|
Originally Posted by abstractform20
(Post 9013269)
you're a jackass if you think retail bikes are pure crap for everything.
i dont think people are going to wal mart, saying "oh gee, today i get one of 'em like armstrong's!" people dont go to kia dealerships and expect bugatti quality. if you're doing a 10 mile commute, then a 100 buck bike is fine. |
Originally Posted by edwong3
(Post 9013076)
About 10 years ago, I bought a Huffy Savannah Cruise from the Sports Authority. As the name implies, it was a "cruiser" type bike with a 6 speed drivetrain, fenders, and a nice chainguard. It didn't hurt the fact that it was an attractive looking bike :love:
The Savannah Cruise rode like a dream and was very comfortable. I rode it for a full year before selling it with no issues what so ever. I think it helped that the assemblers at the Sports Authority are real bike mechanics, and I took advantage of a free bike tune up offer that's good after the first 30 days of ownership just like most bike shops do. So it's hard to judge sometimes how good these bikes can or can't be because in this case, the retailer's standard of product assembly and after sale service is certainly well above that of the typical big box stores. Now since the topic of Huffys was brough up, I find myself "eyeing" this bike, thinking that I would like another bike for errand running, and such, and going hummmm. http://www.amazon.com/Men%2527s-Huff...3739317&sr=8-1 Cheers |
Originally Posted by Mr. Underbridge
(Post 9012773)
There was a guy a year or two back who bought a Walmart Denali and rode it till it died. The thread went on forever and was both incredibly entertaining and informative. Worth a read if you really want to learn what big box bikes can/can't do. Poster's name was CigTech.
However, the Denali is still much higher quality than Magna/Huffy or equivalent. There really are serious issues with build quality that can have catastrophic results. Things like brakes malfunctioning or derailers going into spokes. Decidedly un-fun. Also, because some of them use non-standard parts, repairing them can be difficult (if it made financial sense anyway). The general consensus is that it's fool's economy to get one of those bikes. You'd want to have a mechanic inspect it if you were going to do much riding on it, which would eat up your cost savings. At any price point, there are safer, better bikes available used than in big box stores. Some trolls will try to make snarky comments about bike snobs and whatnot looking down at cheaper bikes. That is *not* the issue here. The issues are durability, safety, and value, and those hold true at any price point from $20 to $2000. |
My Dad use to ride a Huffy before it was stolen, and he loved it. I rode it sometimes and thought it was a good bike.
|
Originally Posted by Mr. Underbridge
(Post 9012773)
Things like brakes malfunctioning or derailers going into spokes. Decidedly un-fun. Also, because some of them use non-standard parts, repairing them can be difficult (if it made financial sense anyway).
The general consensus is that it's fool's economy to get one of those bikes. You'd want to have a mechanic inspect it if you were going to do much riding on it, which would eat up your cost savings. At any price point, there are safer, better bikes available used than in big box stores. Some trolls will try to make snarky comments about bike snobs and whatnot looking down at cheaper bikes. That is *not* the issue here. The issues are durability, safety, and value, and those hold true at any price point from $20 to $2000. Even better, imply one type of bike is "safer" than another with vague statements about " brakes malfunctioning or derailers going into spokes" with no reference to actual frequency of such "un fun" events occurring to bikes of different provenances. |
|
Here is my experience:
Huffy << MTN TEK << Surly The MTN TEK made the Huffy look really bad. The Surly made the MTN TEK look really bad. IMHO |
hufy rider
Originally Posted by Commando303
(Post 8989298)
I might be in the wrong place with this question (most people in this forum seem to be at least "enthusiastic" about cycling, and "enthusiasts" are, I suppose, likely to have higher-end stuff), but, does any of you mainly use a Huffy (or "Huffy-type") bicycle for your commuting? (By "Huffy-type," I mean a bike sold at a "big-box store" [e.g., Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us; not a local bike shop].) That is, does any of you mostly ride a bicycle that costs about a hundred bucks? If so, how do you like it?
Just wondering. |
I haven't had a huffy since the 80's... I would take an old huffy if it wasn't in bad shape and had at least a 2 piece BB...
|
Phoenix thread!
|
I rode a Murray MTB in high school and college-- one until it got stolen, the other until it rusted out of existence (hey, living in pismo will do that).
Now, I have three from bikesdirect. Guess I didn't move up the ladder all that far. :) |
Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
(Post 8991830)
The issue for me was to buy the right "Huffy-type" bike from the right big box store. I bought my Ragazzi from Real, a German big box store for 268DM (approx. $135 in 2000 or 2001). Real is a store chain like K-mart formerly known as Massa. I've been using it for the last 7 years of all year, all weather commuting in Iowa and have put approx. 35,000 miles on it and am quite satisfied. The only significant adjustment. I made are adding additional lights, and changing out the saddle. The bike came with full fenders, lights, rear rack, Sachs 7 speed IGH with coaster rear and front handbrakes.
