Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

[Curahee]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kearnzo

I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want a hunk of junk either.

If you dont want a hunk of junk, then you dont want to buy a bike from Walmart!
You get what you pay for!

First of all, the frames at Big Box will be steel or a heavy aluminum.
Secondly, the components will be substandard and often plastic.
Which means they will break easier and you will have to replace them.
Third, the parts are not always standard so you can have difficulty finding replacements.
Fourth, NO ONE there will know what they are talking about.
Fifth, when you buy from a LBS or a PB, youre not just buying a bike, but youre buying knowledge, service, a relationship and confidence in your decision and most likely a warranty.

What is your budget and what type of bike are you looking for?
I promise you, I can find you a better bike that what you can find at Walmart/Target/Dicks/Sports Authority.

Unless youre just looking for a cheap bike to toot around town on and not get too serious, I would not suggest any Big Box store if you can avoid it. Nothing they have there will be of any sort of quality.
They have what is called "below entry level" So that means its not even the cheap stuff.... its LESS than that!

[Curahee]

http://www.bicycling.com/maintenance...y-_-just-right

[Kearnzo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Curahee

If you dont want a hunk of junk, then you dont want to buy a bike from Walmart! You get what you pay for! First of all, the frames at Big Box will be steel or a heavy aluminum. Secondly, the components will be substandard and often plastic. Which means they will break easier and you will have to replace them. Third, the parts are not always standard so you can have difficulty finding replacements. Fourth, NO ONE there will know what they are talking about. Fifth, when you buy from a LBS or a PB, youre not just buying a bike, but youre buying knowledge, service, a relationship and confidence in your decision and most likely a warranty. What is your budget and what type of bike are you looking for? I promise you, I can find you a better bike that what you can find at Walmart/Target/Dicks/Sports Authority. Unless youre just looking for a cheap bike to toot around town on and not get too serious, I would not suggest any Big Box store if you can avoid it. Nothing they have there will be of any sort of quality. They have what is called "below entry level" So that means its not even the cheap stuff.... its LESS than that!

Honestly, I'm only looking to spend up to $200. That may be cheap, but as much as I used to enjoy biking, this is almost solely for fitness. I'm looking to just pop in my iPod and hit the streets for a really good quad workout.

[Curahee]

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400308__400308

Look at this bike. It's a little more than $200 but you're buying quality and a lifetime warranty.

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kearnzo

Honestly, I'm only looking to spend up to $200. That may be cheap, but as much as I used to enjoy biking, this is almost solely for fitness. I'm looking to just pop in my iPod and hit the streets for a really good quad workout.

I'd be careful about listening to music while riding your bike, especially if you are going to be encountering traffic. Personally, I don't do it, but there's no law that say you can't, so if it's safe, go ahead.

[Curahee]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJ

I'd be careful about listening to music while riding your bike, especially if you are going to be encountering traffic. Personally, I don't do it, but there's no law that say you can't, so if it's safe, go ahead.

Some states do mandate no headphones while operating a vehicle which includes bicycles. But I see he lives in Maine so he needs to check his state AND local ordinances on it.

But YES be careful period. Many drivers are not fond of cyclists and will make it known to you loud and clear.

[Kearnzo]

Yeah, I only planned on having one earbud in. Don't want to ignore the traffic.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

[Curahee]

That's how I ride. One earbud curbside.