Is it really all that bad if I buy a Walmart bike?

Blarg

I ask this question because I'm considering getting a Kent GMC Denali road bike.

I've been riding a seven year old Chinocrap imitation mountain bike (Rhino Outreach) for years, and it still has some life left (has well over 1k miles on it). I need a bike to last me till late next year, when I'll get a motorcycle, but I don't think my Rhino will last that long with my school commutes (13 miles round trip). I also don't want to get some nice used Trek or similar then have it vandalized or ruined by someone messing around the bike racks at high school, which is pretty likely. What do you think about the GMC Denali road bike? My friend has one and it's worlds better than my Rhino. Remember, I don't have the budget or a need for a high end bike.

Thanks.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282

Also, how does the Denali compare to this bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-700c-Varsity-Road-Bike/4698938

Answer
re: the other answer, I love it when clueless people make blanket condemnations of bikes because of some hidden agenda or some bone to pick with big-box stores or just misinformation from personal experience.

That being said, No they are not all junk. If you walk into any bike shop, 90% of the bikes (and parts) are made in China or Taiwan too. So is almost everything you buy whether you know it or not.

The bikes are fine, the parts are perfectly functional, but there are two caveats: They're going to be alot heavier (most of the components are made of steel instead of alloy, like the cranks, handlebars, hubs, seatpost, etc.) and two, they are very likely not adjusted properly (such as wheels not being in true, derailleurs won't always shift properly, tires underinflated, and bearings might be too tight or too loose) because big-box stores don't hire bike mechanics to assemble their bikes which is part of why the price is so low to begin with.

I do have to concede: If you buy any of the bikes from a big-box store and you don't know basic mechanics, first thing: take it to a bikeshop and have it tuned up properly. It will make a world of difference. (Try to ignore the snotty condescending attitude you're likely to get though. It's just a defense mechanism for the bike shops. Remind them you're paying them, and if they're helpful and friendly you will gladly give them repeat business.)

BUT If you're handy with a wrench and mechanically-inclined, the bikes with aluminum frames are bargains and good starting points for upgrades. The key is tuning them up properly and taking them for rides and seeing how they feel. Remember, with bikes everything is interchangeable. Seat too uncomfortable? Try a bigger gel seat. Bars too low or too high? Swap out for another pair. Changing your riding position this way will shift your weight and make the bike feel different, so try different things to test. Make sure your seat is high enough so your leg is almost fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you're not sure, ask a bikeshop.
Replacing the steel components with alloy ones will EASILY save you an average of about five pounds.

(FYI I used to work as a mechanic in bikeshops in my youth, I own about 20 bikes; my latest project is an aluminum Mongoose XCom 700c hybrid I bought for $150 at KMart and upgraded as described above to a pretty impressive machine.)

To sum it up, not everyone has $600 or more to spend on a bike. So the bikes you list are decent compromises.

shimano genesis mountain bike accessories?

Gary

Hi,I spent my youth like others riding bikes and after years away from it my wife and kids got me a shimano genesis for my birthday.Ive been riding it at a local trail,for they have ideas of going on Long trails while camping this year.What are some things I could upgrade my bike with.And things I need to take with us. And where can I find them affordable and easily.I know it has a water bottle studs on the frame but I don't evan know where to get one that fits it.There isn't any bike shops local that Im aware of just a walmart.
Thank You.
Im in good health by the way lol

Answer
Shimano does NOT make bicycles. They only make bicycle components. Genisis is a low end discount store bicycle NOT intended for real off-road use. Read the owners manual.

To find a real bike shop, Google the words "bicycle shop" including your 5 digit zip code. Example "bicycle shop 90210". https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shop+90210&aq=f&oq=bicycle+shop+90210&aqs=chrome.0.57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

And even Wally World sells water bottle cages & bottles. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Waterbottle-and-Cage/17247654 Always carry a spare tube, tire levers & folding hex-head tool in an under-the-seat bag. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Bicycle-Saddle-Bag/17330710 And a frame pump - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zefal-Zen-X-Pumpmaster-Mini-Pump/21679203

Better quality products can be found at a bike shop or Amazon.com. Do NOT try to upgrade the bike itself. Not worth it. Waste of money. I'd bet my last dollar you do have a bike shop somewhere within a 50 mile radius. Go there. See what a REAL mountain bike looks like. If you ever test ride one - you'll never want to ride that Wally World bike again.

