Adam Maas wrote: >> Oh, and Adam? Low end roadie: >> >> http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3663046 >> > A road bike named after a SUV? Wierd. Especially with twist-shifters. > Looks like someone put a bunch of ultra-low-end MTB components on an > ultra-cheap frame & wheelset. > > I suspect you'd do better buying a 70's 10 speed. > > -Adam > > >
Do NOT buy a bicycle from Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Big Lots, or any other big box discount type store, unless you don't plan on riding more than 5-10 miles total, in the lifetime of the bicycle. It _will_ break, and you _will_ spend more than it would have cost you to get a quality bicycle in the first place. The GMC from Wal-Mart is exactly as another person said - ultra low end MTB components on a road style frame. I used to frequently get brand new examples of those in my shop with shifting problems. Because of ultra low quality control on those shifters and derailleurs, it's near impossible to get them to shift precisely and correctly, even for us professionals. If we happen to get lucky, it will only work correctly for a week or two. We have similar issues with just about every other part of the bikes. I'm not familiar enough with the Trek lines anymore to a yay or nay on it. Your top priority should be finding a good shop though. In the sub $1000 catagory, the bikes are very similar given same style (mountain, hybrid, cruiser, etc). In the sub $500 catagory, even more so. Minor differences of course, like seat or tire style or twist shifters vs. thumb, but one $300 bike is going to have the same basic componetry group as the other. Being that the bikes are going to need maintenance, find a shop you're comfortable with, as you'll be returning again within the first month to get the bike readjusted after the break in period, and probably twice a year after that for checkups, or if readjustments need to be done. I just noticed I'm well on my way to a novel here, so I'll stop rambling now. eric -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
