Originally Posted by
Re-Cycle
The quality of the bikes and components are not as important as the way the bikes were assembled. The spokes probably never saw a human hand. The bearings are usually set to tight, shifting is usually abysmal but part of that can be attributed to grip shifters. In my opinion a department store bike could be made usable if someone readjusted it and maintained it. Its funny that usually the cheapest bikes get the most use/abuse and see the least chain lube. Another option is to buy a bike for less from a thrift store, put tubes and a chain on it and now you've really got a good bike for under $100.
PS. It kinda pisses me off that you had to point out what nationality rides the cheap bikes, was that necessary?
Therein lies the problem...they don't STAY adjusted and require a fair amount of time to keep maintained compared to a slightly better built bike. I have had many a WM bike go out of adjustment while it was still on the repair stand. They use the absolute cheapest components they can, screws strip, the springs are weak, etc, etc.
Aaron
