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https://www.vice.com/en/article/mechanics-ask-walmart-major-bike-manufacturers-to-stop-making-and-selling-built-to-fail-bikes/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/m

https://www.vice.com/en/article/mechanics-ask-walmart-major-bike-manufacturers-to-stop-making-and-selling-built-to-fail-bikes/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/mechanics-ask-walmart-major-... https://old.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/z2d5h5/walmart_bike_unsafe_out_of_store_repair/ https://old.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/z2d5h5/walmart_bike_un... So for $118 you get a really poor quality bike that you probably can't repair. Or perhaps you'll end up with one that's just unsafe. $400–500 is probably a reasonable price point, but that'll get you something that's adequate at best. Heavy, clunky, and unpleasant to ride.

lostlogin 2y ago
That ‘Heavy, clunky’ bit is key. A good bike is addictive to ride. It’s like a sharp knife through butter.
hug 2y ago
Yes, the $118 bike is not going to be much fun, and may be assembled dangerously. It's still a bike, though, and a little TLC and attention to assembly before riding will prevent a significant number of problems. Even the reddit thread you linked just required some screw tightening and replacement of a derailleur -- and a cheap Shimano derailleur is $20 from my local bike store. Even if we completely discount the $118 bike (plus a $20 part), though... > $400–500 is probably a reasonable price point This is a far cry from "much under a grand". Yes, it will be heavy and clunky, but it will function in all of the ways that it is important for a bike to function.
- inferiorhuman 2y ago
  Yes, the $118 bike is not going to be much fun, and may be assembled dangerously. No, it'll be built dangerously. A cheap Shimano derailleur won't fix cracked welds or a broken frame. TLC won't make the frame true. Doubtful it'll last more than a few miles really. Yes, it will be heavy and clunky, but it will function in all of the ways that it is important for a bike to function. Ehh it'll be the bare minimum that you probably won't want to use.
  - hgomersall 2y ago
    I got a cheap "bike" as a student and regretted it when a crank arm snapped clean off pulling away from the lights. No serious damage done to me, but the potential was there.

lostlogin 2y ago

That ‘Heavy, clunky’ bit is key. A good bike is addictive to ride. It’s like a sharp knife through butter.

hug 2y ago

Yes, the $118 bike is not going to be much fun, and may be assembled dangerously. It's still a bike, though, and a little TLC and attention to assembly before riding will prevent a significant number of problems. Even the reddit thread you linked just required some screw tightening and replacement of a derailleur -- and a cheap Shimano derailleur is $20 from my local bike store. Even if we completely discount the $118 bike (plus a $20 part), though... > $400–500 is probably a reasonable price point This is a far cry from "much under a grand". Yes, it will be heavy and clunky, but it will function in all of the ways that it is important for a bike to function.

inferiorhuman 2y ago
Yes, the $118 bike is not going to be much fun, and may be assembled dangerously. No, it'll be built dangerously. A cheap Shimano derailleur won't fix cracked welds or a broken frame. TLC won't make the frame true. Doubtful it'll last more than a few miles really. Yes, it will be heavy and clunky, but it will function in all of the ways that it is important for a bike to function. Ehh it'll be the bare minimum that you probably won't want to use.
- hgomersall 2y ago
  I got a cheap "bike" as a student and regretted it when a crank arm snapped clean off pulling away from the lights. No serious damage done to me, but the potential was there.