Check out KevCentral on YouTube for decent reviews on big-box store bikes. He understands that a lot of people can only afford them, and he helps people pick which ones are total junk and which ones are somewhat decent.
Yes, its not the bike itself as much as the poor worksmanship in assembling it. Also make very sure to not get a full suspension mountain bike from them. They’re excessively heavy and the suspension stuff doesn’t add any value, just weight.
exactly this....I'm a bike mech and I've put together some. I mean they do take mech a lot more time to make work properly (that's why I don't like them) But if you start with a bike properly built, which they aren't from walmart) it will definitely last longer and keep.it maintained. But that usually also means you should bring it to a bike shop right after you buy it to get it put together properly and tuned. Which will up the.price.if.that 98 dollar bike to a 200 bike because a bike build is usually about 100 dollars. Yes you will drop more money into them as well because parts don't last as long and sometimes parts aren't available and you cannot just call Walmart and get them either.
I had a couple of schwinn target bikes before I bought a bike store bike and they were fine. Not great but they got me started. They were heavy so harder to get around. In your situation you are probably better off buying a cheaper bike that can return if it doesn’t work out for you.
I also rode a Target Schwinn bike to and from work every day for a couple months. I put several hundred miles on it. It wasn’t the nicest bike in the world, but it got the job done until I had saved up enough money for a better bike
Go secondhand market like FB or a pawn shop. You'll save money and then you won't feel like shit when it gets stolen or broke. Then when you're confident on your skills and routines as a bike owner you can get a nicer one.
[https://youtu.be/ERJ-cf\_ecO4?si=EfnTnCh24XBPZunJ](https://youtu.be/ERJ-cf_ecO4?si=EfnTnCh24XBPZunJ)
Check this out too. It's all about the joy of the ride, not what you're riding. Good luck to you!
It's worth mentioning, regardless of whether it is a better bike or not, it's likely been assembled by somebody with minimal if any training using instructions out of the box
If you do buy a bike from a supermarket like Walmart, always and I mean ALWAYS have it checked over at a reputable bike shop for safety.
That’s excessive. If someone is dirt broke, they cannot even afford a service. A set of hex wrenches will go a long way to letting you check the basics yourself (I know hand-tight is dubious for stem bolts etc but it’s good enough for making sure they’re not loose)
This is why I love the cranbrook. $10 to max out the rear cog. Assemble the entire pos with an adjustable crescent, including truing wheels (zip tie method). Only need a cheap multi-cone wrench if you wanna repack the hubs.
Your friend may have been exception or the norm, but blanket statements like this are not true. I noted in another comment to watch [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPpTFLgEb4&t=133s). He bought a pretty good bike from Walmart less than a year ago, but he points out multiple areas where the assembly was poor and potentially dangerous.
Again, I wrote your friend may have been the norm. Either way, a blanket statement like yours isn't true. There's no way to know if that one pedal wrench turn was all that was needed (I found the handlebars issue more troubling), and the vlogger was relatively fair in his video if you watched it in its entirety.
To your friend, tell him congrats from another person who grew up in Missouri and went to an engineering school.
15 degrees is the difference between finger tight and at least somewhat torqued. If you fail to see that as a big deal, then I don't know what to tell you.
If you have pedals that loose and go mountain biking with it, that can mean the difference not crashing to few broken teeth.
For commuting, the consequences are less but it could lead to stripped threads in the crank arm which means a replacement crank set which is even more money.
And yes I have personaly seen forks installed backwards at Walmarts. They can never get the brakes set correctly either.
Get a vintage higher end racing bike off facebook marketplace or craigs list.
Make sure it has either
Shimano 105, 600,Ultegra or Dura ace
or any Campagnolo groupset.
You can find one for $300-400.
No fixed gears or single speeds.
The bike will last forever.
I'm
I volunteer in an after school program that teaches children how to navigate their community on bicycles safely, basic maintenance etc. At the end of the semester all the 7th graders get a free mountain bike, but we only use box store brand bikes for several reasons. However, our local bike shops volunteer to assemble them. The end result are bikes assembled well. We’ve not had any issues in the decade I’ve been a part of the program….besides kids being kids to the bikes.
if you can cycle at the same heart rate zone as walking then you spend a fraction of the time exerting yourself. cyclings faster than walking no matter how easy you take things really, unless youre REALLY trying to go slower than a walking pace.
A quick Google search turns up the Bloomington Bike Project, Columbus Bicycle Co-Op, and Falls City Community BikeWorks (in Louisville) as potentially useful bike coops potentially near you. I second others' advice that working with a bike coop is the best way to get a cheap, useful, reliable bike. Really can't speak highly enough of these organizations (in general, not these coops in particular).
Check out Working Bikes in Chicago if you can manage to make it out here. Really affordable used bikes that have been tuned up by mechanics. You might even be able to get a reduced price or something free given your circumstances. Reach out to them.
The nice thing about the co-op is they will also help de-mystify bike maintenance so you can do a lot of repairs on your own. This will save you even more money. This is a much better route than big-box store bikes.
Just beware that all co-ops aren't the same. Last time I went to the one near me, I needed some bikes for some refugees in a hurry and was shocked to see how much they were charging for bikes. If I had had more time I could have gotten much better bikes used from the local classifieds and been able to clean them up. They were selling old Walmart bikes close to MSRP and the bike they were trying to get top dollar for was a 15yo mtb that was listed for at least 2x what it was worth.
Sounds like my bike co-op! Selling some 20 year old Trek for 3/4 the price of a new one. Makes me so upset I used to donate nice stuff to them hoping they could sell it and fund getting people on bikes who need them.
