Originally Posted by
AndrewP
Unless you have time and skill to adjust the brakes, bearings, and gearshift, avoid the Dept store bikes.
+1 The majority of times I've looked at a department store bike there is something major not put together right. The bikes that are under $150 are generally total garbage with parts that rust well and fall appart easily. The $150 to $200 bike tend to be on-par with the lower end $250 bikes at the LBS. The main difference is that you will get a bike that is sized to your child (not a one size fits all), it will be assembled right, and you get warrentee/support. For kids bikes you may get lucky with Craigs list or walking around on garbage day. My sister lives in a fancy neighborhood and has plenty of money to buy the kids a bike. She found a very nice Trek MT220 at a neighbor's garbage bin. It needed a new brake handle and a tune-up. The 1st son rode it for nearly three years and now the younger son has inherited it. Not bad for $80 in parts and labor at the LBS. A descent quality bike will provide fun and last a good long time. You don't need to spend a forture, but about $260 for new will get you something very descent.
Happy riding,
André