fubar5

You don't know that they are overpriced because you have no experience with them.

fubar5

Bikes in a shop are different than bikes at wal-mart.


The case you have posted isn't worthy here. I don't just run down to the theater when I want popcorn...But when I'm there, sure, I'll pay a little extra.

Waldo

Disposible raisors vs. Gillette Mach 3.
Discuss.

Inoplanetyanin

This is not even the poiint. Guy said the bike FITS him and he doesn not see any obvious shifting problems so far.

Inoplanetyanin

I am showing different prices for the SAME product.

fubar5

Mach 3 is waaaaaaay better.

Inoplanetyanin

Wal mart is the BIGGEST reatailer in the WORLD. It can afford lower prices...

fubar5

If you think wal-mart bikes are the same as bike shops bikes, you have a dire misunderstanding.

fubar5

Doesn't mean their bikes are as good as wal-mart bikes.

Waldo

And you are saying that LBS bikes are the same as X-mart bikes?

Inoplanetyanin

No. I am saying that LBS bikes are very often overpriced compared to Wal Mart bikes. Quality is NOT an issue here.
Stereotypes and false believes are.
And again, we are only comparing SIMILAR product. Noone should even think about road bikes, or racing titanium carbon super lights... As Wal Mart doesn't sell them

We are talking about low end, BASIC mountain bikes with similar components. Stuff that costs 150 at Wal Mart, costs just a little more at bike shop TOO. That is well explained by thei need to make profit, and PROOVES that it's not the QUALITY that makes a difference.


*I think I should get one of those Schwinns...*

fubar5

LOL!!!


Thats it for me folks..No point in continuing with this guy.

Inoplanetyanin

If Wal Mart would be selling road bikes, with thin tires and size of around 27 inches, I would buy one without a shadow of a doubt!

Waldo

Yep. I need to rest up-I have a busy day of scamming people at my shop tomorrow.

Inoplanetyanin

Some posts sure do remind me of this old saying:

"Great minds, - discuss ideas. Average minds, - discuss events. Stupid minds, - discuss people".

Kev

Prices at the LBS are overpriced? I don't think so they could ge the same bikes wallmart has and sell them for about the same price, probably few dollars more. The level of components on a LBS bike are normaly higher, when they are built they are put together better. Due to this the bike will last longer.

A low end LBS bike will run you around $200-300 a high end X-mart bike will run you $150-200.. So let's say you take the x-mart bike to a LBS to be put together properly $40.. and LBS does free tune ups normaly for atleast 3 months sometimes up to 5 years (that is what my brother got at the LBS)... so this is roughly worth let's say another $50.. So that makes them the same cost. So not overpriced.

And the previous poster said he took it to his LBS to get tuned up, which will make it shift better and work better.

Inoplanetyanin

Yeah, there definitely is a logic in your post. Sounds great. I absolutely agree with such a view.
After all, this is all about opinions, and if you are perfectly happy with it, then nothing needs be changed. Great... Good luck.
Everybody has different approach to biking, buying the quipment. Everybody has different budget, of course the opinions are going to be different.
It would really be interesting to look at the test results of different brand bicycle components.

Here is roughly what ways there are to compare, let's say wrenches.

A testing group purchases 5 sets of different brand wrenches, of the same size.
Each wrench is tested on twisting resistance with the dynamometr recording the torgue at which the wrench brakes. The table is made in the end with actuall results.
Something similar could be done with bicycle hubs, cranks, bearings...

It could end some of the useless arguments that only reflect one's subjective opinon...

Kev

There actualy is tests done on different compoents etc.. There was a thread short bit ago about what is different about different headsets. Basicaly came down to seals and bearings. Better seals and higher quality bearings which there definately is a difference in. I think we all could agree a chris king headset is one of the best out their but twice the cost.. now is that worth the extra money is a personal choice.

You can find lots of reviews of different components, every year the lower end benefit from the higher end, since the technology advances trickle down. As a experiment why don't you go to the LBS test out the $400 road bike then go ride the $7,000 one and see how it feels to you. See if it shifts smoother, faster stiffere etc.. There is alot of personal preference in frames I admit though, since you might like steel.. or AL.. or CF.. or Ti.. Even in those groups how the frame is built can make BIG difference.

Raiyn

At my shop tune-ups are free for a year with purchase. The same service is $42.95 if you come in off the street. Replacement parts are extra in both cases. So it's worth quite a bit more than $50 if you come in at least twice to make sure all is well. (Why not it's free.)

Maelstrom 

Which is true when dealing with similar quality 'things' across the board where opinion is based on personal opinion because quality can be taken out of the equation. The minute you throw quality back in the equation personal opinion is moot because one really is better than the other, whether you believe so or not. You may want to believe a 'walmart' bike is the same quality as a 400$ lbs bike but it isn't. No matter what you think in this case you are wrong. Oh and BTW I am not talking road bikes. I am talking REAL mtbikes.

The walmart quality bike may feel fine for your riding and thats cool. Heck you may even be such a mild rider it isn't a disposable bike for you and it will last you a long time and thats cool too. But there is a big diff between them which has been explained endlessly in this thread as to why. Enjoy your bike and ride. I am always happy when someone is hitting the trails whether they are on a 5000$ dh bike or a 75$ roadmaster bought at a local Sportchek.

Raiyn

Ok go to Walgreen's and buy a 6" adjustable wrench. Then get a similar wrench from say, Snap-On or Mac Tools Subject them to the same levels of use and abuse leave them out in the rain etc. I guarantee that the Snap-On wrench will last longer, and even if something DID happen to it Snap_on would stand behind their product and replace it -no questions asked. The Walgreen's wrench? You'd be lucky to get a refund.

Bigbiker

Thank you, Maelstrom. I agree.
Can you recommend a multitool or a set of tools to put in my hydration/backpack for the trail?

I don't want to overdo it but I don't want to get stuck and all of you are way more seasoned than I will probably ever be.

MediaCreations 

When will this thread breathe its last and just die?

To quote the Eagles from Hotel California, "They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast."

Kev

My favorite MultiTool so far has been the Topeak survival gear box. Saved my ass last week when my chain broke. I normaly HATE the chain tool but this one worked decently, the long lever screws in the bottom to give you a nice hand hold. It is a bit larger then some but still not big. And has everything in it patches.. tire levers a bit smaller but they work, allen wrenches etc.. And it is on sale at nashbar for $15.

Bigbiker

Thank you for the tip! And on sale too.

This thread got really ugly for a while. Glad it's over.
<knocking on wood>