Does anyone know anything about these bikes? https://www.madwagon.com/city.asp . I am considering buying one to have around for my wife (or guests, etc.) to ride occasionally. They retail for $280, but a local chain sporting goods store has them on sale for $80. Seems like you can't go wrong at that price, but the idea of getting an entire bike for less than the cost of the tires on my road bike seems somehow...."too good to be true". Also, I will be doing a charity ride next month (60 mile), and my wife wants to do the shorter ride (12 miles), would this bike hold up, or is it just pure junk? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I'm not familiar with the bike, but the price alone tells me it is heavy with very poor entry level components. For your intended purpose, it may be alright, but if you expect your wife and occassional guests to keep up with you while riding, you'd better get one for yourself as well.

If you look on most bike websites, they have a list of all the components. Since I could not find that I am guessing that LJHorton is right, the components probably suck. If I were to get something for an adult rider that was not really into it, start with a comfort bike or a hybrid. Something that won't break the bank, but still has decent components and it comfortable. They will never ride again if it is painful, miserable, and crappy in general. Also make sure that you get something that fits for your wife. She will dislike you and your bike very much if you get her one that doesn't fit her properly. Her knees will hurt, amongst other body parts and you have to live with her.

I actually have a Madwagon. I am a college student, and I use this bike specifically to get around campus. I wish I could use my beautiful Trek cyclocross bike, but my college (USC) is in a HIGH crime area (central LA), and I have to keep my baby inside when she's not being ridden. It is heavy, yes. In terms of reliability, though, it has been impressive. I have ridden this bike for a year and a half, every single day around campus (my estimate is 3-4 miles a day) with no failures to speak of. I don't know about it's long distance rideability, but for $100 I am happy with my Madwagon for what it is.

Plus, what a cool brand name! HA

Josh

There a somewhat local company to me. I wouldnt purchase anything from them other then there cruiser {https://www.madwagon.com/cruiser.asp}. The city is a really cheap bike, and isnt ment for anything more then commuting to school.

Diamondback, one the of the members here has there cruiser bike, a simple review here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...threadid=13499

[edit] I didnt notice you could pick up the bike for $80. I say go for it, if you get a year out of the bike, it was a good deal. Do they have any cruisers? I really want that bike, its a blast [/edit]

Thanks for the input. I would'nt pay the retail price, but $80...jeeze, for that price it would be good just to have around. The store is only selling the "city" model, no cruisers. If I do pick one up, I'll post a "review".

I've actually played around with one and I'm quite impressed. I'ts no beauty but, it won't leave you stranded either....unlike a X-mart special. Make sure it's assembled correctly.

"Like a blood doped Tour de France rider." That's worth a few $ right there

Seriously, for the price you note the only thing that can compete is a Huffy singlespeed and these look alot better than that. For the purpose you have in mind--why not?

I've often been tempted to buy the el cheapo bike, ride it through the winter and throw it away in the spring.

Before I stripped my commuter down to the minimum essentials necessary to ride, it was costing more than $80 to keep it maintained and operating properly through the winter.

I havn't seen them in person yet. The store is supposed to get some in on Tuesday, and I asked them to hold one for me. The manager said they have sold alot to students (UCSB). For the price it just looks like a good extra bike to have around. If i can get my wife interested in riding, I'll get her a "real" bike later

Walter,

....and did you notice in the specs. "0-60 in 4.2 seconds"
I don't know about their bikes, but this company seems pretty cool...check out the tv commercial on thier website....it's hilarious!