General Cycling Discussion - Bell and Schwinn parts at Wal-mart

Wal-mart carries Bell products and Meijer (a regional store similar to Wal-mart) carries Schwinn products. What I'm wondering is if these products are any good. What I'm most curious about is the quality of the tubes and tires. I usually ride about 20-30 miles every couple of days and I'm soon going on a 140 mile bike trip.

Not with a 10 foot pole. I wouldn't let their computers recognize that a real cyclist was even in their store. Take a trip to your LBS, unless that's why you are asking the question about the Marts. Your LBS will have better stuff and somebody to actually help if you have a ?.

That's what I figured. Do LBSs sell quality stuff at the same price though?

What about the other stuff at Wal-mart like the headlights and panniers?

Can't speak for the other stuff through personal experience, but Bell tubes and chains work just fine for commuting and utility applications. Or you can go to the LBS and spend more for something that suits the same application.

Of course the LBS will (should) have a knowledgeable staff, and higher quality accessories.

Inner tubes are just rubber, so it probably makes no difference as far as utility goes.
The reason you by from the LBS and not Walmart is because you want to support the local business that walmart is putting out of business.



That's what I figured. Do LBSs sell quality stuff at the same price though?
What about the other stuff at Wal-mart like the headlights and panniers?
They sell quality stuff at reasonable prices; the stuff at Walmart is cheap because its junk.

Not much if any difference in the tube at WM/Meijers versus the cheapest tubes at the LBS. Want a quality tube? Buy the Scwhalbe, they will run you around $15 for a road sized tire, but you can tell a difference. FWIW I run the less expensive tubes and chains on my 3 speed bikes with good results. I was interested to note that the last Bell branded chain I bought from somewhere (I know damned well it WASN'T WM) had KMC stamped on the side plates. It was lighter weight than the OEM Raleigh chain that I was replacing, but that is a 30+ year difference in products too.;)

Aaron:)

Important to note that most tubes are being produced by the same factories and rebranded for Bell, Schwinn, Giant, Nashbar, whoever.

There is generally nothing wrong with their products and they make cycling more affordable to casual cyclists.

Also good when you are doing late night repairs and need that extra part.

Problem is you have to go to a walmart to buy one. I personally don't like getting scratches or dents in my car from parking there (certaily no rack to lock a bike), then have to stand in line for 25 minutes because the one lane that open is backed up. I asked someone there if they were going to open more lanes "ain't my job" was the answer I got, havent been back since. Is it really worth it to save .05 to have to deal with bad service. of course living in a city I find that there ar at least a half dozen other stores that beat WM's price.

Not with a 10 foot pole. I wouldn't let their computers recognize that a real cyclist was even in their store.
I think I would rather rub shoulders with trailer trash than a self anointed Real Cyclist.

I always use go to Walmart for Bell tire tubes. I was pleasantly suprised that they carry 26 x 1 3/8 tires. My LBS makes a big deal about ordering them. My townie has a brown Bell seat (the one with the springs underneath) and that is a comfy seat. The Bell Ipulse (http://www.amazon.com/Bell-iPulse-LED-Bike-Torch/dp/B001TZO5UQ) led torchlight is one of the brightest lights I've seen and it's small enough for me to remove and use at work as a flashlight. It has steady and blinky mode.
Ernest

The tires don't seem to be very good quality, but it seems they are all folding now (Kevlar bead) - easier to set up on the shelf. At least that's nice.

The tires don't seem to be very good quality, but it seems they are all folding now (Kevlar bead) - easier to set up on the shelf. At least that's nice.
This is an amazing story, but it's true.
Wal-mart is actively pushing down the cost of folding-bead tires, because Wal-mart doesn't want the shipping and shelf display hassles of the wire-bead tires.
~

I like going to WalMart. My local store has had Bell carbon fiber bottle cages on display for $29 for several months. I'm curious to know why? And, have they sold any? That's the only bike bling I've ever seen in a WalMart.

I buy Bell fingerless gloves for summer riding at Walmart. Cheap ($5/pair) and comfy. Winter-weight gloves come from the LBS. Tubes and tires for my beach cruiser come from Walmart, too.

If you think the quality is the same as the LBS, you're underestimating WalMart's leverage with its suppliers. You either meet their cost demands, or you lose out on the world's #1 retail outlet. WalMart does not care about quality the way it cares about price.

I'm not saying there's not a place in your stable for WalMart tubes/tires, but they are not the same.

