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Is there a problem with that? I thnk so far they have the best prices on Schwinns I can find...
Buying Bikes at Walmart.
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3,198 Posts
I definitely agree with the assembly quality comments.
As far as the bike itself, it is my understanding that the bikes sold at WalMart and branded as Schwinn are an inferior quality to those offered through bike shops. I'll do a little research and see if I can find anything to support this.
As far as the bike itself, it is my understanding that the bikes sold at WalMart and branded as Schwinn are an inferior quality to those offered through bike shops. I'll do a little research and see if I can find anything to support this.
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3,198 Posts
Here's a link to some comments from a Schwinn forum.
Walmart Schwinn - what is it?? - Schwinn Forums
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That thread is really helpful. I would imagine that the quality would be the first thing to be compromised in the penny punching world of Wal-Mart. I could check out Target like they suggested... Where would you suggest I shop?
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1,223 Posts
First thing I would suggest is to find a local bike shop. Not only will it already be assembled, many would let you test ride it too. But unlike Walmart most bike shops will make adjustments and service the bike LONG after the sale. Both of the local bike shops I have used have free lifetime adjustments, and that isn't going to happen at a Walmart.
What most people miss when trying to save a few bucks at the Target/Walmart/department store bikes, is that they miss the knowledge base. What you might save on the initial purchase could easily be offset by the price of the first adjustment. Most good bike stores also carry starter and low end products as well, and they are usually far far better buys.
What most people miss when trying to save a few bucks at the Target/Walmart/department store bikes, is that they miss the knowledge base. What you might save on the initial purchase could easily be offset by the price of the first adjustment. Most good bike stores also carry starter and low end products as well, and they are usually far far better buys.
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3,198 Posts
A while back, we had a picture of a WalMart assembly on here. I think they had the fork on backwards. Does anyone remember that and remember what thread it was in?
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12,350 Posts
Was it the kid's bike? That was mine, and it actually appeared in an ad.
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3,198 Posts
Yeah, I looked back through and it was your thread. I think it was a link to your blog, but the image seems to be missing now.
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2,475 Posts
That's right! That was terrible.
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657 Posts
I have a buddy who used to work for Target and assisted some of the people there in putting the bikes together and he told me, DO NOT TRUST THE ASSEMBLY!!!! More likely then not, your going to get someone who doesn't care, nor really know how to assemble a bike properly. And I am sure that Walmart is similar. If your going to go the Walmart way, I am on the band wagon of getting the bike looked at after to make sure the assembly was done correctly.
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746 Posts
Everyone says don't trust the assembly and go take it to a local bike shop to have it gone over to make sure it is safe.
The cost of the Walmart bike plus the cost of the LBS going over it would be about the same as a low end one from the LBS why waste time and effort with the walmart bike in the first place. Save the effort and time and go to the LBS.
The cost of the Walmart bike plus the cost of the LBS going over it would be about the same as a low end one from the LBS why waste time and effort with the walmart bike in the first place. Save the effort and time and go to the LBS.
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38 Posts
Walmart is one of the main reasons there is not a bike shop in my town anymore.
Most people just looking at the sticker price, Not the assembly, knowledge or help that a bike shop can offer. Thanks WALMART. You screwed another town.
Most people just looking at the sticker price, Not the assembly, knowledge or help that a bike shop can offer. Thanks WALMART. You screwed another town.
Plus you still might not end up with a decent product. One of my local shops has a sign. Shop quality bikes have a warranty on repairs, including brands they don't sell. Department store bikes, they'll try to work on it, but no warranty and a deposit on repair is required.
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38 Posts
That is a wise shop...
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150 Posts
I went with my g/f to costco one day, and stumbled upon their bike section at the time was looking for a new bike. I came SO close to getting this Northrock Cr7 Hybrid. I did all the research I could online about this bike, and checked out other bike forums about it, with some posters claiming that the aluminum frame of this bike is actually made by Giant. Decent components as well...
# Aluminum Frame
# Shimano Crank & Altus drivetrain 21 speed
# SRAM and MRX twist shifters
# VELO comfort saddle and ergonomic grips
# TEKTRO linear pull brakes with PROMAX levers
# KENDA 700C tires
# RST Sofi T fork, preload adjustable 50 mm travel
# Adjustable alloy stem
# Alloy light rims with 14G stainless steel spokes
The price for the bike? $259.00.
Since money was a real issue with me at the time, I was torn between this and a Crosstrail. I ended up getting the Specialized, and am glad I was able to, but this bike still remains to be a good deal imo. A good friend recently got this Costco bike and loves it. He bought it assembled, they let him ride it around the parking lot for a test ride. He never took it to a LBS to have it looked at, as far as I know he's had zero issues with it, but I do think it's still a good idea have have these Big Box store bikes looked at like others have mentioned here. Anyway, this could be a great deal for someone on a really tight budget. Here's a couple pics of my friends Costco bike.
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# Aluminum Frame
# Shimano Crank & Altus drivetrain 21 speed
# SRAM and MRX twist shifters
# VELO comfort saddle and ergonomic grips
# TEKTRO linear pull brakes with PROMAX levers
# KENDA 700C tires
# RST Sofi T fork, preload adjustable 50 mm travel
# Adjustable alloy stem
# Alloy light rims with 14G stainless steel spokes
The price for the bike? $259.00.
Since money was a real issue with me at the time, I was torn between this and a Crosstrail. I ended up getting the Specialized, and am glad I was able to, but this bike still remains to be a good deal imo. A good friend recently got this Costco bike and loves it. He bought it assembled, they let him ride it around the parking lot for a test ride. He never took it to a LBS to have it looked at, as far as I know he's had zero issues with it, but I do think it's still a good idea have have these Big Box store bikes looked at like others have mentioned here. Anyway, this could be a great deal for someone on a really tight budget. Here's a couple pics of my friends Costco bike.
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