gpshay

Well many years ago [1983 I believe] I stopped into a very small bike shop in my beat I became a regular visitor mostly just to visit and get out of the car. The majority of his business was repairs mostly very low end dept store type bikes. He was however a Raliegh dealer and owned a Raliegh Professional. The more I visited the more I was getting bitten by the bug to buy a nice bike. His advise to me "was whatever bike you to purchase make sure it has a high quality frame made of Renyolds 531 or Columbus or their equal because then you will be more likely to add more quality components and not be throwing good money after bad." He also added "if you buy and inexpensive bike you are more likely not to ride it because it will not perform well whereas if you buy a high quality bike it will be more likely to keep your interest because it will perform well and you will continue to ride" I believe he was right I ended up purchasing a Raliegh Competions GS which i still have to this day and acutally just cracked the inner change ring, have gone through the original Campy derailuer and replace hubs,pedals [all Philwood] ect. Over the years I have met many people interested in biking and have been able to pursade them to purchase a quality bike and the ones I still have contact with have expressed their graditude in me talking them into spending more money than they would have because the bike they purchased is a joy to ride. So in my opinion department store bikes are good for kids that are not necessarily responsible and are more likely to have them stolen. But for an adult invest the money and you will enjoy and ride more. Glenn in phx.

gpsblake

Funny, i've never had any real problems with any Walmart bicycle I have ridden or bought. I rode one 2000 miles on a tour with the biggest problem being flats. So you might have to make an adjustment once in a while.... all bicycles requires adjustments once in a while...

But yet, when I go into my local LBS, you can see more expensive in there constantly being repairs... so much so, that there is a week long waiting list just for them to repair or tuneup a bicycle.

Usually I find the more expensive the bicycle, the more that person hates Walmart. A direct ratio.

But yet these same people are willing to spends many times more on repairs at an LBS than I spend on a new bicycle.

I do buy a new bike about once a year from Walmart, I like getting a new ride each year, and I donate my old perfectly working bicycle to charity each year.

But I'm not going to be riding in pelotons or fitting in with the fashion types.

KrisPistofferson

Yes, it's really all about fashion. Bikes made in Taiwan, Japan and Italy are of the same level of quality as bikes made in Chinese factories. They weigh the same, are the exact same level of quality and work just as well, too. I'm just a snob. It's the cool thing to do to hate on Walmart, I totally get laid all the time because I post about how much I hate it on the internet. You totally caught me.

Seriously guy, there's like 3 of you on this forum that like to go on about Wally World bikes, and, while it's really cute and all, it's intellectually dishonest to imply they are in any way comparable, except to say that they compare unfavorably, to LBS bikes. At an LBS you can spend twice the money and get five times the bike. This means you could buy a bike that would last a decade instead of trading it in every year, with components that weren't crap, and didn't weigh 35 pounds. It's not about racing or fashion, just being sensible and being able to do math.

People post on here because they love bikes and have access to the internet, this generally means that folks on here know a little about cycling and make enough to cover a monthly bill for the internet, that's why there aren't any X-mart bike riders here. I could go on 'til I'm blue in the face on a car forum about how a Yugo was just as good as a Tercel, but that doesn't mean it would make sense, and it wouldn't oblige many people to agree with me.

cyclezealot

Myself. I like to support the shop that services my bike. I just bought a Bell Helmet. 20 bucks off. Beautiful fit. The sales person gave us personal advice as to fit. Even tho i did not need it.

stapfam

We have a company over here called Halfords. They sell the cheap Cr*p but also a few better known bikes such as Boardman and Kona. My Lbs were asked to sort out a Kona bought at Halfords that was having a problem on the gear changing front. The LBS is also a Kona agent so no problem but it would not be done under warranty. The customer took it back to Halfords and lost the bike for a week and it still had a gear change problem.

The other problem was that the Kona was bought at Full retail price- wheras the LBS will always give the extras like Tyre repair kit and Pump to any new Cyclist buying from them. Regular customers will get a deal on their "New" bike.

I-Like-To-Bike

Twice the money? Five times the bike? Perhaps you better do your math over again, or at least include factors other than the conventional wisdom espoused in Buycycling Magazine and the LBS fanclub of BF.
High value LBS bikes at $180-$250?

Fives times the bike measured by what metric other than looking and/or weighing more like a bike fitted out for racing?

KrisPistofferson

I am not and have not been talking about racing or racing-inspired bicycles, if you'd like to talk about them, start your own thread on this topic. What I'm talking about is bikes like the Giant Sedona and Kona Smoke, (which are even cheaper at the end of season,) that have lower-end but perfectly good Shimano components like Acera and Alivio, not some crazy-ass plastic "Falkon"-brand derailler.

Good rule of thumb for cheap stuff, the more articulated parts, the more you may want to think about the old axiom "you get what you pay for." I cannot tell the difference between no-name cranks and my Sugino ones, to be honest, but stuff like derailler drivetrains are a different story. The 24+ speed bike you buy from Walmart is going to work like ****, unless you constantly mess with it. This is why the exception to the rule, the relatively simple, suspensionless bike in the OP, has surprised quite a few of us. It's why the thread was posted in the first place. Whatever mythical Walmart you have in Iowa, well, ours just ain't as good, apparently, because all I've ever seen are crap bikes come from there, with the exception of the single-speed cruisers which are adequate fro the price.

