Originally Posted by KrisPistofferson
That's okay, I've never seen one in a Walmart, including this "Varsity." Much like the Varsity of old, it's a POS designed to facsimilate a road bike. Sort of like the fake dual suspension MTBs they sell. It's a mindgame for those who don't know much about bikes, which is why I'm always amazed at how many folks on this forum defend Walmart bikes, when they should really know better.
Similar mindgame to the one LBS's run for those with fatter wallets who ride 8 days a year, eh?
The bottom line is this: the vast majority of people can get away with riding a properly built and maintained X-Mart bike. Consumer thinking pushes people to buy new things rather than used things. Trying to convince people who
a) don't ride thousands of kms a year
b) want a new bike
and
c) don't appreciate being told what they wish to purchase is crap won't listen to the advice you're giving. Rather than berating them on how it's crap, why not give some useful things to look out for should they choose to buy a Schwinn Varsity. Many people new to the forum don't put much stock into other people's opinions and may just ignore it when it's presented in such a harsh manner.
halfspeed: I highly doubt Shimano's 2006 Dura Ace or Campognolo's 2006 Record line would last thirty years either. Steel is more durable than carbon, aluminum and plastic so it would be unwise to expect any of them to last longer.
Thanks