General Cycling Discussion - Please help to choose a cheap new sub-$100 bike

Well the title says it all. I have did some search for this subject but decided to post my question for the best fit. Please do not flame me for being cheap. Or tell me to get a used one. I have my needs and reasons.

I have been going to Target and Wal*Mart and looked at their bikes. What my need is very simple. A bike that can be used a few times a year. Maybe go on a nearby bike trail. As an alternative for car for 1-2 mile trips, etc.

I used to ride a $120 bike bought in Costco duing college, about 8 years ago before it got stolen. It serves me well and I figure a similar one would go for sub-$100 these days. Given that back-to-school days are around the corner. I might have a better selection.

I am 5'10" but I am thinking of getting a 24" bike. As I think it would be smaller and lighter than a 26". And had a better chance to fit in a small car's trunk if I had its front wheel taken off. I've seen a Target one (PK7) going for $99. But I also saw the Wal*Mart's Next Power (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2233451&cat=5304&type=5&dept=4171&path=0%3A4171%3A61903%3A61904%3A4180%3A4183%3A5304). Which seems to very much the same. And have anyone got any comment with this Honda (http://www.kmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1211766)?

I'm really not sure if I need the rear suspension thing since it seems to be heavier than those without. But a lot of cheap bikes these days are either dual suspension or no suspension. I would prefer one with suspension. Quick release front wheel is usually not available for sub-$100 nor 24" wheels.

Please do not suggest me to buy a used one.

Go to a pawn shop and get something there.

I thought this post would already be filled with responses by folks telling you how badly you need to spend more for a better bike.

I say ride what you can afford.


At the sake of taking some flak, I would say that for $100 you should look at some of today's Schwinns at Target. My neighbor kid has one and he loves it. He is over at my house almost every day talking bikes and having me looking his bike over.

For the X-mart $100-"ish" bikes, the Schwinns seems better made than the run of the mill Pacific, Vertica, or other x-mart bikes.

Of course, Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn of yesteryear as it has changed ownership several times. Also, all the x-mart bikes are made in China, but each company has different specifications and quality controls.

Be sure to give the bike a good look-over to make sure nothing is visibly wrong. In most cases, your biggest risk will be the minimum wage assembler at the X-mart. Have a bike-smart friend look the bike over after you buy it and again after you ride it for 100 miles or so.

REF suspension: It sounds like you are a light-use rider. For this reason, I would not recommend rear suspension which was designed for downhill mt-bike racers. This design made it's way to the market via fashion demand more than functional merit. In fact, you do not need front suspension either. The cheaper bikes have heavy spring-equipped shocks that add much unnecessary weight to the bike. You don't need to be pushing all that weight around all the time if you seldom, if ever, need the shocks.

Cheers. Ride and have fun!

$150 is a tight budget, but when I was younger I had a bike that you are looking for from Wally World (Wal Mart) it was more of a mountain bike, but when I wanted to take it on the road it got where I wanted to go and then some. Go to some auctions, you can find some really good bikes for cheap, or like said before go to a pawn shop, yard sales, etc. Believe it or not I have found some great looking bikes at yard sales, there are some great, but cheap bikes out there. If all of these fail, I'd try increasing your budget a bit.

Go to a pawn shop and get something there.

Don't think they carry new ones.

Don't think they carry new ones.
No but an old quality bike is 100% better than a new piece of crap.

mike, I did checked out the front suspension schwinns you mentioned and I agree that it is better than the PK7 dual suspension. Quick release and lighter weight too.

But the schwinn doesn't seems to come in 26" wheels, unless I go for a girl's bike. Size means quite a bit to me.

No but an old quality bike is 100% better than a new piece of crap.

Yes, if I don't ended up getting a dead beat that is. With a new one, at least I can return it. Plus I don't have to worry about getting its tires and tubes replaced rightaway. Folks, I can go on and on. But I really hope you guys can stop suggesting used ones.

If you want a sub-$100 bike, then go to walmart and buy the most expensive bike that is less than $100. If you have a choice between a bike with suspension and one without for about the same price, get the one without. The simpler the bike design, the better the parts are likely to be at a given price.

