at a big box store-you'll start to see many differences. Pick 'em both up as well-there will likely be a substantial weight difference. Don't even get me started on build quality. Think your local Wal Mart even has a truing stand?
It's like comparing a Chevy to a Cadillac-you get what you pay for.
I work at a bike shop so you might go so far as to say I have some experience in this area. I work on big box bikes all the time. Usually by the time I get it in a suitable/safe riding condition it would've been cheaper to get a bike from me.
Oh, didn't you used to be on Altimas.net?

As a matter of fact, Chevy is exactly the same as Cadillac. Just have a different badge. Many engines are the same as well as other components. Ask any mechanic, he will tell you. GM doesnt make a different quality parts for Cadillac or Oldsmobile, Chevrolet or Buick. The Difference is in acessorie level, name, size and other similarly related factors.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
The Difference is in acessorie level, name, size and other similarly related factors.
Exactly the point I was making with the analogy. Look at the bikes closely and you'll see that.
How's the Altima?

Originally posted by Waldo
You want facts? Big box bikes are designed to be disposible.
>What proofs are behind this statement?

If a 90 day warranty isn't indicative of that, I don't know what is.

>90 days is because they dont want to have too many people >comming back with replacements or repairs. It's a mass >production and mass selling business, there is a difference with >few people that u see in bike shops.

Simply because they have the same country of origin doesn't mean the bicycles are of comparable quality.

>I didn't say that...
>What I mean is, the price of the bicycle will be determinded by >the net cost, amount of money that manufacturer has to put >into it to build it. Money for the steel, different bolts, plastic, >rubber and so forth.
>Higher quality material is used, the higher the price will be. >However, it doesnt mean that the bike will be sold at a higher >price that those that were chaper to build.
>Let's say it costs $100 for to order all necessary parts to >assemble a giant bike. In order to make money, the price will go >150 for assembling plant, then it goes $170 for shipping it to >US, now you have retailer that also need profit. Here you go, >the price of the bike is over $250- $300.
>While from the factory, box withh all parts could be let go for >$100. If you dont agree with this concept, I have no other thing >to tell you.

All Shimano components are not of nearly the same quality, and I could go on and on from there.

>I dont know what's behind shimano. I am not an expert, a >seller, a shipment person, and I don't beleive you are as well.

Look closesly at an inexpensive bike at a LBS and at one at a big box store-you'll start to see many differences.

>We are not comparing the cheapest Wal Mart bikes.
>The beginning was about a Schwinn Wal Mart bike. Of course >roadmaster or some Glacier point is worse, as it has caliper >brakes, plastic brake levers, twisted black metal tube for the >pedal...
>Compare similar bike!

Pick 'em both up as well-there will likely be a substantial weight difference.

Yes, and the price is different. What makes the bike weight more is the steel frame and heavier rims.

Don't even get me started on build quality. Think your local Wal Mart even has a truing stand?

>We are not comparing a build quality. Already talked about this. >Look above.


It's like comparing a Chevy to a Cadillac-you get what you pay for.

>Said above. You are wrong with that statement.

I work at a bike shop so you might go so far as to say I have some experience in this area. I work on big box bikes all the time.

>What is a "big box bike"?

Usually by the time I get it in a suitable/safe riding condition it would've been cheaper to get a bike from me.

>Again, you are talking about labor of a bike shop technician.

Oh, didn't you used to be on Altimas.net?

>You have a personal problem with me? First you would have to >Tell me enough about >yourself, and I might consider answering >you on this!

Originally posted by Waldo
Exactly the point I was making with the analogy. Look at the bikes closely and you'll see that.
How's the Altima?

What point were you making?

My point is is that the quality of the parts is the same on Cadillac, as it is on the Chevrolet!
Acessories is a crouise control, codillac emblem, leather seats, climate control and so forth...

With bike, we were talking about reliability, not acessories!

Originally posted by Waldo
[B]You want facts?
B]

You misunderstood. By experience is meant an experience with Wal Mart bicycles. You obviouslt don't have it and you can't have it because you sell bike in a bike shop!

All you "facts" is just your humble opinion.

Originally posted by Waldo

Oh, didn't you used to be on Altimas.net?

You want to know something personal about me?
Well, I don't feel like getting personal with you, so I expect you to drop this subject. You don't interest me personally..., not to say more.

Please, only bike related subjects.

In the end it is up to you, if you want to purchase the one at WallMart go for it. You sound like you know enough to work on some of the things on you're bike on your own. I would suggest against the $10 tires atleast though, they won't wear near as well, or resist flats near as well.