HandsomeRyan

^This^. Absolutely and unequivocally ^This^.

I-Like-To-Bike

Actually I thought the OP was whining about those allegedly crappy single speed cruisers from Walmart as well as the shock, shock he had of seeing a helmet fitting chart at Target.

Nothing about Giant or Kona bikes,eh? Maybe that was a different thread you were thinking about.

Anyhow I agree with your premise about the value of those relatively simple single speed bikes offered by the big box stores and wish they would again offer the equivalent bikes (or better yet, middle weight bikes like the older Columbia, Sears, Huffy, etc. products) with internal hub 3 speed or 7/8 speed hubs, fenders etc. Such bikes were for sale everywhere (at least with 3 speeds) until the early 70's for $50-75 or so. I will be happy if they do and the public might get happy too when and if the media gets on board and stops associating and promoting "serious" or "real" bicycling with Lance wannabees, the Buycycling conventional wisdom, and/or the value of gee whiz high tech gizmos for riding around town or on the bike path.


Until they do I'll stick with my German bought department store bike bought for approx $135 in 2000 with a 7 speed hub, full fenders, lights, bell rack, etc. Works just fine for all my needs with minimal maintenance.

Bionicycle

I have mixed feelings...

The wife and I bought a couple of single speed “Cruiser” bikes last summer at Wal*Mart, they sell them under the brand name NEXT, La Jolla, but they are in fact manufactured by Kent bicycles. I know a fare amount about bicycles, so I looked them over quite well before we bought them. They were only about $90 each.

I have found the frames (Aluminum) on our bikes to be made very well, the welds are smooth if not attractive (but I like lugged steel best), and seem to be thick enough and well made: they look like machine welds, or someone who can really lay down a consistent bead. They look to be about the same quality of the welds on aluminum frames by Trek, or Fuji, and Giant to me anyway.
Stamped dropouts, but plenty thick, and drilled and tapped for racks, fenders, and so on. Three piece crank… alloy wheels… fat 26x 2.125 tires. The front forks are steel, and not of the highest quality… they are round tubular with stamped fork ends… they look a lot like cheap mountain bike forks, so I’m not that impressed with them. Both bikes were coaster brake bikes, so I added a front brake for safety sake, and put a couple of rear racks on our bikes.

The one thing I will say that I have not been very impressed with (other than the front forks) is the amount of grease in the rear axle. Grease must be expensive, because it had very little inside. After about 20 miles or so of riding, I noticed some play in the bearing cones on the rear axle, (big bearings, big spacers) so while I was adjusting them, I thought that I may as well re-grease the bearings. I’m glad that I did, because the bearings were almost dry.

I guess to sum it up, yes you do get what you pay for, but if you are careful, and look closely at what you buy, and try to match the bike to what you need, you can get some good bang for you buck. But, you need to know what your doing and take a preventive attitude about maintenance, or you could get into trouble.
So… I guess I’ve still got mixed feelings about Wal*Mart bikes. I like the one I have, but, I have to admit, it may not have worked out well for everybody. And, if I had it to do over again...?

abmtnbkr

gpsblake, Please do keep us posted on how your bike holds up. I have to admit the bike has appeal. Thanks for posting the photos...

StokerPoker

I know this is apples to oranges but.... My $150 Aluminum Pacific 21 speed tandem from Meijer has an Acera rear derailieur and so does my $330 Aluminum Marin 21 speed Hybrid from the LBS.... Both have Shimano rapidfire shifters although the Marin does have a newer style due to being 2 years newer. Aside from initial adjustments (LBS took care of them on the hybrid, I did them on the tandem before leaving the store) the only issue not caused by user error for either bike happened to both of them. Both bikes had a sharp edge where the rim comes together causeing an occasional flat. The tandem was the front wheel, the Marin was the back wheel. Oh hey, what do you know, both have machine made wheels with Alex rims.....

You buy what works for you, that's all there is to it. There can be problems with a product at any price point. I could not get a new tandem at an LBS for 3 times what I paid for the Pacific. For what I use it for, I am more than happy with it.

And to go further off topic, but to make a point, My 1997 base model Mazda Protege with 140k miles on it has required fewer repairs than my mom's 2003 Buick with 32k miles. The Buick retailed for about $15,000 more than the Mazda.

And wasn't this about a helmet fit chart and a decent bike, not a war about X-mart vs LBS?

Rev.Chuck

I would be interested to see how that bike sells. I have said on this forum and elsewhere, many times, that places like WalMart need to have a bike exactly like that Mongoose. But I beleive they will not sell to many of them because of the flashy FS bike is right next to it at the same price that seems like more for the money.

As far as durability you do get what you pay for. My 1994 M800($1000) has been raced, commuted on, seen hundreds of miles of western NC single track,and used as a competitive trials bike(Only replacing drivetrain, tires, other wear parts.) No department store bike could do that. That Cannondale replaced a FreeSpirit MTB that I had to replace the fork, handlebars, rear derailleur, and both wheels in less than a year. I kept this bike because my Mom gave it to me for Christmas and it was my first mountian bike. I ended up giving it to my brother and it was fine for him because he used it to ride to work and the store.