Get a 26 inch wheel bike. A 24 inch wheel will be way to small for you. You may have trouble finding a 26 inch wheel bike that fits since most of the cheap bikes are sold for kids.

If you could go up to $250 you could look at something like a Dahon Boardwalk 6 folding bike. That would easily fit in your trunk, on a bus, train, or in a suitcase to be checked as airplane luggage. Just a thought.

supcom, the problem is more expensive bikes usually comes with suspensions. Only the cheapest models comes without. And even I can tell they are no good.

I seems to remember I was riding a 24" back in college. And I tried a 24" and it seems fine to me, I just have to adjust the seat higher. I also tried a 26" and it seems too bulky (especially the handle) and hard to manipulate for me. But of course, the 26" one is a cheap one too.

And hey, if the street punks can ride a 20". I think a 24" is fine for me. :)

Yes, if I don't ended up getting a dead beat that is. With a new one, at least I can return it. Plus I don't have to worry about getting its tires and tubes replaced rightaway. Folks, I can go on and on. But I really hope you guys can stop suggesting used ones.
Yeah that's it return it....nevermind actually learning how to do simple repairs. What are you going to do when something goes wrong with the Wally World bike after thirty days? Chuck it in a dumpster?

Even based on the posting I saw here, a Wal-Mart bike is not that fragile. If it really failed beyond my ability to repair, I would have no regret throwing it away and getting a new one. Based on my experience with the Costco bike I had in college, I say the chance of a serious failure is remote.

As I said, I have my needs and reasons.

Even based on the posting I saw here, a Wal-Mart bike is not that fragile. If it really failed beyond my ability to repair, I would have no regret throwing it away and getting a new one. Based on my experience with the Costco bike I had in college, I say the chance of a serious failure is remote.

As I said, I have my needs and reasons.
Obviously you're beyond reasoning with so I won't bother with you any further.

Try the walmart 12 inch Radio Flyer tricycle. $39! cheaper than a bicycle and easier to balance on! Fits in the trunk and never gets a flat (solid tires).

Try the walmart 12 inch Radio Flyer tricycle. $39! cheaper than a bicycle and easier to balance on! Fits in the trunk and never gets a flat (solid tires).
I bow to your superior advice in the matter

amusing thread.....
a quick time out for some cheese and wine and I'll be back for some more...

Try the walmart 12 inch Radio Flyer tricycle. $39! cheaper than a bicycle and easier to balance on! Fits in the trunk and never gets a flat (solid tires).

Why do you guys have to be so mean? I am just asking for help and you guys just have no better things to do than flaming a new member? If you have no help to provide, can't you just ignore this thread? Is that so difficult to do?

I don't think people are being mean, it just sounds like you have your fingers in your ears and are going 'la la la la la' when people offer you advice you don't want to hear.....
A bike for $100 is not going to be great in any respect so why not just get one you like the colour of? Suspension at this price is going to be fairly useless, and the likelihood is that so are most of the gear components.
I thought a mail order bike for this sort of money seemed like a great deal for a friend, but it has meant endless adjustment of the cheapo components and very little riding pleasure.
You made the comment that if a major fault occurred you would throw the bike - well if the $100 means so little to you in the first place why not spend more to get something better? You suggest you have your reasons for wanting cheap -what are they?
A bike with 24" wheels is going to be quite small for someone of your height; you might be OK in terms of pedalling if you fit a long seat tube, but the rest of the geometry will surely be wrong.

moet, if you read my posts, I have actually stated my reasons. I need a sub-$100 because I only need a bike for occational use and don't need anything fancy. I need a new bike because a used one won't let me return if things turn sour. I need a new bike because I can't tell a used gem from deadbeat. I need a 24" bike because I need a smaller one that would fit in my trunk.

And although $100 is not a lot, I wouldn't expect it have a major fault based on my past experience. And even if it does, and it is not caused by me, I can return it within a month or get it repaired under warranty since it was bought new. If the bike last for a year, it would paid for itself.

