kids bike rims image
Rolly
I want to get a bike to get some exercise everyday and burn some calories and have a little fun riding around while I am doing it. Do I really need to spend $600+ dollars on a bike at a bike a store or can a $100 dollar Target/Walmart bike do the trick?
Also, what kid a bike should I get? Mountain, 12 speed, etc?
Answer
There are a number of differences between "department store" bikes and bike shop bikes. I am an avid mountain biker so this mostly relates to mountain bikes, but the principals apply to both on and off-road bikes. (I bought a relatively cheap bike shop bike about 18 months ago, a Mongoose Wing Comp ($450) with mid-range componentry but with bad rims; I have already replaced it with a Jamis Dakar XC Comp ($1,800). The Mongoose has a decent frame, but the componentry just won't hold up; I am a proponent of saving your money and buying a better bike; you will be much happier and you won't get stranded on a trail because of sub-standart equipment)
First, the frames are not designed to be ridden the same; on all dpt. store bikes, there is a sticker that will warn you that this bike is not made for jumping or competitive riding; the metal is much cheaper and often much heavier, more brittle, welds are not as good, the derailleru hangers are not replacable (MTB) which is extremely important when you start doing more off-road riding.
Second, the rims will more than likely be single-walled or extremely cheap double-walled that will not stand up to any abuse on an off-road trail. On my Mongoose mentioned above, I had to replace both rims within 4 weeks of buying the bike. The hubs will also be generally "recreational" and will fall apart after 3-4 months, if the rims last that long.
Third, the derailleurs will be bottom-of-the-line. They will more than likely need constant adjustment and maintenance. They also are much slower when shifting than the more expensive set-ups.
Another really weak point is the handlebars; they don't use a very expensive component and I have seen several broken handlebars in the past. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause you to really injur yourself.
Lastly (not really, but I'm talking too much), the dept. store bikes will all be one size and that might or might not fit you or your needs.
Bottom line, the department store bikes will work fine for you if you don't plan to do any serious off-road riding (jumping, rocks, downhill, etc.) or if you don't plan on riding every day. If you must buy a department-store bike, make sure you are buying something with Shimano "Tourney" or "Altus" deraillerus; the low-end SRAM or the Falcon that I have seen are not going to last and will require constant maintenance and adjustment; you won't be happy. Also, don't ride the bike harder than it was designed to be ridden. There are several bikes in the $400-$700 range made by Jamis and Trek. Also, since it is nearing the end of a model year, you should be able to find some 2007 models at discounted prices, sometimes as much as 25%. If you can find $400 to $500, then you will have some luck, you just have to look. Here are some websites that you might want to look at. BEFORE you buy anything, RIDE IT!!! Don't let anyone sell you a bike that they are not willing to let you at least buzz around the parking lot. Good luck and happy riding!!!
http://www.jamisbikes.com
http://www.trekbikes.com
http://www.giant-bicycles.com
There are a number of differences between "department store" bikes and bike shop bikes. I am an avid mountain biker so this mostly relates to mountain bikes, but the principals apply to both on and off-road bikes. (I bought a relatively cheap bike shop bike about 18 months ago, a Mongoose Wing Comp ($450) with mid-range componentry but with bad rims; I have already replaced it with a Jamis Dakar XC Comp ($1,800). The Mongoose has a decent frame, but the componentry just won't hold up; I am a proponent of saving your money and buying a better bike; you will be much happier and you won't get stranded on a trail because of sub-standart equipment)
First, the frames are not designed to be ridden the same; on all dpt. store bikes, there is a sticker that will warn you that this bike is not made for jumping or competitive riding; the metal is much cheaper and often much heavier, more brittle, welds are not as good, the derailleru hangers are not replacable (MTB) which is extremely important when you start doing more off-road riding.
Second, the rims will more than likely be single-walled or extremely cheap double-walled that will not stand up to any abuse on an off-road trail. On my Mongoose mentioned above, I had to replace both rims within 4 weeks of buying the bike. The hubs will also be generally "recreational" and will fall apart after 3-4 months, if the rims last that long.
