Bicycle Mechanics - Can I buy a chain at Walmart or what?

Should I get all picky and go to a real bike shop?

As long as it is a name brand chain (KMC, Shimano, Sram) I wouldn't worry. Make sure you get the right chain for your cassette.

Oh yes. Yes indeed. And thrice yes. There again, what brands of chain does that estimable emporium sell? If it's the main brands, and they're cheaper than the bike shop, why not? It seems, however, from my viewpoint an ocean away, that the Schwinn bicycles you buy in Wal-Mart are, by some mysterious alchemy, inferior to those to be had in bike shops. The same may be true of chains, even name brand ones. Probably better sticking with the bike shop, given the modest cost of a chain.

It seems, however, from my viewpoint an ocean away, that the Schwinn bicycles you buy in Wal-Mart are, by some mysterious alchemy, inferior to those to be had in bike shops. The same may be true of chains, even name brand ones.

But chains have model numbers. Shimano isn't going to sell a crappier HG-53 in Walmart than my local LBS.

That said I avoid walmart like the plague.

But chains have model numbers. Shimano isn't going to sell a crappier HG-53 in Walmart than my local LBS.

That said I avoid walmart like the plague.

The issue is you can go to HellMart and ask the pimply faced kid who worked in Garden last week, "Does this chain fit my bike?" or you can go to a bike shop and ask a pimply faced kid the same question. You might get part one of the same answer "Um...I don't know." Part 2 of the answer..."I'll ask someone"...might actually have a responsible adult who can give the correct answer attached to it at a bike shop. I doubt you'll find the same responsible adult at HellMart;)

You can always go with the 'I think it'll work', buy it, find out it doesn't, then return it and end up at the bike shop anyway. There goes that $1.25 you saved:rolleyes:

Bottom line: Go to a bike shop. HellMart already has enough money.

cyccommute,

I agree 100%.

Walmart and such stores only seem to carry the one model of Bell chains. I use them on the cheaper bikes I get asked to repair, but wouldn't use one on my own rides.

Cyccommute has it exactly right. Unless you have a Wal-Mart bike, go to a bike shop and be "all picky".

Wallmart carries "Bell" chains which aren't too bad, so long as you never get them wet. They have a 1-3 speed chain, which has pins sticking out, a 5 speed chain, which is your generic 1/8th inch works on the Schwinn Varsity sort of thing and the "Speedy Chain" aka 3/32. If you have 9speed or up they don't sell a product for you and honestly, just buy a SRAM chain at the LBS.

I think it's also important to acknowledge that -- if you DO buy a chain from HellMart -- you forfeit your right to ever make any further posts that begin, "So I bought this chain at Wal-Mart, and...."

:D

"can" you buy a chain at wallmart?

Buddy - you "can" do whatever the hell you want...


...and if you have let yourself be convinced that there is some advantage to shopping at wallmart then you deserve whatever you get.

Good luck!

Chains are made by BELL

Yes. (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8251813) You're welcome.

Thanks for the link. Link... :roflmao2:

Not only can you get a chain, but a hot babe in stretch pants too. Get THAT at your LBS :P

I bought one there that, I believe, had the Bell packaging on it. I've lost the packaging, and not used it yet, but the chain has Taya on it. I think it was $8 or $9.

I can get a cheap chain from the LBS for $10. It's worth the extra dollar because: a) I can ride my bike there and even walk it in with me; 2) I'll be greeted by someone I know, rather than the generic Walmart retiree greeter; 3) the staff and clientele has all their teeth; and 4) I don't need to pick up any Girl Scout cookie knockoffs.

Caloso,
I go to my local lbs and I'm missing a two teeth. Should I be going to WalMart? I never even thought. . . . .Geez!

I've been using those "speedy chains" for most of my rebuilts for the last year or so. They seem fine for the sort of use most of these bikes will see. I usually break off the rather cheesy "quick link" and just put the chain together in the normal way.

I have no doubt these are made in China despite the brand name packaging, but they seem to be reasonable.

But chains have model numbers. Shimano isn't going to sell a crappier HG-53 in Walmart than my local LBS.

Actually, they in fact DO do this with some products. Walmart will push the manufacturer to meat a price point that is unattainable with current materials or design and the manufacturer will be forced to change to a cheaper method so they won't be dropped by Walmart. That would be a HUGE loss to many manufacturers, so they cheapen their product. Because Walmart sells so much, they are able to make the lesser product just for Walmart or so I have heard. I don't shop there. Not sure if they do this with chains though.

Granted. But they won't bear the same model/part number.

You can buy kmc chains through ace hardware stores.

For my older beater bikes, hell yes.

For my nice one...no.

The issue is you can go to HellMart and ask the pimply faced kid who worked in Garden last week, "Does this chain fit my bike?" or you can go to a bike shop and ask a pimply faced kid the same question. You might get part one of the same answer "Um...I don't know." Part 2 of the answer..."I'll ask someone"...might actually have a responsible adult who can give the correct answer attached to it at a bike shop. I doubt you'll find the same responsible adult at HellMart;)

You can always go with the 'I think it'll work', buy it, find out it doesn't, then return it and end up at the bike shop anyway. There goes that $1.25 you saved:rolleyes:

Bottom line: Go to a bike shop. HellMart already has enough money.

Wow, as a pimply faced kid I think I'm going to stay out of the bike mechainics forum, even though I'm pretty much am one.