I didn't put my fingers in my ears and ignore all the advices. It is just that the advices does not fit my needs. And in some case, ignored my needs.

There can be bikes in the $500 range, there can be bikes in $100-$500 range. And there are bikes in the $100 range too. So I want the best new bike in the $100 range. And all I want is the advice on choosing one.

Check your private messages, I left you one. Just send me some feedback, if you don't like the idea it's not a problem.

I read your posts, that's why I replied. You may well feel you need a new bike because it can be returned/you don't know what a good used one looks like, but the 'only using it occasionally' argument for cheapness doesn't fit with your willingness to dump the bike if it goes wrong. Hmmm?
In my experience with all levels of bikes I have just found that the cheaper ones, whilst looking appealing at the outset, usually end up being a pain - the componentry probably break or give you cause to return the bike to the retailer, but the ride is often unpleasant and the gears never ever seem to run smoothly; its just the sort of thing that can really put you off cycling.
Are you thinking of something like this; http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1647016&cat=4178&type=21&dept=4125&path=0%3A4171%3A61903%3A61904%3A4182%3A110922%3A5302

or http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2233451&cat=4178&type=5&dept=4125&path=0%3A4171%3A61903%3A61904%3A4182%3A110922%3A5302&xsell=1647016

I must admit I can't see how they can even make the things for this money. I hope you find something that works.

The best advice I can give you is to try going to a LBS and talk about used bikes. I know you want a new one, but if you get a used one through a LBS there is a much slimmer chance of it having problems. At my LBS they had some older model Trek comfort bikes that were just a shade over $200 I believe. They were new. Try asking them if they are looking to get rid of some older models. You may find a good deal there. You may also try some bigger sports retailers like around here we have Scheel's All-sport. Massive outdoor sport shops usually have some deals. You may end up going with something from a store like Wal-Mart or Target, but if you open lines of communication with a LBS they may be able to guide you well. Just give it a shot. It can't hurt to go around and gather opinions. They may be able to guide you on some of those bikes from retailers. They can give you the good and bad points of each, and try to hook you up with something that will fit your needs.

Hmmmm.....on the other hand, I know this guy who's been commuting 5 miles daily on this piece of shet $75 K-Mart mountain bike, kickstand and front suspension. Basically that was all he could afford at the time according to him so he can commute to his minimum wage job. I was curious to how the bike was holding up. Not too bad......all it needed was a little tweeking of the brake cables.
As far as choosing one, most any $100 bike will be similar in quality and durability......they probably all come from this one humongous plant in China.

get one from costco under $100 and without suspension. They should have one under $100 with aluminum frame, if not it is cromoly. No need for suspension, specially just riding occasionally.

sigh... another needless flamewar..




well, you don't make it easy on us, target.. i know you said don't tell you to buy a used one, but i am curious as to why you are so opposed to that idea?




here's what i did, and it worked considerably well for me. i bought a used fuji "palisade" from someone who responded to an ad i put out in my local college (umich) classifieds. i dunno anything about it, or what caliber it was, and i never could pull up any decent specs about the "palisade" model. (no, my bike is NOT the palisade that is listed in the "comfort" section of fujibikes.com). anyhow, it was in pretty terrible condition, and i ended up resorting to fixed gear. i took everything off, replaced the chain and put in a surly 19tooth cog w/ old bottom bracket ring. i also sanded everything down and threw on a few coats of paint, then completely (and i mean completely) wrapped all the tubes in electrical tape. i got the biek for 50.00 even, plus 38 for the cog, and 14 for the chain. later on, i cut the road bars into cowhorns to perfect the "fixie" look.


this is by no means another fixed gear rant, or anything of that nature. it's more just a testimonial of what i did. you can choose to leave the existing brakes on. you can leave the existing freewheel in and just convert it to single speed.

i ride this bike every day for my commute, which tends to vary between 0 and 20 miles/day. it suits me extremely well for my needs and my budget. you mentioned that your needs are a vehicle to be used several times in a year, and for 1-2 mile commutes. it would appear that a used bike (with some minimal work) may exactly be what you need.




on a side note, two days ago i picked up a road frame identical to the fuji i converted (takari? takara?) on the side of the road. it was laying against a cigarette disposal with a tag from the police marking it as "abandoned" and subject to impoundment. i'll have it up and running as a singlespeed in no time. it CAN be done on the cheap, if you'll open your mind a little.