The Mongoose should hold up pretty good but I would bet, if the owner is of average weight, commutes on it daily and actually uses the rack, the rear axle will break in less than a year.

gpshay

Just curious, to the Walmart riders, how many miles a week would you say you average a month ? Glenn in Phx

urban rider

Don't forget the small first aid kits for minor cuts and bruises.

HandsomeRyan

Only 7 words into your post and your already wrong.
I guess-
Post by ILTB = gospel truth.
Posts that don't agree with his opinions = whining.

wahoonc

I find the "ignore button" to be quite handy at times...

Aaron

I-Like-To-Bike

Really now?

From your shocking OP:
So what did you mean with this specific reference to Walmart's cruiser bikes? Whattsa matter with 'em other than they undersell any LBS's product (if the LBS's offer a cruiser at all) and such bikes are being sold to lowlifes who are not shocked by what they find at the big box stores?

What type of cruisers should they shock you with next? Carbon fiber models?

HandsomeRyan

I live in Knoxville TN, the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. It is very hilly around here. A 35+lb single speed cruiser bike is insufficient for even a quick ride around the block in most neighborhoods around here. The LBS's around here don't stock many (if any) cruiser bikes because they are not conducive to the terrain. My problem with Wal-Mart is that if I wanted to buy a new bike I'd have to choose between:

• an overweight "dual suspension" bike that uses inferior off-brand shifters, forks w/o pre-load adjustments, and no dampers on front or rear suspension.
-or-
• a SS cruiser with is about 15lbs overweight and has gearing that would have Lance Armstrong walking the bike up the hills around here.

Either bike would come in one standard size, and would have been assembled by someone who has no experience in bicycle mechanics. Shifters are out of alignment, rims are out of true, and the chain has not been lubed correctly.

If you read my OP, I wasn't whining about the current bike selection, I was stating that I thought the sale of this "Mongoose Paver Bike" was a move in the right direction.

The topic of this thread is not what kind of cruiser bikes I think Wal-Mart should sell. Please refer to the forum guidelines:

I-Like-To-Bike

Oh yes, its about your venture into the bicycle section at a Target Store and Walmart and shock that you found something of interest. Well guess what? A lot of people find something that meets their requirements in those stores at the price they are willing to pay.

gpsblake

I've ridden mine 197 miles since I bought the bike on March 10th. That's about 14 miles a day. I try to get in 200 to 400 miles a month although I go higher some months and usually during the awful summers here in SC, I go down in mileage. I'm also a slow rider though and I'll admit that any road bike will blow me out of the road speed wise. But I don't ride for fashion or speed, I ride because I enjoy riding and it's good exercise.

As far as keeping a bike for 10 years, I could do that with a Walmart bike easy. Unless the frame totally falls apart or gets wrecked, there isn't a part I can't replace or repair. But I like a new ride each year or when I do tours that take me several days away, it's just easier to donate the bike to charity and take the bus back without the hassle of having to return the bike.

One year, I'll probably go to an LBS to get a recumbent unless Walmart starts selling them. I've always wanted one of those eventually, maybe when I can grow a more white beard.. (Kidding of course, so many bent rider seem to have a salt n pepper beard).

Like I have said before, if you want to ride in organized group rides, want to race, or want to look like Tour De France riders, Walmart bikes are not for you. If you just want to go out and have fun and exercise in a pair of sweats or shorts, Walmart bicycles are great.

PS - I do own a road bike, a 99 dollar bicycle back in 2006. Works great, rides great, and I go about 4 to 6 MPH faster but I don't like the real harsh ride. I use it really if I want a quick ride.

Roody

That's a very interesting use of the bikes, and you make a lot of sense. Can I ask why you buy the new Walmart bikes instead of used bikes? I often buy nice bikes (meaning LBS-type bikes) for $100 to $200 at pawnshops.

gpsblake

Nothing wrong with buying used bicycles at all. Great bargains to be found at pawn shops and other places. I would buy an used recumbent if I could find one used at a decent price.

I guess the answer to your question is I'm spoiled, I want something new each year...... Kind of like the guy/gal who trades in a car every year and buys another one, except my budget is 1/100th of that.

wild animals

i sent my sister to the walmart link, but then i realized, oh yeah, walmart bikes come in one size and she's 5'4". heh

wahoonc

Here are the promised pictures...This is the bike I have, the ones at the store were worse. Two of them had welds that were fully broken at where the cantilever tubes attach to the down tube. Another one the bottom bracket had an ungodly amount of flex when you stood on the pedals. This is what $80usd gets you these days. FWIW I went to the Target across the street, they had a Schwinn cruiser for $100usd that was much better built; clean, neat welds and assembled properly.

gpsblake,

2 of the 3 WM that I looked in did not have your bike, but I did get a chance to look at it in the last one. Looks like a decent deal for the money. Too bad it is the only one out of 15 or 20 POS's.

Aaron