sonatageek

Here is something that is cheaper and I think would be a better (and cheaper) starting point:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...4_-1___203416I

new2bik

Yikes! all you've said is true, Walmart bike section staff don't know much about bikes..

I tried out this bike, found it nice & light, though its 21-speed --I guess its ok not to use 20 of the 21..
https://www.walmart.ca/canada-estore/...skuId=10076783
but I couldn't get an answer about weight.. it did feel light when I took it round the store must have been the only adult, along with the other kids who came out with their parents to test drive their bikes..
what do you think, will work/won't work??

ottawa_adam

I wouldn't even think of buying the Walmart bike. Without opening up the Walmart debate, you could be in for a lot of quality issues, with no support. Your best bet is to seek out a bike shop, who can help you get fitted properly and provide repair support. Failing that, looking online for a good used bike is another good option.

Lascauxcaveman 

As others have said, YIKES, 50 lbs is super heavy for a modern bike. Costco used to have these aluminum framed Next beach cruisers (3 spd Sturmey Archer hub, coaster brake) for $190, and it weighs more like 32 lbs. I see similar ones at Walmart nowadays, though I hate to shop there for any reason.

I got mine (for my wife) for $40 on Craig's List, so that's a good place to check. Assuming you're smart enough to identify anything on the bike that is clearly bent/broken/non-functional, score a cheap bike there, take it to your local bike shop, and pay them to give it a nice rack and any adjustments/bolt tightenings it needs. They love to sell racks and accessories there; good markup and keeps the shop monkeys busy. But don't ask them to do anything for free, it's not appropriate unless you bought the bike new from them.

SlimRider

You're right!

I hadn't noticed that...

Thanks!

borobike

I'm glad to see there hasn't been too much department store bike bashing in this thread so far.

I'm not familiar with the exact bike you linked to in the first post, but the components seem pretty average for a department store bike, that is to say, that they are no name Shimano components which means they are likely to be bottom of the barrel stuff.

I've been working on and riding department store bikes for a while now, and I can offer you this.

There's absolutely no reason you can't make them work for you. With any bike you buy, but especially a department store bike, you need to become familiar with it's workings and be prepared to do minor adjustments and maintenance yourself. I would also say the same is true of a lower priced older used bike.

The fact of the matter is, there's no Chinese mysticism or sweat shop curse surrounding department store bikes, they're simple mechanical devices just like any other bicycle. But they do tend to need attention more frequently than a higher priced bike. Mostly in minor adjustments and lubrication.

That being said, 47 pounds is incredibly heavy, even for a department store bike. My solid steel Sears bike from the 80s weighs about 35, even with all it's junk on it...and it is very literally solid steel, including the wheels. I'd search for something lighter if you plan on approaching anything that could be remotely called a hill.
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alexaschwanden

That bike will work fine just take care of it.

cycleheimer

This bike at Performance also looks very interesting, comes with many extras (fenders, rack, panniers & kickstand), and is about the same price as the Costco bike...$275 ($550 MSRP)..

Anybody reading familiar with belt drive bikes, maybe this one in particular. It does look interesting.

2010 GT Aerostream 3 Belt-Drive Comfort Bike

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1#ReviewHeader


Cycling doesn't get any easier than this. Cruise the boardwalk, the neighborhood or your local greenway on this smooth-riding comfort bike from GT. The Aerostream features a lightweight aluminum frame, a simple-to-shift, 3-speed internally geared rear hub, and a quiet, grease-free and virtually maintenance-free belt-drive system.

• Smooth, quiet and grease-free efficiency of GT's SIAC belt-drive system
• GT hydroformed aluminum frame with Streamline chromoly fork gives you a lightweight and smooth ride
• Relaxed frame geometry with sloping top tube and adjustable seatpost puts you in the right riding position
• Front and rear fenders add style and deflect road spray when riding on wet surfaces
• 3-piece alloy cranks deliver a powerful pedal stroke
• Shimano Nexus 3-speed twist shifters and internal rear hub make changing gears easier than ever -- plus it's nearly maintenance-free
• Tektro V-brakes offer reliable, all-weather stopping power
• Alloy hubs and rims, stainless steel spokes and 700c tires provide a smooth-rolling experience
• Rear rack and panniers are perfect for transporting groceries, the morning paper or other goodies
• Kickstand makes it easy to park your Aerostream anywhere

JeremyZ

Could you buy the bike from them, but request to buy one from the box? I.e., take a pass on the free assembly? That'd be what I'd do if I were going to buy that bike.

Pynchonite

I know some people who would murder other people for a belt drive. That bike looks spankin'.

new2bik

Cycleheimer that perf bike looks amazing
But don't seem to offer in canada
I guess I cld make the trip to the us to visit a friend and get The bike
Can anyone tell if it's for An upright position I prefer sitting up
Pynchonite why is a belt drive something to die for
Ottawa_Adam I'm continuing to look @ craigslist Kijiji
Lascauxcsveman thks for the bike store tip
Borobike I've added low weight under 35 lbs to my checklist now
Thanks all

cycleheimer

It definitely provides an upright riding position. If it turns out to be OK, other places may have it on sale. Just an idea to toss around.