I have been looking on the internet for a place to buy new bicycle parts for my beach cruiser -- a 26" Mongoose Justice bicycle I bought at Wal-Mart three years ago -- but haven't had any luck and thought I'd try this site for help.

Specifically, I'm looking for a 7 speed "grip shift" made by SRAM.

Anyway, just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone, and give "Thanks" in advance for your help.

James

Hi James....there are many of us "TampaBay" riders here.

I hope the "elitists" don't come in here and start bashing you for having a Wal-Mart bike.....few here ride Wal-Mart bikes, but if it works for you, then more power to ya.

Have you tried local bike shops (LBS) ? Your best bet to find them locally.

The "affiliate links" section had links to many popular online retailers for bike stuff...a few I know are:
www.performancebike.com
www.nashbar.com
www.supergo.com
www.sierratradingpost.com
www.rei.com

KingTermite,

Thanks for you reply and input. I'll check the sites you listed.

Also, thanks for the "heads up" on the "jabs" at my Wal-Mart bicycle, but I've learned to "adjust" to those type people. I'm 64 years old and spent thirty years in the U.S. Navy as an airplane mechanic. I've put on a few pounds since my retirement in 1989, and as a result, my blood sugar rose. Our family doctor recommended weight loss and exercise, and it worked. I lost about 45 pounds and my blood sugar went from 127 to 88 this past Wednesday (I check it once a week now). So, you see, that old Wal-Mart bike and I have grown to be "buddies." I bought a $10.00 Schwinn speedometer (where else but Wal-Mart) when I started riding at least five miles a day (weather permitting) last fall, and it turned over 1,000 miles a few days ago. I'm on my second set of tires and the brakes need replacing, but everything else, except the cracked SRAM Grip Shifter, works like new.

A mechanic/clerk/manager at one of the local bike shops called my bicycle a "disposable bike," and he may be right. I spent $40.00 on new tires and tubes at his shop, but could have bought a completely new bicycle at Wal-Mart for $100.00. He may just have something there.

I've added a picture of my bicycle and me (I think). As you may or may not see, it was taken on the 12th of September, 2002 -- not long after I bought it.

Cheers James.

I have a Trek bike from a bike shop, but its "style" is a little similar to the cruiser (upright handlebars, etc..). I too started for weight loss. I bought it Jan of last year ('04) and only rode liesurely once a week for the first year and 3 months or so. Then I finally "caught the bug" earlier this year and now ride 3 or 4 times a week on average (probably about 75-100 miles/week). I, too, just turned over 1000 miles on my bike (Just last Sunday).

If you want to really work on the weight loss (and blood sugar), you might want to combine with bike riding with a great eating lifestyle. I'd suggest "Eat To Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. It's a great book and between that and the cycling, I've lost about 40-50 pounds just since May or so and my sugar is doing much better too.

James,
Last year I read a travelog on the internet posted by a couple who rode across the U.S. on bikes just like yours. I live on the east coast of Fl. and found that it took a lot of effort to keep the rust off of the spokes and wheels when we had a Walmart bike. But it sure was fun to ride.

Hi James and welcome to BikeForums.
Glad to hear about your health improvements.

Good looking bike but it won't do the hills I encounter every day.
I'm coming up on the big 61 very soon and the bikes shown in my sig (below) are keeping me (and my doctor) happy.

Keep riding and don't worry about what others say. Just have fun!

Wow, Pensacola huh? Although I live in Kerry and Kennedy land now, I grew up in Milton, not far from Whiting Field. I miss a lot of the great places down there, like McGuire's, Seville, etc. But the place I miss the most is the Naval Aviation Museum at NAS. Anyway, welcome!