When I rode my MTB more often, I always bought tubes and tires from Walmart, but they never have 27" for my road bike. In fact, of the 3 bike shops near me, only 1 does, and it's the one that I refuse to do business with. When I needed 26 inch slick tires for my MTB, and the LBS didn't carry them, I went to K-mart, and got a set for $5. They are still riding like new. I'll take that over $50 LBS tire sets any day

I used to also buy brake pads from there, but within the last 10 years, all they have in that line is junk, and not worth the $4 you'll pay.

I have only used cyclo-computers from walmart also. I can calibrate them just as accurately as the more expensive ones. I bought my water bottle cage from there, because a cage is a cage. No use spending a ton of money on a piece of plastic from china.

As I mentioned, I stopped buying brake pads from Walmart. I also might stop buying their pumps, because they break so quickly. Maybe I'll try a real computer someday. But they alsways come through for me when I need tires and tubes!

Basically, they're all Kenda tires, so what's the difference between buying them there for $8 versus paying $16 for the same exact low-end tires at the LBS?

What you you can get at the LBS, though, is more variety, better performance, better puncture resistance, etc. If you are just gonna buy the cheapies at the LBS, save your money and go to a big box. If you want something more than the bottom of the barrel, the LBS is the place to go.

I'm not saying there's not a place in your stable for WalMart tubes/tires, but they are not the same.

Are you saying you think it's more cost effective for a inner tube factory in China to set up a whole new production line to make special tubes for Wal-Mart rather than just repackaging the tubes rolling off their current assembly line and selling them to WM for $0.75 less than they sell them to everyone else for?! I strongly doubt this.

I used to work in magazine distribution and a big part of my business was selling magazines to WalMart and I can tell you they did buy the mags for cheaper than mom-n-pop grocery store but they weren't buying special/different/less expensive magazines from the publishers I represented. If you can get your item sold at walmart even if you have a very slim profit margin you'll likely still make money because the volume of product that WM can move is ridiculous.

I have purchased Schwinn and Bell Helmets at WM they cost much less.

Are you saying you think it's more cost effective for a inner tube factory in China to set up a whole new production line to make special tubes for Wal-Mart rather than just repackaging the tubes rolling off their current assembly line and selling them to WM for $0.75 less than they sell them to everyone else for?! I strongly doubt this.

I used to work in magazine distribution and a big part of my business was selling magazines to WalMart and I can tell you they did buy the mags for cheaper than mom-n-pop grocery store but they weren't buying special/different/less expensive magazines from the publishers I represented. If you can get your item sold at walmart even if you have a very slim profit margin you'll likely still make money because the volume of product that WM can move is ridiculous.

Big difference between magazines and a manufactured product. And yes WM does have factories make special runs of things for them, especially in some of the larger ticket items like electronics. Problem with the still making money part is that WM will keep coming back and wanting you to lower the cost to them and eventually you won't be making money, and when you dedicate too much of your total production to making things just for WM you are screwed if you can't meet their demands.

Aaron:)

I don't know the name of my Led Tail Light. But I got it at wal mart for cheap and it is rated very well when I first got it. Just put batteries and they last a long time... I have gotten several things from there because of the price. And it's not all that bad. Certain things I will get at the LBS such as my bike. I also get multi bike tools from walmart...It really depends on what you need. There is one LBS by me that I will go to and one I won't. I grew up in Maine and when I was 12 I had a paper route and went to my LBS Quinns to get my first bike. It was a Univega I believe. I loved that things. Well at 15 I moved to Fl.. Lived there for 16 years. Last year I was back in Maine, and wanted to start biking again. I was suprised to see QUINNS still there. Same Owner and his wife!!!! I walked in and he recognized me!!! It was really cool. So he gave me a deal on a bike and his wife even offered me to go upstairs and get some supper LOL! Was amazing.. I went there for my bike rack, Computer, Front LED light, New Tires Which he put on for free while I was there.. Also but my bike Lock, and air pump from them. I go from time to time to say hello...You can't get that service from Walmart. Thanks Quinn Cycles!!

I bought a set of folding kevlar tires for my mtb. They have lasted for 3 years and running with no noticeable wear. They cost me about $10 a piece. I'm not sure if Walmart sells tubes with presta valves or not.

I have to tell ya.I have two 70's paramounts that have Walmart tubes and neither one has complained.Nobody can tell what brand of tubes you are using.

Yeah, Walmart tubes might not be that great of quality, but I think they'd serve well as spare tubes in case I get a flat or something.