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Is it really all that bad if I buy a Walmart bike?

Blarg

I ask this question because I'm considering getting a Kent GMC Denali road bike.

I've been riding a seven year old Chinocrap imitation mountain bike (Rhino Outreach) for years, and it still has some life left (has well over 1k miles on it). I need a bike to last me till late next year, when I'll get a motorcycle, but I don't think my Rhino will last that long with my school commutes (13 miles round trip). I also don't want to get some nice used Trek or similar then have it vandalized or ruined by someone messing around the bike racks at high school, which is pretty likely. What do you think about the GMC Denali road bike? My friend has one and it's worlds better than my Rhino. Remember, I don't have the budget or a need for a high end bike.

Thanks.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282

Also, how does the Denali compare to this bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-700c-Varsity-Road-Bike/4698938

Answer
re: the other answer, I love it when clueless people make blanket condemnations of bikes because of some hidden agenda or some bone to pick with big-box stores or just misinformation from personal experience.

That being said, No they are not all junk. If you walk into any bike shop, 90% of the bikes (and parts) are made in China or Taiwan too. So is almost everything you buy whether you know it or not.

The bikes are fine, the parts are perfectly functional, but there are two caveats: They're going to be alot heavier (most of the components are made of steel instead of alloy, like the cranks, handlebars, hubs, seatpost, etc.) and two, they are very likely not adjusted properly (such as wheels not being in true, derailleurs won't always shift properly, tires underinflated, and bearings might be too tight or too loose) because big-box stores don't hire bike mechanics to assemble their bikes which is part of why the price is so low to begin with.

I do have to concede: If you buy any of the bikes from a big-box store and you don't know basic mechanics, first thing: take it to a bikeshop and have it tuned up properly. It will make a world of difference. (Try to ignore the snotty condescending attitude you're likely to get though. It's just a defense mechanism for the bike shops. Remind them you're paying them, and if they're helpful and friendly you will gladly give them repeat business.)

BUT If you're handy with a wrench and mechanically-inclined, the bikes with aluminum frames are bargains and good starting points for upgrades. The key is tuning them up properly and taking them for rides and seeing how they feel. Remember, with bikes everything is interchangeable. Seat too uncomfortable? Try a bigger gel seat. Bars too low or too high? Swap out for another pair. Changing your riding position this way will shift your weight and make the bike feel different, so try different things to test. Make sure your seat is high enough so your leg is almost fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you're not sure, ask a bikeshop.
Replacing the steel components with alloy ones will EASILY save you an average of about five pounds.

(FYI I used to work as a mechanic in bikeshops in my youth, I own about 20 bikes; my latest project is an aluminum Mongoose XCom 700c hybrid I bought for $150 at KMart and upgraded as described above to a pretty impressive machine.)

To sum it up, not everyone has $600 or more to spend on a bike. So the bikes you list are decent compromises.

shimano genesis mountain bike accessories?

Gary

Hi,I spent my youth like others riding bikes and after years away from it my wife and kids got me a shimano genesis for my birthday.Ive been riding it at a local trail,for they have ideas of going on Long trails while camping this year.What are some things I could upgrade my bike with.And things I need to take with us. And where can I find them affordable and easily.I know it has a water bottle studs on the frame but I don't evan know where to get one that fits it.There isn't any bike shops local that Im aware of just a walmart.
Thank You.
Im in good health by the way lol

Answer
Shimano does NOT make bicycles. They only make bicycle components. Genisis is a low end discount store bicycle NOT intended for real off-road use. Read the owners manual.