You think THIS is a flamewar? You obviously haven't been to the mountainbike.com forums. They would have BBQ'd this guy to oblivion rather than even TRY to persuade him to a sensible alternative

Hmmmm.....on the other hand, I know this guy who's been commuting 5 miles daily on this piece of shet $75 K-Mart mountain bike, kickstand and front suspension. Basically that was all he could afford at the time according to him so he can commute to his minimum wage job. I was curious to how the bike was holding up. Not too bad......all it needed was a little tweeking of the brake cables.
As far as choosing one, most any $100 bike will be similar in quality and durability......they probably all come from this one humongous plant in China.




my buddy bought a magna "eXcitor" to compensate for his 3-4 mile/one way commute. i must say that although new (bought in may04) it is in considerably poor condition. i'm the only one who works on the bike (since he's too cheap to take it to an LBS). i can't understand why this bicycle still is in one piece and manages to run (and i am known to have done some very ghetto things).

i think the key here is just a little bit of effort. good things can come from a tight budget if you're willing to put in a little elbow grease.

Keep in mind that most big discount stores, such as TARGET, have tightened up their return policies to be 90 days or less on most items. To think that you could buy a bike now and "just return it if things go sour" is a little optimistic. For one thing, how would anyone determine what is a bonafide warranty issue and what is an issue related to just plain wear and tear on a cheap bike? Plus, do you really believe Wal-Mart has a big old bicycle repair facility to cover said "warranty" issues?

I know you are dead set-against (HORRORS) a used bike, but consider the fact that even the lowest level used Trek, Fuji, Specialized, Giant, etc. etc. has parts that are easily swapped out and replacable by your local bike shop. Think the guys at the local bike shop just happen to have extra derailleurs for your broken X-mart bike just lying around? So then, you just decide to throw it away and get a new one? Right, that's a good use of resources...

With regard to the size issue...rather than trying to cram yourself onto a too-small bike so you can get it to fit in your trunk, why not consider an inexpensive trunk rack to carry the bike? You could probably find one of these (OH, NO, here she goes again... )used.

Please try to see the perspective of lots of folks here who truly want to see you make a good choice. Consider the collective experience of lots of folks here who've bought lots of bikes. You asked for advice; why be so rigid if you didn't want to be open to suggestions?

Keep in mind that most big discount stores, such as TARGET, have tightened up their return policies to be 90 days or less on most items. To think that you could buy a bike now and "just return it if things go sour" is a little optimistic. For one thing, how would anyone determine what is a bonafide warranty issue and what is an issue related to just plain wear and tear on a cheap bike? Plus, do you really believe Wal-Mart has a big old bicycle repair facility to cover said "warranty" issues?

I know you are dead set-against (HORRORS) a used bike, but consider the fact that even the lowest level used Trek, Fuji, Specialized, Giant, etc. etc. has parts that are easily swapped out and replacable by your local bike shop. Think the guys at the local bike shop just happen to have extra derailleurs for your broken X-mart bike just lying around? So then, you just decide to throw it away and get a new one? Right, that's a good use of resources...

With regard to the size issue...rather than trying to cram yourself onto a too-small bike so you can get it to fit in your trunk, why not consider an inexpensive trunk rack to carry the bike? You could probably find one of these (OH, NO, here she goes again... )used.

Please try to see the perspective of lots of folks here who truly want to see you make a good choice. Consider the collective experience of lots of folks here who've bought lots of bikes. You asked for advice; why be so rigid if you didn't want to be open to suggestions?
Very well put but I fear your words are wasted.