Third, the derailleurs will be bottom-of-the-line. They will more than likely need constant adjustment and maintenance. They also are much slower when shifting than the more expensive set-ups.
Another really weak point is the handlebars; they don't use a very expensive component and I have seen several broken handlebars in the past. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause you to really injur yourself.
Lastly (not really, but I'm talking too much), the dept. store bikes will all be one size and that might or might not fit you or your needs.
Bottom line, the department store bikes will work fine for you if you don't plan to do any serious off-road riding (jumping, rocks, downhill, etc.) or if you don't plan on riding every day. If you must buy a department-store bike, make sure you are buying something with Shimano "Tourney" or "Altus" deraillerus; the low-end SRAM or the Falcon that I have seen are not going to last and will require constant maintenance and adjustment; you won't be happy. Also, don't ride the bike harder than it was designed to be ridden. There are several bikes in the $400-$700 range made by Jamis and Trek. Also, since it is nearing the end of a model year, you should be able to find some 2007 models at discounted prices, sometimes as much as 25%. If you can find $400 to $500, then you will have some luck, you just have to look. Here are some websites that you might want to look at. BEFORE you buy anything, RIDE IT!!! Don't let anyone sell you a bike that they are not willing to let you at least buzz around the parking lot. Good luck and happy riding!!!
http://www.jamisbikes.com
http://www.trekbikes.com
http://www.giant-bicycles.com
I would like to start bike riding to shed some baby weight what are the best bike trailer/bike combos?
Yeah Momma
i need a bike and want to buy a bike trailer, what type of bike should be used?
Answer
- how much do you want to/can you spend?
- what kind of trailer - cargo or kid?
- how long and where do you want to ride (urban/country, flat/hilly/mountainous)?
- commuting or sports/training?
- what's your weight - and do you do any kind of sports?
- are you fixed on a bike/trailer combo, or would a (two or three wheeled) bakfiets be a practical alternative?
Unless you want to lay down at least 4k$/â¬, there's no sense in talking about 'best'. You can start thinking about 'good' (enough for everyday use) with 2k$/⬠and either the willingness to learn basic maintenance or a friendly LBS within reach.
As a short guide to what I'd consider best (I'll just throw in a few buzzwords, use google or come back here if you want to know more):
- steel frame, touring geometry, Rohloff dropouts
- Rohloff internal geared rear hub
- SON front hub generator
- Edelux front bike light, b&m rear light
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes
- disc brake rims, Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires in 26x2.00, DD stainless spokes
- Brooks leather saddle
- closed chain box, e.g. Hebie Chainglider
That'll cut down the yearly maintenance to the gear oil change and regular inspection (and occasional exchange) of brake pads and chain.
- Weber hitch
- brand trailer - for kids, Chariot or Croozer, for cargo, Roland or Carry Freedom
- how much do you want to/can you spend?
- what kind of trailer - cargo or kid?
- how long and where do you want to ride (urban/country, flat/hilly/mountainous)?
- commuting or sports/training?
- what's your weight - and do you do any kind of sports?
- are you fixed on a bike/trailer combo, or would a (two or three wheeled) bakfiets be a practical alternative?
Unless you want to lay down at least 4k$/â¬, there's no sense in talking about 'best'. You can start thinking about 'good' (enough for everyday use) with 2k$/⬠and either the willingness to learn basic maintenance or a friendly LBS within reach.
As a short guide to what I'd consider best (I'll just throw in a few buzzwords, use google or come back here if you want to know more):
- steel frame, touring geometry, Rohloff dropouts
- Rohloff internal geared rear hub
- SON front hub generator
- Edelux front bike light, b&m rear light
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes
- disc brake rims, Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires in 26x2.00, DD stainless spokes
- Brooks leather saddle
- closed chain box, e.g. Hebie Chainglider
That'll cut down the yearly maintenance to the gear oil change and regular inspection (and occasional exchange) of brake pads and chain.
- Weber hitch
- brand trailer - for kids, Chariot or Croozer, for cargo, Roland or Carry Freedom
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Title Post: Why is there such a big price difference between a Target bike for $100 vs the $600+ bikes at the bike store?
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Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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