which kind is better?



DaniLongIsland

New Member
Jul 6, 2014
2
0
1
I am 28 and my boyfriend and I are interested in getting started casual biking around the neighborhood and then some local bike trails for exercise and fun! We don’t really know much about bikes. I know a mountain bike is good for me, due to its shocks and in case we end up doing some trails. I know bikes can be expensive but my budget is very limited currently. I do not want to spend much on a bike, honestly like $80-$120 range. Is it better to buy a lower end Huffy or Schwinn from like Kmart or target? Or a used/ refurbished higher end bike? Also what about the target and Kmart store brand bikes? I have listed my current options below thanks!!

Thanks!!
Also, I have had back problems in the past etc and I am worrying about how biking will affect my posture. Any advice or any good types of braces etc that may work? Thank you!
http://www.kmart.com/huffy-superia-26inch-ladies-bike/p-080W004255265001P?prdNo=3
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Huffy-Trail-Runner-Women-s-Mountain-Bike/33396334
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Roadmaster-Granite-Peak-26-Ladies-Mountain-Bike-Magenta/34931886
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Avalon-Women-s-Cruiser-Bike/21635128
http://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/4544725264.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/4553979463.html
 
Hey how did this end up for you? Did you get a bike?
If you are still active please post and let us know, I KNOW there are many others in the same boat.

I always recommend going to your LBS (local bike shop) and seeing what they have. Yes, the LBS will cost you more. But it is worth it as you develop a relationship with them and they can make sure your ride is in proper order. Also they sometimes will have old stock that they will let go for a good deal.
Finally and I think everyone here can agree, it's important to support your LBS! They often are good members of the local community and support the "scene" like organizing rides and races.
Also you are supporting local business and not just another big business.
 
One thing most people never consider when buying a bike from places like Walmart, Kmart, Target or other stores of that nature, is that the people assembling the bikes at these place more often than not have no clue what they're doing. BIkes at those places aren't very good to begin with and that paired with poor assembly and setup only leads to part failure sooner than later. I've even seen some of them come with the wrong kind of housing on shift systems. So many factors to consider. I guess what I'm getting at is even if you get a bike from a department store you should still take it to your LBS and have it gone through. Make sure everything is as it should be. Proper housing, bearing surface adjustment, component adjustment.
 
RetrogradeCustoms said:
One thing most people never consider when buying a bike from places like Walmart, Kmart, Target or other stores of that nature, is that the people assembling the bikes at these place more often than not have no clue what they're doing. BIkes at those places aren't very good to begin with and that paired with poor assembly and setup only leads to part failure sooner than later. I've even seen some of them come with the wrong kind of housing on shift systems. So many factors to consider. I guess what I'm getting at is even if you get a bike from a department store you should still take it to your LBS and have it gone through. Make sure everything is as it should be. Proper housing, bearing surface adjustment, component adjustment.
I have to agree here. Many times these places don't know what they're doing. I find it best to spend the extra money and get it from a "respected" shop. It probably saves money in the end anyway.
 
  • Like
Reactions: FetishRider
haha I never really thought about the person putting together those bicycle that big box stores. I generally steer clear of them anyways and haven't paid much attention but I gather that you are probably correct. always check out your local bike shop is important to develop a relationship with them that can come in handy later.
 
haha I never really thought about the person putting together those bicycle that big box stores. I generally steer clear of them anyways and haven't paid much attention but I gather that you are probably correct. always check out your local bike shop is important to develop a relationship with them that can come in handy later.
 
A local bike shop will offer better quality products. It may not be as cheap or convenient but you should factor replacement and repair into your costs. The people at your local bike shop are going to more knowledgeable as well.
 
Jcycle said:
A local bike shop will offer better quality products. It may not be as cheap or convenient but you should factor replacement and repair into your costs. The people at your local bike shop are going to more knowledgeable as well.
Yeah, that's what I also thought.
 
The shop I used to work at offered life time free tune ups on bikes purchased from them. I'm sure somewhere there is another shop that does that...
 

Similar threads