In the early 70's I rode the heck out of a Sears 3 speed bike commuting in Philadelphia. I bought it through the catalog for $50. Eventually I got rid of it and bought for $82 a Raleigh Sports 3 speed. The "issue" for some bicycling purists and others who gnash their teeth about "Huffy-type" bikes (or any other bike without an LBS provenance) is that these bikes are "never" used by the right kind of people for the right kind of bicycling. What I don't understand is why, if you're going to spend a lot of time on the bike and it's important to you, wouldn't you want a bike that makes riding more pleasant, with less maintenance and fewer safety issues? I carry my bike in and out of the house, up and down stairs, every day - I don't want to carry 50 pounds. If you can't afford it, OK, that's a valid reason...but even nice bikes are relatively low cost and I have to think there are other priorities that can be juggled to come up with the extra $700. Extra $100, or less, if you buy used. You can get a LOT of used bike for a low number of dollars! I'm not rich - not by a long shot - but by buying used, the occasional flip and not paying for gas or auto insurance, I have some nice bikes that I like and can, mostly anyway, sell for what I paid or more. I guess my issue is that there is another option than expensive new bike and cheap department store bike - the cheap, GOOD, used bike! For someone new to it, who doesn't know how to do repairs and maintenance, I understand why used isn't an option - but for us, I just don't understand the department store bike. If you watch CL for a month in a decent area, you can ride a very nice used bike for under $200, AND you can get the cash back when you sell it. Honestly, I don't even really see a difference in terms of having to fix up/overhaul a used bike - you're going to have to do that with most department store bikes too. My Huffy, which I spent less putting together than most BD bikes (counting rack, Brooks, bling cages and Panaracer Ribmos). http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/photo-48.jpg |
Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake
(Post 14703229)
My Huffy, which I spent less putting together than most BD bikes (counting rack, Brooks, bling cages and Panaracer Ribmos).
http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/photo-48.jpg |
I just find it funny, apologies. It's a bike I'm especially proud of.
|
Again: Greg spent Huffy Corp.'s Sponsorship Money on a hand built frame,
:bang: Huffy did not make it .. they made the money selling stuff that is usually associated with BSO moniker. it moves when you pedal it, Lock it up so you wont have to walk home, if you get it stolen, unless you bling'ed it up it is cheaply replaced. |
Originally Posted by Mr. Underbridge
(Post 9012773)
There was a guy a year or two back who bought a Walmart Denali and rode it till it died. The thread went on forever and was both incredibly entertaining and informative. Worth a read if you really want to learn what big box bikes can/can't do. Poster's name was CigTech.
However, the Denali is still much higher quality than Magna/Huffy or equivalent. There was about a month before I got it where I was in between bikes. During that time I commuted on a Huffy, absolutely a case of anything that would roll. I couldn't wait to get off that bike, and I wound up leaving it outside leaning against a tree hoping some kid that needed one would take it. It took about three weeks ... If that's what you've got, then ride it. But I'd never recommend buying a modern Huffy unless there was absolutely no other choice. |
Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake
(Post 14703367)
I just find it funny, apologies. It's a bike I'm especially proud of.
|
I have seen a dude in the neighborhood and on my commute riding a black-painted Denali frame with a different (steel) fork and better parts hanging off of it. I think it's pretty creative for a getting-to-work machine.
|
For the money, I would find a good bike on CL. I was looking at department store bikes. Then heard some horror stories. Decided to look on CL. Luckily for me I live in a big metropolitan area (DFW). Found an older model Trek For less than I would have spent at Wally World, that had barely been used. This is an extremely interesting thread. I personally would never spend more than $300 on a bicycle. Simply because its only for utilitarian use and for more, I could have a moped/scooter.
|
I hope this helps. I had a Walmart $87 Huffy Beach Cruiser that I rode the snot out of on many beach paths. Probly put a couple hundred miles on it according to my friend's GPS in about a year. (that a lot?). Being older (57) the single speed thing beat me up in strong headwinds and uphill parts. But, I'd ride that bike 15 miles a day only stopping for a lunch break. I'm told that's a LOT of miles on a single speed beach cruiser. Today I just sold an 80's Schwinn 5 speed cruiser that I'd ride 32 miles in one day at the beaches in SoCal. I'm now looking for something a bit nicer now that I realize I AM riding. Oh, I rode almost non stop for 32 miles on a Dahon folding bike a few weeks ago
|
The Huffy, or big box store, bike is fine. However, be aware that bikes are delivered to the retailer partially assembled. Many lawsuits have been won where the retailer paid minimum-wage, minimally-trained employees to assemble the bikes.