Well the title says it all. I have did some search for this subject but decided to post my question for the best fit. Please do not flame me for being cheap. Or tell me to get a used one. I have my needs and reasons.

I have been going to Target and Wal*Mart and looked at their bikes. What my need is very simple. A bike that can be used a few times a year. Maybe go on a nearby bike trail. As an alternative for car for 1-2 mile trips, etc.

I used to ride a $120 bike bought in Costco duing college, about 8 years ago before it got stolen. It serves me well and I figure a similar one would go for sub-$100 these days. Given that back-to-school days are around the corner. I might have a better selection.

I am 5'10" but I am thinking of getting a 24" bike. As I think it would be smaller and lighter than a 26". And had a better chance to fit in a small car's trunk if I had its front wheel taken off. I've seen a Target one (PK7) going for $99. But I also saw the Wal*Mart's Next Power (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2233451&cat=5304&type=5&dept=4171&path=0%3A4171%3A61903%3A61904%3A4180%3A4183%3A5304). Which seems to very much the same. And have anyone got any comment with this Honda (http://www.kmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1211766)?

I'm really not sure if I need the rear suspension thing since it seems to be heavier than those without. But a lot of cheap bikes these days are either dual suspension or no suspension. I would prefer one with suspension. Quick release front wheel is usually not available for sub-$100 nor 24" wheels.

Please do not suggest me to buy a used one.


You can get a nice pair of shoes for under $100 and walk to your destination! Much better than having a broken frame from a cheap bike sticking up your ass after you endo off the trail.

By the way, you don't happen to be one of those guys who ride a cheap Magna bike from Target and then put on the whole USPS team gear and a $200 "Lonestar" Giro Atmos helmet, I hope not.

What's interesting is that at these stores [Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc], they draw in people by having nice looking paint jobs and such. Let me explain, . . . . . no, there is too much. Let me sum up. While going to Wal-Mart a while back, I saw a very nice looking Schwinn bike that it's color jumped out at me and said, "Buy me!" I'm partial to green, and it had a green/silver frame. I was wanting to get away from a heavy bike mountain bike set up, and this one had the comfort geometry. Well, after trying to pick it up, I realized that it seemed as heavy as the bike I had. Of course, it had the cheap components, but the way it looked, . . . . . . . . . .it tempted me.

Of course, had I bought it, it would have negated one of the main reasons why I wanted a new bike. Lighter weight. Fortunately, I opted to take the expense of a GOOD new bike, and bought a TREK 7100.

But while at the bike shop, I noticed that TREK now has a 7000 that looks like it has the same components as the 7100, but has a non-suspension front fork. It was for around $250.

Here's the thing for target to consider. First, I must say that it IS ultimately your decision as to what you'll buy. My wife purchased a Schwinn Suburban from Wal-mart and it has been fine for her for this past year or so, though I AM noticing more component noise than when it was new. Probably will have to spend the money to have the LBS do a tune up on it. Back on topic, if you purchase a $100 bike, then in a half a year, or even a year, have to go back and get another $100 bike, by saving up now, rather than buying now, you may be able to pick up something in the least amount of money a LBS carries, and in many cases, they'll give you free adjustments if you need them.

On another note, I about wore myself out on a bike that was sold by Sears. It didn't pedal or roll well at all, and I could barely keep up with my wife. Not an issue now, with the new 7100. :)

Regardless of what you buy, though, the suggestion of the bike rack is a GREAT suggestion. I picked up one on Ebay for around $30, and it has been wonderful to have. Trying to stuff a bike in a trunk is a headache I'm glad I won't have to endure anymore. I had to do it when I first bought that POJ Sears bike and ended up scratching the paint on my bumper. :(

Anyway, really, do what you want. You may get lucky with a department store bike. But there is an old phrase that says, "Good things come to them that wait."

Good luck in your decision!

