"an average IQ person should learn and know how to fix these. Your mommy will not be around all the time." (quoted from Chopsteeks)

Setting the IQ question aside, the average American has neither the time nor inclination to learn to do bike repairs. It only takes a few basic tools. The few people I know who own them are avid cyclists and probably earn considerably more than average. That's why it would be really nice if you could depend upon the mass merchandiser to assemble the bike correctly. You, Chopsteeks, are in the minority who bothered to learn how to maintain your own bikes, particularly if they are casual or occasional riders. It's pretty startling to read a post when someone writes in about throwing away a tube versus patching it. It's not a rare occurrence.