Last month I visited a ToysRUS in Midtown Manhattan and noticed the brand new Schwins on display. Contrary to popular opinion, here's what I discovered.

1. These are NOT junk bikes. The $179.00 plus tax Schwinns sold at Kmart and ToysRUS are the SAME low end models sold at your local bike shop. YUP. It's true. Cycling magainze actually compared the Schwinns sold at Kmart and those at your LBS and found the specs to be almost exactly alike. Furthermore, you can upgrade the Kmart Schwinn just as you would a bike at the LBS. These are not throwaways.

2. One thing is certain. The bikes were poorly assembled. The breaks were touching the rims, tires underinflated, gears out of wack. If you don't know a thing about bicycles, you're better off heading to the LBS because there's about 3 to 8 hours work ahead of you.

If you want to learn on how to build and repair bikes, this would certainly be a good training machine to do it on. I like the paint job and the quality surprised me. The Roadmaster and Huffy models are another story. These two are the "JUNK BIKE" class and should be avoided.

Having said that. Next month, I'm considering buying a brand new ROADMASTER! Yes.. It's true... A ROADMASTER. Zoom Zoom. These bikes are selling for $60.00 at ToysRUS and with the Transit subway going up to $2.00 USD for a single ride, I'm going to need a bike to take me cross town or about 15 blocks. I figure, the bike will pay itself off within 15 days if it lasts that long. I'm sure it will. First I'm going to have to tape and scratch it up since this bike will need to look like a wreck if it's going to last on the mean streets of New York City. I'll chain it and leave there every day by the ferry and if gets stolen, I'm not going to cry about it. My Kryptonite New York Chain will be worth more than than the bike!

Yes there is a need for junk bikes. I'll post pictures of my new junk Roadmaster if I buy one at the end of the month. I'm still looking for a used junk 3 speed but these bikes are selling for $150.00 USD! Maybe I'll simply use my folding bike but secruity at the train station is a real pain and ANY bike is seen as a threat. Thus the need for the junk bike.