I’ve got a cheap bike that I bought new for $230. I’ve had it for about a year and so far it hasn’t missed a beat. I use it mainly for picking up groceries and other short trips. I really haven’t done much to it other than add a few accesories.
What advantage does an expensive bike have over my bike? Some of them look almost the same as mine.
by johnfromma
12 Comments
They might look the same, but they almost certainly have components that are better. If your bike is serving you well for your needs, that’s awesome. But generally on a cheaper bike you will need to replace components more or things won’t work well, like shifting being janky. I think you also bought a bike that’s a better fit for doing errands, as opposed to a lot of mountain bike style bikes (that’s what i think of when i think Walmart bike).
Is that a suspension seat post? Nice
Sounds like you bought the right amount of bike for your needs! You’re more likely to get in trouble if you either try to get the absolute cheapest bike in the world (I had a $25 bike that needed its brakes adjusted after every ride) or if you underestimate how hard you’re pushing your equipment. I don’t know how many cassettes my dad went through before I finally convinced him that he was riding too much for a light-duty derailleur to make sense. He would have saved a lot of time and money if he’d upgraded earlier.
Ride a high end bike and you will answer your own question. Night and day.
More expensive bikes are generally lighter and come with better components. Ride that bike until it gives you trouble and, in the meantime, ask to try friends’ bikes if you’re curious what more money would get you. Used bikes are the best value but be sure to google the serial number (usually on the bottom bracket [part of the frame between the cranks]) to check that what you’re looking at hasn’t been registered as stolen.
It’s the QC or lack there of that is most lt the problem not to mention someone was contracted in to put those bikes together and they get paid by the bike they assemble so they just yeet them together usually over tightening things that will kill the cheap bearings. Also cheap parts that will rust and decay fairly fast.
For example I have a giant MTB I used to commute for 2 years 14 total miles a day back in 2016 and I’ve only replaced tires and a chain and i still own the bike and it still works fine but I usually ride my much nicer gravel bike over riding it.
LBSs might not work on that bike but the people here https://bikecollectives.org/wiki/Community_Bicycle_Organizations are probably more than excited to help you keep your bike rolling!!
Your bike is made to be disposable. Many of the parts are not replaceable and when they go the bike will end up in a landfill. A bike for $400-500 would be repairable and is much more efficient while riding it. The amount of effort you put in to ride your bike is much greater than on a $500 bike because the $500 bike has lower resistance components, not components meant to be as cheap as possible. Your bike is built solely to a price, a $500 Trek or specialized or cannondale is not.
That’s a pizza restaurant in Chicago lol, I need that frame
Don’t get trick by the bells and whistles, I had a Trek that I had to be tweaking all fo the time. Cost me a lot of money because I wanted to start with the best bike possible to not feel lame around other cyclists. Then it got stolen because of course, it was a Trek… Eventually I bought a 6ku single speed… man I love this bike! I modified a bit to make it more comfortable tho… but believe me, the best bike its the one that brings you the most joy to ride and the less headaches or worries.
1) Design. Bicycle design is pretty mature. Your Walmart bike probably has good design. 2) Assembly. This is a variable. Some Walmart bikes have the fork on backwards. You need to be able to spot these things. 3) Reliability. This is up to you. Calibrate. Lubricate. Maintain good tire pressure. Etc.
So there really isn’t a lot of difference if you take some personal responsibility and pay attention to the mechanical state of your bike.
That looks like a perfectly fine bike.
Walmart bikes get a bad reputation because they often use outdated and heavy components, assembled by someone who may have little to no care or knowledge about bike assembly. If you have a bit of mechanical knowledge, you can easily maintain and upgrade a lot of these components yourself. If you have pro athletic aspirations and just need a town commuter, they can be a good option.
Outdated tech is a mixed blessing, as you can often find replacements and upgrades super cheap. I put over 6000 miles on my Kent Glendale. In the process, I went through a lot of parts, but was able to upgrade the bike bit by bit and learn while doing it. For example, the stock cone bearing style bottom brackets were unreliable, but they make cartridge bearing replacements that were way better for under $20. If you find something that is lacking, you can always replace just that component.
Expensive bikes are great for someone who needs the extra weight savings and performance. They’re also great for enthusiasts who strive to have the best experience possible. That sentiment, however, does not carry over to many people. Sometimes, you just need a bike that’s adequate, and with a little know how about bike maintenance, a cheap one can be just fine. I don’t understand those who berate those who have a good time on cheaper bikes, as they are often a good entry for someone who otherwise may not have bought a bike at all in the first place.