According to the reviews I've read, you wouldn't have to change anything, right away. Most of your components will be of low grade quality, but should last for at least for a couple years, with daily use. This bike, will be purchased primarily for its low cost. This bike will require gradual upgrades in time. This bike will require that you develop a close relationship with your local bicycle co-op, due to the fact that you will not have the mechanical support or services of your LBS or REI, from which you could have purchased it. The level of components on this bike will not allow you to jump off of curbs and bunny-hop. However, these components will allow you to cycle for long periods of time, unimpeded by mechanical failure, if they're not heavily impacted by stress forces. Therefore, avoid sudden impacts and don't allow heavy people to sit on your bike. Don't carry heavy loads on your bike. Just ride your bike from point A to point B without any fanfare. As you gradually upgrade, you can become more physically ambitious.

That's both good and bad. It's bad, in that you'll be forced to accelerate social bonding with bicycle co-op people. It's good, due to the fact that you'll be learning how to perform mechanical operations, such as component adjustments and installations, upon your bike, thus forcing you to become both more bicycle- knowledgeable and mechanically independent. Besides, you'll meet a bunch of really cool people and possibly some very pretty girls, too.

This will work, provided that you either have some type of financial support from home or some source of employment. OTOH, if you're only being financially assisted with the initial purchase of this bicycle, then I would suggest that you go with REI's Buzz One. Perhaps even Trek's Earl or some other single speed purchased from some LBS, with their future services and support, included.

However, if you're going it alone, on a limited source of income, without any financial assistance from anywhere, except for maybe occasional to sparse, ungainful, parttime employment, then by all means, get the Hounder, with full expectations of becoming your own mechanic. Of course, this is something you should do eventually, anyhow.

Anyways, for $225, you can't do much better than the Hounder. It's most certainly better than any Walmart bike. However, you will be spending some extra cash on more quality components. Nonetheless, you'll have time in which to spend this money and not have to spend so much upfront on the preload. You'll have enough disposable cash to purchase your much needed grips, gloves, helmet, lock, possibly a saddle, and at least one gatorskin tire for the rear.

As you continue to work and save towards your upgrades, you'll eventually cover all of your bases in replacing lower level components. Components like the brakes and cables, might get replaced first, within the first 4 months. Next, before the year is out, replace the crankset and the bottom bracket, simultaneously. Also, change the rear cog, while you're at it! So therefore, within a year, you've purchased better components and installed them, for a complete upgrade. During the second year, you should get a really nice set of wheels and a slick new chain that matches your color scheme. Perhaps even another gatorskin will be in order, too!

- Slim