To find a real bike shop, Google the words "bicycle shop" including your 5 digit zip code. Example "bicycle shop 90210". https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shop+90210&aq=f&oq=bicycle+shop+90210&aqs=chrome.0.57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

And even Wally World sells water bottle cages & bottles. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Waterbottle-and-Cage/17247654 Always carry a spare tube, tire levers & folding hex-head tool in an under-the-seat bag. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Bicycle-Saddle-Bag/17330710 And a frame pump - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zefal-Zen-X-Pumpmaster-Mini-Pump/21679203

Better quality products can be found at a bike shop or Amazon.com. Do NOT try to upgrade the bike itself. Not worth it. Waste of money. I'd bet my last dollar you do have a bike shop somewhere within a 50 mile radius. Go there. See what a REAL mountain bike looks like. If you ever test ride one - you'll never want to ride that Wally World bike again.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Is it really all that bad if I buy a Walmart bike?

Blarg

I ask this question because I'm considering getting a Kent GMC Denali road bike.

I've been riding a seven year old Chinocrap imitation mountain bike (Rhino Outreach) for years, and it still has some life left (has well over 1k miles on it). I need a bike to last me till late next year, when I'll get a motorcycle, but I don't think my Rhino will last that long with my school commutes (13 miles round trip). I also don't want to get some nice used Trek or similar then have it vandalized or ruined by someone messing around the bike racks at high school, which is pretty likely. What do you think about the GMC Denali road bike? My friend has one and it's worlds better than my Rhino. Remember, I don't have the budget or a need for a high end bike.

Thanks.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282

Also, how does the Denali compare to this bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-700c-Varsity-Road-Bike/4698938

Answer
re: the other answer, I love it when clueless people make blanket condemnations of bikes because of some hidden agenda or some bone to pick with big-box stores or just misinformation from personal experience.

That being said, No they are not all junk. If you walk into any bike shop, 90% of the bikes (and parts) are made in China or Taiwan too. So is almost everything you buy whether you know it or not.

The bikes are fine, the parts are perfectly functional, but there are two caveats: They're going to be alot heavier (most of the components are made of steel instead of alloy, like the cranks, handlebars, hubs, seatpost, etc.) and two, they are very likely not adjusted properly (such as wheels not being in true, derailleurs won't always shift properly, tires underinflated, and bearings might be too tight or too loose) because big-box stores don't hire bike mechanics to assemble their bikes which is part of why the price is so low to begin with.

I do have to concede: If you buy any of the bikes from a big-box store and you don't know basic mechanics, first thing: take it to a bikeshop and have it tuned up properly. It will make a world of difference. (Try to ignore the snotty condescending attitude you're likely to get though. It's just a defense mechanism for the bike shops. Remind them you're paying them, and if they're helpful and friendly you will gladly give them repeat business.)

BUT If you're handy with a wrench and mechanically-inclined, the bikes with aluminum frames are bargains and good starting points for upgrades. The key is tuning them up properly and taking them for rides and seeing how they feel. Remember, with bikes everything is interchangeable. Seat too uncomfortable? Try a bigger gel seat. Bars too low or too high? Swap out for another pair. Changing your riding position this way will shift your weight and make the bike feel different, so try different things to test. Make sure your seat is high enough so your leg is almost fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you're not sure, ask a bikeshop.
Replacing the steel components with alloy ones will EASILY save you an average of about five pounds.

(FYI I used to work as a mechanic in bikeshops in my youth, I own about 20 bikes; my latest project is an aluminum Mongoose XCom 700c hybrid I bought for $150 at KMart and upgraded as described above to a pretty impressive machine.)

To sum it up, not everyone has $600 or more to spend on a bike. So the bikes you list are decent compromises.

shimano genesis mountain bike accessories?

