jungleexplorer

Hi all, I am new here. Like so many, I have chosen the bike as my tool to get me back into to shape. I grew up in Brazil and I used to have to ride a bike 40 or more miles a week. In Brazil we have a bike manufactured by a company called Monarka. Back then the bikes were just basic one speed bikes, but they were tough as nails. I rode mostly on dirt roads through miles of mud and the bikes just kept going. When I go to Wal-Mart to look for a bike, there are so many bikes, with all kinds of stuff on them. The one thing missing on them all is a luggage rack. All Monarkas had a sturdy luggage rack over the rear wheel that could be used to haul luggage or an extra person. They are so useful I cannot imagine owning a bike without one. I plan to use my bike (when I get it) to do my grocery shopping and stuff, so I need that rack. I was just over at Wal-Mart and I noticed that they now have two bike models with luggage racks. One is a Shimano Mongoose c700, and the other is Schwinn Delmar. I like the looks of the Shimano better then the Schwinn. I was just wondering if you guys can give me some pointers. I am just not sure about the quality of the bikes here in the US. If I could get my hands on a good Monarka I would feel safe.

Oh, one more thing. I know I could spend tons of money to get a good bike, but are there any good budget bikes out there (That have a carry rack)?

I_bRAD

For the same price as a walmart bike you could get an old raleigh 3sp in great condition that will hold up much longer

jungleexplorer

I found a couple of these bikes for sale but they did not have carry racks. I like the bike though.

I_bRAD

Don't forget you can always add the rack afterward. Cheap ones start at around 15bucks.

Scheherezade 

I bought the Mongoose Paver after my old bike got stolen last spring. It's a great bike for the price (barely $100). It's got a lot of great features and practicality for commuters: no suspension (that fake wal-mart suspension is awful), 700c wheels (can handle knobbies or slims, I've got 28s on there now), rack, 2 braze ons for water bottle mounts, eyelets for full fenders. That being said, brakes are pretty bad (had to replace mine after 6 months), the tires are flat prone, and the drivetrain (7 speed) isn't built for hauling heavy loads up hills. If the bike is a good fit for you, it would be a good purchase, especially if your area's used bicycle market is like mine (that's to say, there really isn't a used bicycle market, so there's pretty much only x-mart cheapos and LBS overpriced bikes to buy unless you go online.)

riddei

I'm don't know if there is a Performance Bike store near you, THIS BIKE looks like it would fit your needs. If you have to order it you will need to be able to put it together. It should be better quality than a Walmart bike. If you don't need gears a Schwinn Coffee Single Speed is a cheaper alternative...

no1mad 

You aren't going to find a bike/rack like that at Wal-Mart. If you really want to carry a load, then your going to have to spend some $$. Of the models that I know of, the Kona Ute is the cheapest (though not a budget bike). The others being Surly Big Dummy, Rans Hammertruck, Xtracycle...

Speaking of Xtracycle, you might find an old bike of your choice and see if you can put one of Xtracycle's FreeRadical kits on it. This ain't exactly cheap either, but it's the lowest priced way of doing what you want.

jungleexplorer

Thanks to all. I guess it will be the c700 because of the price. The other bikes look great, but at 5 to 8 times the price, it just doos not make much sense. Even if the c700 last only a year, I could by a new one each year for five years before I would have spent as much as the cheapest of the others suggested. My best bet is buy a cheap one now and watch around for a good used one at a steal of a price. Thanks again.

Nightshade

There is but one bike that will match your remembered "Monarka" for pure toughness and durablity.
That bike is "Worksman". Worksman makes industrial bikes that need to be super tough take and
take anything tough so in civilian use it's impossible to wear out or break.

Worksman is also a great value in a bike if you need tough and durable over fast for racer boy
use. You can order a Worksman built your way (within limits) and it will be delievered ready to
ride to your door. Check it out here........ https://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_s.../cruisers.html

BA Commuter

I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. Good luck with your new bike, but I disagree with your logic about getting a new one every year, etc.

I also feel the Schwinn Coffee is a good fit for what you described and a great value for $350. I won't even mentioned my opinion of the place you're shopping at...

Gunmetal_Ghoul

I make good use of a single speed beach cruiser. They have a reputation for being simple and durable enough for everyday riding around the world. I don't think my cheap {I mean inexpensive} cruiser would compare durability wise to the foreign bike you mentioned. But, It's still worth a look....

Red Horn

^+1. My $200 cruiser has seen an average of about 5 miles a day since June with no issues so far .

https://www.beachbikes.net/index.php?...3&pro_detail=Y