My son has a bike that was given to him by a close friend who said it
was very expensive, custom built. I sent pics to a bike shop in town and
they replied that it was a "Walmart knockoff, worth no more than $50."

Bike says Acer Shimano brake system, it's a 21 speed (needs chain), 26" wheels,
alloy frame (says Shimano), also says "TANK in a couple of places and has a "Rocky Style"
decal. I have the serial number and patent number. I still cannot seem to identify this
bike! Help, please!

If I should decide to sell it, I don't want to make a fool of myself, and I should
know a starting price point, and also how to create a description including all info
important to a prospective buyer.

Please only respond if you actually know. Thanks!

Yes, I'm a newbie, I don't know anything about bikes, and I am relying completely on
you!

The LBS is correct.

LBS? (local bike shop?)... So, you also believe that it is a cheepie. How
would one determine that? I need to know also, not to BUY one from anyone
else. Thanks!

Yup "local bike shop" and yup - cheap($50) bike.

If you're gonna sell it, list it as a "department store" bike. "Tank" is an apt name for it as it's probably 30 lbs or more. Very low end components only available on similarly low end bikes from big box stores hung on a heavy frame.

I'd probably take it down a few hills - see how long it would last. Just for fun.

Actually, the bike is extremely light. But, I do take your word for it. I know nothing about bikes. LBS says it's cheap, and you agree... so I don't question that you're right. I appreciate your taking the time to respond. It will save me from looking like a fool if/when I put it in a garage sale

maybe you can get up to $70... You can find it more or less in $120-150 brand new in wallmart

That bike is really bad quality, if your son wants a mountain bike I would recommend buying one from your local bike shop. You will pay more money but it will be worth it in the long run considering you don't know anything about bikes and your LBS will.

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That's a BSO, bike shaped object.

What's the poundage ? Close friends rarely 'Give' away expensive bikes.. Given because it was not worth the effort to sell is more reasonable. Looks like a keeper so ride it till it detonates and trash it.

If the Tank comes in at under 36 lbs., I'd be amazed. That one has a few years on it, too (and NO, the cable disc doesn't date it at post-2005, Walmart sold disc-equipped BSO's as early as 2001....), so I'm actually surprised it's in the condition the picture indicates.

$50 is a generous estimate for that level of bike.

The seat is also a give away. If it looks comfortable-its cheap. The skinnier the seat, the better the bike.

Your son's friend, he isn't looking for trade or anything is he? If they are telling this kind of a story, they really shouldn't be trusted and usually want something unrealistic for it.

Just an old suspicious guy here.

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Fixed.

It looks like a mountain bike but it probably has sticker on it somewhere that says it's 'not designed for off-road use'.

and sadly I believe we have seen the last of Miss Rae!!! But this thread will carry on forever on the bikeforums server.

No problem -- I've unfortunately been waist-deep in BSO's since summer of 2000. It's a sad world when Wally pays better to build crap than a shop pays to build quality.

My Komodo said something along those lines in the instruction booklet. I can't remember if there was a frame sticker that said the same or not. Gave me a laugh. Welcome to sue-happy America...

lol