ok here is my take on W-mart bikes... From what I have seen stroling the isles of W-mart and checking on there bikes is not really a good idea to buy one of there bikes. the reasons why are:
1.crapy component choices often with old stamped steel derailures (starting to see some aluminum derailers but only of low end shimano)
2.the frames seem to be a "visual reproduction" of higher end bikes. and from previous ownership flimsy and week in my oppinion like riding on a rubber band
3.the wheels, pedals and forks sold on these bikes I personaly can absolutely destroy on these bikes with a "just having fun commute"
the list of destroyed parts (this is mostly bragging but you'll understand)
two wheelsets
I am currently siting next to a set of pedals I have bent the left spindle at a 30* angle sold at W-mart, and totaly busted the cages off of another replacement set for thoes pedals (bought at W-mart)
the forks were off of a FS W-mart bike really give the wrong impression of suspention bottom out doing 1' drops. bent quite abit after doing a couple 2-3' drops
totaly striped the threds on a heavy steel crankset w/a non sealed BB square taper
these are expencive components to replace that if you were to replace just the BB and crankset with decent components you would have quickly doubled the price of the bike
you may say thats just a case of me being tough on my equipment but thoes components replaced by used "name brand parts". the forks for example, replaced by GT rigid forks not a problem (these were on a hard-tail not the orriginal FS bike, wich reminds me 1" steer tube is still top of the line at W-mart). a decent set of aloy caged pedals (wich W-mart dosn't sell) no breaking cages, still having trouble finding the "un bendable spindles" (I think it's time this over size craze that is taking the MTB industry by storm move up to a 5/8" or 3/4" spindle size)
I havent had any problem with my 2003 modle LX cranks yet in the way of stripping threds
in short... W-mart bikes bad. my suggestion... check the local pawn shops for a decent used bike. prices are usualy lower than expected and if you get lucky you might even stumble across a middle of the road - higher end bike for a decent price under $200 (some pawn brokers arn't "bike types" so you could get a really good deal) also I've seen cheep hard-tails (frames, complete and everything inbetween) sell on
www.ebay.com that would be a better place to start.
ok thats all I have to say tah tah