AMD, return and warranty is really 2 different things. I would say, I can tell if something is wrong in 2 weeks. So that's a return. Its not like I've going to abuse it and then shamelessly return it as if it were defective right out of the factory. If it really broke a few months down the road, I would seek warranty from the manufacturer. Maybe they can ship me some parts. If they won't, I will just call it bad luck. As I said, I had a cheap bike before. What I didn't said was, I used it almost everyday for a whole year and put up about 500+ miles on it. The only thing I invested on the bike is a lock. I didn't even bought a pump!

To those who are trying to help. Thank you. So far, I plan on going to Walmart and compare the Mongoose and Next Power. If the Mongoose is really 7 pound lighter than the Next Power. I will take the Mongoose. But I'm open to other suggestions. I did went to Costco a few months back but I wasn't impressed by their collection some how. I can't remember their inventory much. They were quite expensive ($100+) too! Yet their bikes don't feel lighter.

Now for those mean people like ultra-g and Raiyn, can you just leave my thread alone? I don't need your help. Period.

. They were quite expensive ($100+) too! Yet their bikes don't feel lighter.

Now for those mean people like ultra-g and Raiyn, can you just leave my thread alone? I don't need your help. Period.I'm not being mean - I'm being HONEST. Just because you don't like the opinion of a Bike mechanic doesn't make the mechanic giving the opinion mean. Wal-mart bikes ARE junk. God knows I've worked on enough of the turds to know what I'm talking about. Just because you're too stubborn to listen to sensible advice from myself and others doesn't give you impetus to call anyone mean.

You couldn't understand my requirement and insist on stuffing your value down my throat. If you are not mean than you are just an .....

** EDITED **

Raiyn and Ultra-g are just giving you the best advice that they can. They are not trying to be mean. Maybe they are guilty of thinking too much about what they would do in your situation rather than your requirements but that is the nature of this forum. If you dont like their advice then just ignore it and move on. Its your money. From your posts it just seems that you basically were just asking which is the best bike for under 100 dollars and can be bought new from X-Mart. You had quite a few posts that were helpful in this regard. Just pick the answer you like best and then you have to live with the results. We don´t have to agree with you though.

You couldn't understand my requirement and insist on stuffing your value down my throat. If you are not mean than you are just an *******.You never gave any valid reason for your' requirement and now you're stooping to profane name calling which is a big time no-no here http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=22263&highlight=forum+guidelines

I noticed at my local wally world they had a adult size folding bike with 20-inch rims and I think it was a 3 or 5-speed. It was right around $100.. not a bad idea for something to ride occasionally or take with in your car trunk.

I'm not gonna comment either way about bike quality, let people ride what they want as long as they ride.

"Tell somebody what they know and they will thank you for it, tell them something they did not and they will hate you for it"

While I'm here, if people are going to insult then could they please spell correctly:

ass - a donkey
arse - the posterior

******* - a donkey's hole or hole for donkeys
arsehole - the correct insult

[ This is going to be like one of the guardian articles on spelling that is riddled with errors - shoot away ;-) ]

[edit: what's going on? The site puts cute little *** instead of a s s h o l e ]

"Tell somebody what they know and they will thank you for it, tell them something they did not and they will hate you for it"

While I'm here, if people are going to insult then could they please spell correctly:

ass - a donkey
arse - the posterior

******* - a donkey's hole or hole for donkeys
arsehole - the correct insult

[ This is going to be like one of the guardian articles on spelling that is riddled with errors - shoot away ;-) ]

[edit: what's going on? The site puts cute little *** instead of a s s h o l e ]


It's the Grauniad isn't it? :)

"
[edit: what's going on? The site puts cute little *** instead of a s s h o l e ]That's because profanity is not allowed on the forum. It has a filter to get most of it.

Let's see. You first told me to go to a pawn shop. Then you say I am "beyond reasoning". But you agreed to "stop bothering with me". Then proceed to endorse another member's suggestion on a toddler's bike. And continue on to add flame to others flame even though you know you provide absolutely no help to me. What should be the most appropriate name of you?

If the mod think I should be banned. So be it.


