Bicycle Mechanics - Okay, okay, you guys were right!

Remember that bike mentioned in a previous thread? The one from Target? Well, it took its final crap tonight. I'm taking it back tomorrow. Target offered me a full refund. It is pretty sad, when you consider that it has only lasted three months. I'm going to get a Giant Cypress LX tonight! I'm so excited! Any other recommendations in the under $500 range?

Was that the one you were having problems with the shifting on? Congrats on the new purchase decision. Buying bikes and bike stuff is always fun!

The Giant is a great value bike. I own an older Giant Farrago (very similar, had it since 1999) which I use for most of my commuting. It's taken a lot of abuse and never given me any problems. I usually hover around 220lbs and it's handled that extremely well.

You also can't go wrong with any of the big brands for this sort of bike. Check out the similar offerings from Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Fuji to name a few. If you have a bike shop in mind, check out what brands they sell. If not, I'm sure someone in your area can recommend some good shops. Now that you've been riding for a little while, you'll have a better appreciation of comfort on the bike. Take a few alternatives for a decent test ride and see which one feels the most comfortable.

Also, don't be afraid to ask the bike shop to give you a credit on any parts you'd like to switch out and/or upgrade such as saddles, cranks, derailleurs etc.

Fill us in on the story. I don't recall.

I was having all teh problems with shifting on the bike I bought from Target. I just got my new one!! I'm stoked!! I got a Trek 7500 FX, and I'm in love. Yeah, it's not the tip-top, but it's a gem to me!My new bike (http://bgindy.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1994&Catalog=1&sort=Price%20desc)

uh... wow.. and what a price jump too!!!

i really like the trek FX series.. congrats

Congrats on the new bike, bpohl. I've got a two year old Gary Fisher Utopia, which is essentially the 7500FX, but with a front shock. It's been a great bike and pretty much bomb-proof. It's been over a lot of different terrain with no problems and it's a fantastic foul weather ride. You'll love it.

Well, I'm usually not one to gloat, but since so many people chided me for telling you to bring the pile of junk back, I just have to say:

I told you so!!!

Congrats on the new bike, bpohl. I've got a two year old Gary Fisher Utopia, which is essentially the 7500FX, but with a front shock. It's been a great bike and pretty much bomb-proof. It's been over a lot of different terrain with no problems and it's a fantastic foul weather ride. You'll love it.

On this note, wil this bike be okay to ride in teh rain and nasty weather? I was thinking about keeping the old one around for the icky days, but if I can ride my Trek, then that would be cool.

Well, I'm usually not one to gloat, but since so many people chided me for telling you to bring the pile of junk back, I just have to say:

I told you so!!!

You have every right to say that. I still maintain, though, that at least the pile of junk got me into riding.

Wow, I'm impressed that Target gave you a full refund on a 3 month old bike. Try doing that at the LBS. :)

Congrats on the new bike. The 7500fx is a nice bike.

"On this note, wil this bike be okay to ride in teh rain and nasty weather? I was thinking about keeping the old one around for the icky days, but if I can ride my Trek, then that would be cool."

I last rode my Utopia 40 miles in a downpour in late October. The tires did a great job of keeping the water off my backside and providing a stable ride. My riding buddy had slicks and it was like he had his own personal biddet. I know that if I was on my road bike, I'd have taken a couple of spills at least.

I also took the Utopia on the Hiawatha Trail in northern Idaho last summer (take a look at the website - it's a great trail). It's a rails to trails ride, but not paved, so it's like 13 miles of a dirt and gravel road type experience. The bike came through like a champ. I was concerned with the low count spoke Bontrager Selects when I purchased the bike, but I've had zero problems with them and I've put them through a lot of potholes and varied terrain...and I'm no lightweight rider.

Enjoy your new ride and don't be concerned about its strength and ability to handle foul weather....it can take it.

On this note, wil this bike be okay to ride in teh rain and nasty weather? I was thinking about keeping the old one around for the icky days, but if I can ride my Trek, then that would be cool.

Consider getting fenders. They'll keep you and your bike drier. As long as the bike gets dried off when you're done and you keep the chain lubricated, you should be able to ride it in the rain. Just don't leave it outside.

Wow, I'm impressed that Target gave you a full refund on a 3 month old bike. Try doing that at the LBS. :)

Congrats on the new bike. The 7500fx is a nice bike.

I wouldn't have the nerve to ask for anything I used for three months. I may ask them to fix it, or replace it but a full refund? I think you got what you paid for, a very cheap bike.

You should be able to take anything back that wears out/breaks after 3 months if the life expectancy of the item is normally years. Even a cheap bike should last years under normal use. Also, stores like Target are much more worried about getting people to come back to their store than they are about the price of one bike.

Oh my! Deja Vu. I took mine back to Target too. Now I have bought 2 Trek 4300's in the last 4 months. LOL

BTW, I was worried about putting my first new Trek out in the elements. After the first snow hit and it was a choice between riding and not riding. THe Trek went out in the snow. It has been in the elements several times since. I just clean er up good when I get home.

Cleaning is a good form of maintenance regardless of the type of equipment. It makes things last longer and look nicer.

If your looking for a bargin LBS bike for commuting, try Diamondback. I've had a Sorrent for two years that I've ridden the hell out of and it's still going. The components may be the low end of Shimano or Sram, but with the proper care and a good LBS you'll be riding along fine.

Consumors have rights , some times you have to be difficult and having gone back over and over again for the same problem it was obviously a lemon .
Congrats on the new bike , enjoy yourself ; you´ve earned it .

ps more likely to get that type of service from a small shop than a chain but shops vary .