Originally Posted by az2008

I look at that from a different perspective: I think cheaper parts are on bikes purchased by less demanding, less careful, less observant riders. Those riders (their lack of sensitivity to the condition of their bike) are prone to more failed components.

Another factor is that department-store bikes aren't adjusted as well as bike-store bikes. The 3-4 I've worked with out-of-the-box had seriously overtightened axles, bottom brackets and pedals. They were grumbly and felt like turning a dial with detentes (more or less resistance at different places). I bet the bearings/races wear faster if ridden in that condition. And then, in some cases there was little grease. Or, metal shavings in the bottom bracket.

It's probably a combination of all 3 factors. Cheaper components, factory assembly that isn't re-checked like it would be at a LBS, and less-demanding riders.



That's part of my concern with common sentiment that buying department-store bikes undermine local bike shops. LBSs are selling bikes that are almost entirely foreign made. Isn't that like undermining their customers -- who could be working at manufacturing jobs making the bikes they're told they should buy to be a good member of the community?

I'm not blaming LBSes. Just saying that these things are intertwined. People who buy from department stores are undoubtedly affected by 30 years of obsessing over "free markets" that are far from free. They're the victims. I don't think we should blame them for the challenge LBSes face -- especially when LBSes are selling bikes made almost entirely overseas.

(Not that you did that. But, it's a common theme that we're not good, faithful community members if we don't patronize the LBS.).