Originally Posted by
NormanF
If you want to spend money, you can buy a high quality vintage bike off eBay for the same or a little more than the cost of a big box store bike.
Yeah, but if you don't know about bicycles, you could get easily duped whenever buying used...
If you have a good frame, all the rest you can upgrade as your circumstances allow.
This statement is quite true!
But a heavy frame is literally impossible to fix from the start....
I strenuously disagree with this statement. Many Xmart bikes can be upgraded quite successfully, provided that they have decent frames. Most do have passable frames.
At one time, prior to chromoly steel and it predecessors, the steel used for bicycles was much closer to carbon steel or 1020 steel. It was not butted or shaved and was by default, made to be quite heavy in order to retain its strength while cycling. Therefore, all bicycles were "heavy" and they could all be repaired, by having their parts replaced. The same is true today!
You may save some money but its really is poor economy because the bike is poorly built, can't be upgraded and the ride is completely unpleasant. Spend a little more for a good bike and you'll be happier.
Again, this statement is almost a completely erroneous when it comes to most Xmart bicycles. Most of their bicycle frames are strong and reliable.
You can find vintage bikes made 15-20 ago with high quality frames and finishes for around the same price you can get a new big box store bike today. What is the better value for the money? In my opinion, its no contest.
I do agree with this statement 100%...