Big difference between magazines and a manufactured product. And yes WM does have factories make special runs of things for them, especially in some of the larger ticket items like electronics. Problem with the still making money part is that WM will keep coming back and wanting you to lower the cost to them and eventually you won't be making money, and when you dedicate too much of your total production to making things just for WM you are screwed if you can't meet their demands.

Aaron:)

There is also a huge difference between manufacturing rubber innertubes and consumer electronics. There are all kinds of ways to cheap out on electronics, whereas with tubes there are exactly two places to cheap out—the rubber and the valve. I expect that any tube manufacturer with any business sense is already making their bottom of the line tubes with the cheapest rubber and the cheapest valves they can. The cheap tubes you buy at Wal-Mart are going to be exactly the same as the cheap tubes you buy at the LBS.

As someone mentioned though—if you're not into buying the lowest-end tubes, you should probably go to the LBS.

My opinion on the matter is that most cyclists would never be able to tell the difference between the cheapie Wal-Mart tubes and the high-end LBS tubes as far as quality of ride. Perhaps (and I stress the perhaps) if they were tracking how many flats they got in a period of time, but there's no guarantee of that—cheap tubes pop, so do expensive ones. They're consumables.

Not with a 10 foot pole. I wouldn't let their computers recognize that a real cyclist was even in their store.

Wow!!

Hey everybody, look, a real cyclist. Not one of those poseurs you find riding around on a fixie, but and honest to goodness real velo-dude.

I started using walmart tubes when my LBS refused to take back a tube that had hole in it when I took it out of the box.

Since I WORK there, let me fill you in a little bit.

No presta valves, might be something they carry at one of the experimental "hi-end" bike racks; never seen one in real life, but have seen pix in the company pub "WM World".

Yup, kevlar bead tires, still feel like anchors. Good for casual riders/bikes.

Bought two helmet-mount headlights there...neither one from bike accessories. LED blinkies are pretty decent. But the Schwinn-branded model, throw away the crap headlight that comes with it, and use the blinky. 15 bucks.

They have a Bell-branded carbon bottle cage, it IS light, seems decent.

A few helmets are looking more like an acceptable one; my kids roll $25 specials, good ventilation and adjustment, marginal visors.

I can use the tubes for other family members' bikes, but not mine, my 819's need presta....

Basically, you get what you pay for.

I just bought a Schwinn Helmet and a bell from Wal-Mart today. Got the helmet for $25 and I love it! Fits real nicely and it looks awesome. Even has a blinking red LED in the back!

Tubes yes tires only in an emergency. But MY WM doesn't sell 700c tires anyway. And once a goat head gets through the tire any tube is going flat. Better to get a better grade tire. But for a spare tube WM has about the best prices. However if you have the time you can get them over the net for the same price. I used to get mine from my LBS and when I need the longer valve stem I still do. But when I last ordered new tires some friends and I all ordered together and got tires and tubes together and saved a bunch over the LBS prices.

Important to note that most tubes are being produced by the same factories and rebranded for Bell, Schwinn, Giant, Nashbar, whoever.

There is generally nothing wrong with their products and they make cycling more affordable to casual cyclists.

I know that this is the case with plastic cutlery, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same with other products.

... There are all kinds of ways to cheap out on electronics, whereas with tubes there are exactly two places to cheap out—the rubber and the valve....

Are you manufacturing in a location with environmental laws?
What is your average worker age?
How much do you spend on R&D?
Where is your engineering done?
How much do you spend on quality assurance?
Are you paying health benefits?
What is your acceptable initial failure rate?
Can you speed up your line to make more product in the same time?
Are there child labor laws?
Have you demanded a price reduction from your suppliers?
Where are your suppliers located?

Materials cost are not the only, or often easiest, place to cut corners in manufacturing.

Are you manufacturing in a location with environmental laws?
What is your average worker age?
How much do you spend on R&D?
Where is your engineering done?
How much do you spend on quality assurance?
Are you paying health benefits?
What is your acceptable initial failure rate?
Can you speed up your line to make more product in the same time?
Are there child labor laws?
Have you demanded a price reduction from your suppliers?
Where are your suppliers located?

Materials cost are not the only, or often easiest, place to cut corners in manufacturing.

Do you actually believe that the bicycle accessories sold at LBS's are manufactured by organizations that can answer these questions more to your liking than the manufacturers supplying the same products to xMarts?

