I am somewhat pleasantly surprised that this thread is still going. It obviously has some merit and information for all of us to benefit from.

For some, it might be to stay away from a WalMart type of bike, but for others, what precautions they should do to get the most pleasurable and safest ride from their bikes.

I have a few Walmart bikes and they are mostly for the grandchildren to ride. I know those bikes will be dropped and abused but for what they cost, I'll just smile as I ride off into the sunset with my family in tow, all of us enjoying the moment.

I turn to the "quality" bikes when I go for a club ride, or more serious ride with the group. In the end, people are riding a bike, sometimes with others, and that's always a good thing.