Gary

Hi,I spent my youth like others riding bikes and after years away from it my wife and kids got me a shimano genesis for my birthday.Ive been riding it at a local trail,for they have ideas of going on Long trails while camping this year.What are some things I could upgrade my bike with.And things I need to take with us. And where can I find them affordable and easily.I know it has a water bottle studs on the frame but I don't evan know where to get one that fits it.There isn't any bike shops local that Im aware of just a walmart.
Thank You.
Im in good health by the way lol

Answer
Shimano does NOT make bicycles. They only make bicycle components. Genisis is a low end discount store bicycle NOT intended for real off-road use. Read the owners manual.

To find a real bike shop, Google the words "bicycle shop" including your 5 digit zip code. Example "bicycle shop 90210". https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+shop+90210&aq=f&oq=bicycle+shop+90210&aqs=chrome.0.57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

And even Wally World sells water bottle cages & bottles. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Waterbottle-and-Cage/17247654 Always carry a spare tube, tire levers & folding hex-head tool in an under-the-seat bag. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Bicycle-Saddle-Bag/17330710 And a frame pump - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zefal-Zen-X-Pumpmaster-Mini-Pump/21679203

Better quality products can be found at a bike shop or Amazon.com. Do NOT try to upgrade the bike itself. Not worth it. Waste of money. I'd bet my last dollar you do have a bike shop somewhere within a 50 mile radius. Go there. See what a REAL mountain bike looks like. If you ever test ride one - you'll never want to ride that Wally World bike again.

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Does anyone know who the actor is who played the blonde man in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior?

best youth road bikes image

Nada Nada

In the movie , Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, there was a blonde man who road on the back of Wez's bike. And later, He got killed by the boomerang hitting his head. I can't find anything on the internet about who the actor is. Does anyone know who he is? And could you also send me a link to where it says that? Thanks alot in advance :)
Thanks so much! :)
So Jimmy Brown was another name he went by?

Answer
His character is listed as "Golden Youth" portrayed by Jerry O'Sullivan

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3363574/

Is riding a motorcycle 420 Miles a good idea?

Mickey

I have a new Harley Davidson 2011 Road King. I am a experienced rider. This year I'm thinking of riding to Myrtle Beach Bike Week rather than putting on a trailor. I have 40 years riding experience, but never have done 400 miles straight. I want to hear what people think of this idea and any tips they might have. I'm leaving Northern Virginia and I dont like riding on 95 but I dont think I have much choice. But what are your thoughts?

Answer
Well to start with, you can't ride it straight. You will have to stop for fuel, at least once. My 1995 Road King, has a 5 gal. fuel tank and I get 179 miles on it before I need the res. Yours is a 6 gal. so will go a lot further. Depending on how far and where I am riding, will determine my stops. Back in the 70's and 80's. I would start looking for fuel, at about 100 miles or so. Pushing your bike because you've run out of fuel, is not fun.

Now I use Google maps to plan my rides, it shows most of the places to stop for fuel. Now I start looking for fuel, at about 150 miles. Every year I ride down to Tulsa OK. It's just a tick over 800 mile from my driveway to my uncle's. I stop 6 times on the way, with one stop being in Rolla MO. for the night. Rolla is 511 mile, from home and about 10 hours ride. My first stop is in Mendota, IL at 170 miles. Next stop is on the south side of Springfield, IL about 150 miles. Next stop is in Eureka, MO. About 123 miles. Then the last leg to Rolla is only 80 miles. You can see the pattern, I use. 170 miles, 150 miles, 123 miles and 80 miles. With each stop being shorter and shorter. The shortest, being when I am the most tired. That's how I survive, a long ride at 47 years of age. I did lots and lots, of very hard riding in my youth. I am paying the price, of that now.

I like my Road King better than my Wide Glide, because I can move and stretch out more. I do get hit with a little more wind, but I don't mind that. I can carry just as much cargo and I installed, a radio on it. Your bike should be much better, on a long trip than mine. So you should be fine, on your bike. Make your first leg about 170 miles. The next leg at 140 miles. Then the last leg, at 110 miles. Or stop every 105 miles, or so. Making the trip, in easy 4 stops.

Have fun and good luck.

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