I sometimes go into Walmart if it's convenient & I'm looking for something simple & cheap. Too much of the stuff has been patently unsuitable right out of the box, or breaks soon after purchase. Bought a '3-speed chain' there once & it was waaay too short for my normal-size 3-speed. Bought some pants there marked for my size but there was no room in the butt, they gave me a wedgie. The hose sprayer was nice at first but broke inside & couldn't be disassembled without totally breaking it. The Schwinn/Bell pump is difficult to use - holds the valve stem too tight or else leaks. Couldn't assemble the floor lamp because the parts absolutely did not fit together. This sort of thing keeps me from going back more often. Don't buy something complicated or expensive there.

I have to tell ya.I have two 70's paramounts that have Walmart tubes and neither one has complained.Nobody can tell what brand of tubes you are using.

I buy high quality tubes from LBS or mail order, the last thing I want is a flat when riding. I also change tires every three years, since tires dry out. The last thing I do is fill my tires with air once a week. I use a 110 volt Black & Decker pump with a gauge.

I have had almost know flats following the method above, it might cost a little more but its worth it!.

Went on a group ride yesterday and a guy had to dropout do his tire losing air. I looked at his tires and they looked old, fancy bike and computer. I really think you need to change tires every three years!

I've used WM tubes in my mtn bike for years with no problems. only reason why I was bout to buy tires from my LBS is cause WM didnt have the type I wanted (smooth inner, agressive outter knobs). Im looking to buy a rear rack for my bike from their, schwinn I think. wonder how good it is. I also bout a schwinn "computer" from target. for what I use it for, it works great. and I also get those bell fingerless gloves. but my new bike I bought from my LBS and any parts, I'll buy from their. acc or tubes, etc I'll get from wm, etc

I have no problem shopping at Wal Mart. They are what they are. Price is their raison d'tre. I wouldn't want to buy a bicycle from them. But for small things like tubes, straps, pouches, lubes, etc it's fine by me. I have a hard time believing that the $5 tube that I got from my LBS is that much different from the $3 tube at WM. But since my LBS is closer, I got it from them.

If Wallmart sold an airplane, would you fly in it?

If Wallmart sold an airplane, would you fly in it?
Nope. 'Course I wouldn't fly in one sold by my LBS either...

I've bought some blackburn products, which is a subsidiary of Bell. I have no complaints.

There is a lot of garbage being produced with Schwinn's name stamped on it. I bought a foot pump that was made by Schwinn and after a few uses, the pedal arms started flopping all over the place when they were forced to work. It wasn't well made at all.

with tubes there are exactly two places to cheap out—the rubber and the valve.
There is also the shaping of the tube. Cheap tubes are made from a long straight tube, nice tubes are molded in loops. When you inflate a cheap tube it does not assume the shape it will have when in the tire, while the nice tube will be round.

Do you actually believe that the bicycle accessories sold at LBS's are manufactured by organizations that can answer these questions more to your liking than the manufacturers supplying the same products to xMarts?

Well considering the last several accessories I purchased were made in the Netherlands or Germany...YES:thumb:

Aaron:)

Well considering the last several accessories I purchased were made in the Netherlands or Germany...YES:thumb:

Aaron:)

What Bell or Schwinn accessories did you find at your LBS that were made in the NL or DE?

Do you actually believe that the bicycle accessories sold at LBS's are manufactured by organizations that can answer these questions more to your liking than the manufacturers supplying the same products to xMarts?

You miss the point. Entirely. It's not about "my liking". It's about what WalMart does to its suppliers.

No other retailer has the clout, or the will for that matter, to squeeze suppliers the way WalMart does. Suppliers end up making sacrifices they'd never dreamed of before.

Looking at it another way, there's an old phrase - Cost, Quality, Delivery; pick any two. WalMart has chosen Cost and Delivery, and driven the cost down to the cellar.

thats why walmart is so great! where else can you buy a new shirt, bag of lye, shovel and a bag of chips for cheaper than a lawyer...........

Go support your LBS!!!

Walmart is ok for emergency items, a tube.... um.... maybe a blinker.
(*thinks for a bit*)
nope, that's it.

Tire pump, they are all garbage (ask me how I know)
General rule, if it has moving parts, skip Walmart (or any other department store)

You miss the point. Entirely. It's not about "my liking". It's about what WalMart does to its suppliers.

I didn't miss your point. What makes you think the suppliers of the same Bell and Schwinn parts and products to LBS's, which are in turn sold for a higher markup to the consumer, have a different corporate policy towards suppliers or their employees?

Go support your LBS!!!

Why?