Okay, today I bought a Mongoose DXR AL (yes, from walmart). Before you say anything, let it be known that I am broke (can someone say college student?), so I cannot afford even an entry level bike from a LBS.

All I want to do with this bike is ride. I am not interested in taking it on any trails or anything. Basically, I just want it to help myself get into shape.

After having ridden it today, I came to the conclusion that the shifters and derailleur SUCKS (of course, you all already knew that). My question is: What would be some good options for upgrading these parts?

As of now, the bike will suffice for level terrain. However, its not quite up to going uphill, of course at this point, neither am I.

Please don't suggest that I go to a LBS, becaus there is no way that I could afford anything from one right now, and I really can't wait until I can afford one because by then I might decide not to get a bike at all (I have several other hobbies at the moment that would quickly tempt me to give them some attention).

Any advice would be great.

well....i dont know what shifters they have but its likely gripshift. Its probably a Tourney derailleur or the bottom end SRAM. 7 speed. Check ebay for 7 speed shifters, there isnt a huge deal but maybe you will be happier.

Return it and get something more functional (and expensive). By the time you're done with upgrading, you'd most likely be worse off financially. Peace, M.

It might also be adjusted wrong. Ive used a deore and a xt, and as long as i kept them both tuned right it was hard to tell the diff between the two..I mean i know the difference, but to me they felt the same..Check to see if its set up right..

Gripshift, yes. As for the derailleur, its a Shimano, but I'm sure that its a cheap knock-off licensed to use the Shimano name.

Checking ebay now.

Good point. I shouldn't expect a Wal-mart bike to be setup at all. I will try to set it up when I get a chance.

Take that POS back and get a hardtail if you're that broke. That thing is a disaster waiting to happen. Don't they have pawn shops where you're at?

Its true....
Your best bet is to return that excuse of a bike and go to a pawn shop. There is nothing wrong with getting a used bike, you can get an entry level hardtail for sub 200, maybe even under 150.

Okay, I did end up returning it. My dad gave me his old Huffy Blades mountain bike. I remember it was always a very nice bike and he never had any trouble with it at all. It just need a bit of work and TLC.