Originally Posted by
gpsblake
But all the LBS trolls in here keep on insisting that Walmart bikes are breaking down everyday while LBS never break down. The LBS repair shops show otherwise, the higher priced bikes break down and require maintenance all the time and there quite often is a waiting list in order to get the higher priced bike repaired at a good LBS.
That's unfair and inaccurate comment. It's not what people in this thread are saying at all!
Sure, there are some quite offensive comments at times, which are rudely scathing in their nature, but those should be ignored in the same way rude comments are ignored by decent people no matter what the topic of discussion. But the bulk of comment in this thread has suggest that 'Walmart' bikes are
more likely to break down, and that LBS bikes are
more likely to be taken in for the service they deserve and need. Those comments and suggestions are quite true.
Chain store 'generic' type bicycles are built to less exacting standards than 'brand name' bicycles. the parts used are of lower standard, and the attention to detail in quality of assembly is not as high. They also don't come accompanied by a 'free after sales service' policy the way LBS bikes do. Even those 'Walmart' purchasers who have the necessary skills and dedication to service their own bikes will be likely to find wheels buckling, bearings failing and gears functioning incorrectly long before LBS purchasers do.
You are wrong to suggest that LBS proponents in this thread are 'trolling' with comments about 'Walmart bikes' breaking down on a daily basis. That's not what they're saying at all, and your own comments are little better than trollage.
I know lots and lots of people who ride 'Walmart' type bikes, and do so quite happily, commuting to work or whatever. I also know lots and lots of people who've purchased them and tried doing a bit of taxing riding only to find them inadequate or broken down afterwards. A young couple I know, for example, a couple of weeks ago purchased new bikes in order to go riding with their children. They purchased the 'more expensive' bike on offer at KMart, thinkiing they'd get acceptable quality. After their first ride along rail trails the rear wheels were buckled so badly that the bikes were no longer ridable! There are heaps and heaps of instances of this type of experience to be found, if a person bothers to look for them. Better 'brand name' quality bikes DO NOT suffer so badly!