A few years ago, I bought a $58 Roadmaster from Walmart and rode it from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC after losing my job. Stuck a cheap rack on the back and away I went. Other than an initial adjustment on the brakes, I had no problems whatsoever with it. It was heavy and slow as molasses but I did the 250 mile ride in 4 days. I donated the bike to Goodwill when I arrived in Raleigh.

In the town I live at, nearly all the bikes I see being used for errands and such are xMart bikes. At two LBS's I have checked, I have yet to find a single bicycle that my daughter was interested in. And I totally understand why. Like it or not, xMart bikes appeal to kids.

I bought my hybrid bike at Dick's Sporting Goods that I use for touring and daily riding where they do adjustments and such for up to one year after the purchase. I have several thousand miles on it and other than one flat,two tires, and cable adjustments, no problems with it. Dick's is above the xMART bikes is that they usually have someone who is knowledgable about bicycles.

What I am saying is cheap bikes do have a market with the poor and with kids. I know on bikeforums.net, cheap bikes get frowned upon. I strongly recommend Dick's Sporting Goods if a cheap bike is all you can afford based just on my personal experience.

Cheers and Happy Riding,