Buy your kid a Huffy from the big box store. Put her on her new bike, she rides downhill, and when she tries to avoid the tree she turns the bars but nevertheless hits the tree head-on, and ends up in the ER. It's not the bike, it's the assembly. If you are not mechanically competent enough to make sure your bike is in top working condition, you probably should buy your bike from a good local bike shop which has a qualified mechanic on staff to assemble it properly. Otherwise, Huffy is good. Regards, gtd |
Originally Posted by gtd
(Post 14707582)
The Huffy, or big box store, bike is fine. However, be aware that bikes are delivered to the retailer partially assembled. Many lawsuits have been won where the retailer paid minimum-wage, minimally-trained employees to assemble the bikes.
Buy your kid a Huffy from the big box store. Put her on her new bike, she rides downhill, and when she tries to avoid the tree she turns the bars but nevertheless hits the tree head-on, and ends up in the ER. It's not the bike, it's the assembly. If you are not mechanically competent enough to make sure your bike is in top working condition, you probably should buy your bike from a good local bike shop which has a qualified mechanic on staff to assemble it properly. Otherwise, Huffy is good. Regards, gtd |
Actually, there's a SChwinn commuter at Wal Mart that I kinda like, and would probably consider buying if I needed it. Shimano components, full plastic fenders, 700X38 wheel/tires and V brakes. I'm pretty impressed, especially for about $150.
My first year of commuting was done on my grandfather's Free Spirit 3 speed. I'd wager that it's as good as a Raleigh Sports...maybe worse brakes, but otherwise, functionally identical to my Phillips Sports. I liked it, but not enough to keep it. Sold it to a student of mine. It's still puttering around Purdue. |
1 Attachment(s)
I have a Royce Union Copperhead that is all in all a great riding and shifting bike. My main bike for the street is 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, but the Copperhead is my trail bike and it just keeps going and going.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=271946 |
1 Attachment(s)
I own a Huffy Maxx Mountain Bike and it is as good a bike as I need. I purchased it in 1998 at a Service Merchandise store and the first thing I did was have it set-up at a good bike shop. It has an aluminum frame and is relatively light at approximately 30lbs. (which is about the same weight as some 'high end' mountain bikes). I ride it daily and I've only had it tuned-up once over the past 16 years. I recently sent the serial number to Huffy so they could send me the bike's build sheet. Here is a copy of the build sheet & a photo of my Huffy.
MODEL NAME: MAXX MOUNTAIN DATE: 8-25-97 DESCRIPTION: 26" MEN'S ATB HI-POLISH 21 SPEED INDEX SIM TO: 26248 CUSTOMER: SERVICE MDSE 9-23 PROD DATE:2/98 11/97 UPC: 0 28914 36288 5 FRAME: M.ITM ALUMINUAMW/BRAZE-ONS/CANTI STUDS/BOTTLE HOLES FINISH: HI-POLISH LABEL HT: "HUFFY 5C6641 LABEL TT: 5C7004 "MAXX MOUNTAIN 21 SPEED INDEX" 5C4618 HELMET 5C6978 "SHIMANO IC INDEX COMPONENTS" LABEL DT: 5C7005 "ALUMINUM" UNDERSIDE DT @ CRANK: 11-17 5C6818 "MADE IN CHINA" LABEL STM 5C6984 "ALUMINUM O/S TUBING" LABEL LWR RR: 5C3659 "SHIMANO PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS" BRAKE LEVER: FRT/RR ALLOY V-BRAKE BRAKE CALIPER RESIN VUELTA V-BRAKES SHEATH BLACK SHIFTERS: L/R MRX 100 SHEATH: BLACK FRT DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO TY30 RR DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO TY22 FORK: 3C6942-A01 26" BALLISTIC THREADED/SHOCK FINISH: BLACK LABEL: INCLUDED W/FORK"BALLISTIC" CRANK: DOTEK 3 PCE BLACK STEEL CHAINWHEEL: SEE ABOVE CHAINGUARD: - BB VP SEMI CARTIDGE BB BC55P RIMS: 26" 36H 1.5" ALLOY W/"ALLOY" 5C6094 FRT. HUB BLACK QR KEYIN RR. HUB BLACK NUTTED KEYIN RR. SPROCKET: 7 SPEED INDEX/FALCON TIRE SET: 26" X 1.95" MUD MAX HANDLEBAR: ITM SILVER BULGED ATB SADDLE: BLACK SELLE ROVER RAIL W/RAIL PEDAL: 3C6518-A01 BLACK 9/16" TOE CLIP ADAPTABLE VP-893 GRIPS: 9-23 BLACK SENSITECH (LONG) (SHORT) STEM: KALIN 100MM BLACK W/LOGO EXTRAS: 11-2 KALIN BLACK BAR ENDS W/LOGO QA SEAT SKEW SILVER QR SILVER FRT HUB SKEWER ALLOY MICRO-ADJUST SEATPOST http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=390415 |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:52 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.