If bike shop does not take the time to try to get a bike your size to fit your correctly by swapping the stem... seats etc don't buy their. Most important is you enjoy the bike, if you feel that the walmart bike will fit the needs buy it, and enjoy riding it and by the time you go you will know whether it will be able to make the trip or not.

Originally posted by Kev
In the end it is up to you, if you want to purchase the one at WallMart go for it. You sound like you know enough to work on some of the things on you're bike on your own. I would suggest against the $10 tires atleast though, they won't wear near as well, or resist flats near as well.

If bike shop does not take the time to try to get a bike your size to fit your correctly by swapping the stem... seats etc don't buy their. Most important is you enjoy the bike, if you feel that the walmart bike will fit the needs buy it, and enjoy riding it and by the time you go you will know whether it will be able to make the trip or not.

The reason for the forum was a wish to find out wether people had any actual experiense with those bikes, if yes, what exactly didnt last'... and so forth.
Pretty much only thing I see is general comments on safety issues... "valuing your life"... etc.
Of course I will buy whatever I will choose to buy, no one pushes me. Except, actually, salespeople in bike shops. They are often very pushy... :) While at Wal Mart, Lady wanted to get back to her shelves...

There are some good and bad sides about both choises, Wal Mart and bikes sold at the Shop.

Gone for today.
Best regards to everybody...

So you're saying that there's nothing wrong with them designing a disposible bike? Yes, it's effective as a business model (Actually not, Kmart is soon to leave the bike business and other big box stores are said to be considering this as well) and they fulfill this purpose well. What they don't provide is a reliable bike. Saftey is an issue that we'll set aside with build quality.
As for your bit about me not being an expert about Shimano, I'd go so far as to say that I'd probably qualify, what with all the tech seminars they hold that I've been to and the work that I do on their components. Oh, and being a certified Shimano wheel tech probably doesn't mean much to you either, am I right?
Even a big box Schwinn will be of inferior quality to a Schwinn you'd find at a bike shop. Entirely different frame and components again.
Personal problem with you? :rolleyes: I don't waste my time with e-thuging. Just thought I remembered you from another site, is that so wrong?
Not quite sure how my statement about it being cheaper to buy a bike from me than to buy a big box bike and bring it to me when (not if) something breaks is irrelevant due to labor costs. Just look at parts cost for a wheel that will almost invariably taco and you're already at the cost differential.
I can't have experience with Wal Mart bikes because I work at a shop? That's hilarious. I work on these bikes fairly often, test ride them after the repairs, and have customers continually tell me, "I should've just gotten a bike from you," but that's not experience?
In any case, I'm done trying to have an intelligent discussion with you on the subject as you're clearly not interested in that.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
You want to know something personal about me?

Nope. See my other post.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
It's funny to read people who say they wear out a bike in three months...

I go through wheels quickly...freewheels faster...pedals pretty quick depending on quality. Medium end seatpost in a month or so and chain in a fairly short time. My bb lasts around 9 months. All of this is with constant fiddling and maintenance. Quite simply I ride very hard and have broken a couple of frames over the years...it is a matter of riding style.

Sounds like a walmart bike will be fine for you and your riding style but having ridden one for fun I KNOW I would destroy the bike, cook it and then eat it for lunch. And thats only the frame. The parts (non of them) would last a month. The wheelsets on them will be very poor and weak. While you may not be rough on it replace the rear hub at least otherwise the freewheel / cassette will cause problems...

And you don't have to ride the bike AT ALL to know the quality. I can walk you through each part and explain its weakness having never ridden them. I am sure you can do the same thing in regards to cars (which I know nothing about) and I would trust your opinion enough to continue asking others. You have had a 100% disapproval rate in regards to the quality of these bikes yet . Maybe with your riding it will last but most people here are at least remotely rough on bikes and know that the drive train, wheelset and many other parts will break sooner than later under normal conditions. Requiring us to ride the bike to offer an opinion is a cop-out.

Cheers enjoy the bike and ride. If you consider it a disposable bike and it works for you I am just glad you are riding as everyone should be :). Oh and the other thing that 'good' bikes do is save weight, and while I am the last to actually care about weight of my bike, walmart / sears / cheapo bikes ALL outweight my beast, which is heavy for a set purpose. :)

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
What point were you making?

My point is is that the quality of the parts is the same on Cadillac, as it is on the Chevrolet!
Acessories is a crouise control, codillac emblem, leather seats, climate control and so forth...

With bike, we were talking about reliability, not acessories!

Your drive train quality and the quality of your wheels are DIRECTLY relational to the reliability of the bike. The parts on that bike (or any low end bike) do not compare in any way to the part on my bike except in theory only (deraileur function for example is the same but the design / materials inside / smoothness as a result of higher quality). And again I will state I don't need to own the bike to know this.