You never gave any valid reason for your' requirement and now you're stooping to profane name calling which is a big time no-no here http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=22263&highlight=forum+guidelines

Let's see. You first told me to go to a pawn shop. Then you say I am "beyond reasoning". But you agreed to "stop bothering with me". Then proceed to endorse another member's suggestion on a toddler's bike. And continue on to add flame to others flame even though you know you provide absolutely no help to me. What should be the most appropriate name of you?

If the mod think I should be banned. So be it.

Can't we calm down a little here? I doubt very much if this slanging match would have happened if we were all sitting in front of each other face to face over a couple of beers.
Raiyn obviously knows his stuff and is really only trying to offer some good advice based on his experience, as are the other posters.
In terms of the $100 bike I don't think anyone is going to have much useful to say; at this price we really aren't going to be arguing over the choice of Campy or Shimano groupsets, just cheap components that most people have probably never even heard of - if they are even branded.
Would you let us know what you get target? now, mine's a Guinness.

Let's see. You first told me to go to a pawn shop. Then you say I am "beyond reasoning". But you agreed to "stop bothering with me". Then proceed to endorse another member's suggestion on a toddler's bike. And continue on to add flame to others flame even though you know you provide absolutely no help to me. What should be the most appropriate name of you?

If the mod think I should be banned. So be it.
The Pawn Shop was a valid suggestion, another would be to go to a Bike Shop and see what they have as far as used bikes.
If you want to act like a child and stick your fingers in your ears and sing La La La so be it.
I still say you'd be better served getting a quality used bike that any piece of garbage at Wal-Mar,t "Target", K-mart, Costco, Sports Authority, Dick's or ANY OTHER MASS MERCHANDISER. You haven't given a valid reason for getting a X-mart bike other than not wanting to have to do any kind of simple work on the bike.
Read and learn http://www.bikesrnottoys.com/

Look I don't care enough about your hard-headedness to hold back my opinion. I spent $100 on a wal-mart bike, started riding it 50 miles a week and it gave out within 2 months. Not a good return over investment. I bought a used bike for $100 in the paper, and its the best bike I've ever owned. Simple as that.

Friend needed a bike. Gave him a used one I had laying around. It broke when a pedal came loose.

Went to wal-mart, got him a $60 24" bike. He rode it for a month or so and it got stolen. So he's riding one of my other bikes that I gave him, a 26" frame full suspension wal-mart bike.

The point? They all ride. If you honestly don't care what the quality and stuff is, then go for it. Make sure the bike is setup correctly from the beginning. I had to go to 2 wal-marts to find a bike that was OK for my friend. Same model, just not screwed up right off the bat.

My last point: quit worrying about what sub-$100 bike to get and just get one and GO RIDE and stop talking about it, just DO IT.

EDIT: Don't plan on taking your bike back to wal-mart if there is a problem. There is NO service there, and NO returns on bikes.

hey mike. can't you send him one of those bikes you fix up if he pays the shipping?

and yes. a used bike is better if you can find a way to get a decent one. ebay can be... well.. not at $100.

Guys....watch it. No flaming is allowed -- that is no way to welcome a new member into the forum.

No service, no doubt. No returns, not true. I've seen people returning bikes to Walmart and Target.



EDIT: Don't plan on taking your bike back to wal-mart if there is a problem. There is NO service there, and NO returns on bikes.

target: Bottom line, I think some will agree: If inexpensiveness and smallness is more important to you than fit and quality then so be it. Buy whatever color bike you like at Wal-Mart.

If you don't care enough about your $100 to go to a used bike store, write down all the bikes they have in your price range, then go home and do a bit of research online, then it doesn't matter what dumpy bike you buy at xMart. Asking for subtle nueances between two crappy bikes, with crappy componants, that are both too small for you isn't going to get you more than "they're both crap".

My God, we are talking about a $100 bike. (or less) There have been umpteen replies telling you to buy a used bike and you will get a better deal. You obviously know better so go pick out your favorite color at Walmart. You will likely be happy with your purchase if you don't ride it very often.

Most of the people replying to your post would not do well with a toy bike from Walmart. However for the people that buy bikes and don't ride them, Walmart bikes are a pretty good fit.