Originally Posted by merlinextraligh

ok, I'll try to give a serious somewhat complete answer. The short take is that a $249 bike that poorly adjusted, largely non repairable, ends up costing more that a $450 bike from an LBS that is actually put together correctly, will last for awhile and can be serviced and repaired.

There are some examples of discount bikes that are ok for someone on an extreme budget, if and its a big if, they know how to do their own wrenching.

But for the most parts the Wallyworld bikes are very hevy, poorly made, poorly assembled and adjusted,a nd can't be repaired cost effectively.

If your budget is very limited, you're almost always better off with a used bike in reasonable condition for the same price.