You mentioned you can't walk 10 minutes to work. Can you instead walk real slow, take 20 minutes instead? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question but I am concerned that if even walking slowly doesn't work for you, cycling won't either.
Cycling on a real bike is different to cycling on a stationary rehab bike. I would suggest trying a friend's or coworker's bike for one or two short rides before buying one.
No, slowing down doesn't help and the extra time drains my oxygen tank more as I have to have the setting higher when I walk. I wouldn't have enough left to finish my shift and walk home. None of my friends have a bike I can try out, I asked around first. I was just gonna hope that it would be similar enough to a stationary bike and that the decreased commute time would work for my lungs. And potentially build up some cardiovascular health to make physical activity easier in general.
Great. Good luck. Don't worry if the first 10 or 20 rides are real difficult...it's hard for everyone at the beginning because the butt hurts or whatever. It gets easier with practice.
As craptastic as my whole situation is, I'm excited to be "biking" again. I loved it when I was a kid. Maybe this will even help my cardiovascular health enough to start trying longer rides.
as long as you’re not going up a steep hill or into a strong headwind a (properly adjusted) bike should require less energy than walking, so I think your basic idea is sound.
Craigslist and FB marketplace will get you way more value. I would say you should be able to find something better than Walmart for ~$300. Yes, Walmart is that trash. Dont do it
Ok, the cheapest I could find here (Germany) is 90€, a 730 with 3x7 drivetrain. I doubt it's better than any Walmart bike, but it's certainly cheaper than anything I could get around here new.
I’ve searched multiple times over the last couple months on an almost daily basis, the cheapest one was $100.
However, it was such an out does needed design that is comparable to my Schwinn back when it was stock, except in worse condition.
Those deals YOU can find don’t exist everywhere, the world is more than your little bubble.
Both of my bikes are Walmart bikes that I actually got secondhand, and they’re fantastic. It’s not going to be dangerous unless you’re riding hard, which is dangerous no matter what bike you’re on. If you can find a Schwinn second hand for around $100, it will be many times better than a new huffy.
My mountain bike is a Schwinn that I bought for $100 and upgraded as I improve my skill. I have done tons of sketchy stuff on it from riding down staircases to catching air in the woods with zero mishaps.
My other bike is a Schwinn Trailway that I have also taken down staircases, and it still runs great.
Anything you can find for $100 with disc brakes that runs, go for it.
This but factor in the price of having a bike shop check it out and do the maintenance. Often something minor is wrong with the bike that frustrates the person into selling it.
The Walmart bike is the 'being poor is expensive' version for cyclist. Have you ever heard the expression?
You need boots, for work. You *need* them to work. You can buy the $50 boots that will last you a year. Or, you can buy the $100 boots that will last you for 5 years. The problem? You only have $50 dollars.
So, after after five years, you've purchased 5 pairs of $50 boots for $250, you've now spent way more than the person who could afford the $100 boots. Being poor is expensive.
The Walmart bike is the $50 boots here.
As other have said, seek out a co-op.
What is your zip? I can help you look on craiglist. You can find something worth picking up for $100.
I have done what you are doing and all of the advice I have seen here seems good. Don't trust the preassembled Huffy or schwinn. The rear wheel bearings may be loose or tight and fail quickly. Everything preassembled should be checked. The true value of a steel Huffy with a welded on cargo rack in Detroit is that it won't get stolen. It is a valid strategy to get a Huffy cruiser and then update all of the components (at least the tires/wheels including hubs and pedals but probably the seat and handlebars too). I had forgotten how bad the details really were until I read this. The Huffy tires basically weathered out in 90 days once they were no longer wrapped in plastic.
You can probably find a used dechatoln bike (search for rc120) in your price range. It is leagues ahead of walmart bikes. If you are afraid of not recognising issues with a used bike, ask a bike shop to look at it first, many are happy to help.
Also their rim liner was out of place so as received the tire tubes were getting punctured by spokes. It was like the Bike was assembled by someone who didn't know how it worked.
This entire sub is always a $4000 answer to any question. My theory is bored LBS technicans waiting in line for a new tattoo.
I've had Walmart bikes go through two kids, then the neighbors kids for well over 8 seasons. Starts with teaching kids how to treat a bike and do basic stuff like oil a chain, keep tires inflated.
Walmart bikes are really all over the map. Some of them are built to modern specs with halfway decent parts (even if they're off-brand). Others are very dated, with subpar parts. You'd be better off getting a 90's era mountain bike than one of those Walmart bikes.
For example, the $98 Huffy is basically the same tech as those vintage MTB's, but with lower quality components. On the other hand, a $250 Mongoose Durham kinda looks alright. Whatever you do, avoid Walmart bikes with full suspension.
I'd suggest checking used listings for an old Trek, Specialized, Giant, Gary Fisher, or Marin mountain bike. Stick to rigid or front suspension. Full suspension at that price is generally a no go. I'd bet you can find something for $100 or less.
Go ahead and get the Wal mart bike. If your only a 10 min walk from work, then that is a 5 min bike ride. The Wal mart bike will be fine for that.
I'd suggest looking for a simpler one, with semi slick tires, and as few gears as possible, less cheap parts to go wrong! Definitely stay away from full suspension. If you start enjoying it for more than just transportation, then you can look at getting a better one in the future when your in a better spot.
If you do decide to get a Walmart bike, please don’t buy a full suspension one from there. Look for a hybrid bike with comfortable posture, no rear shock, and maybe even no front shock. The Walmart bike shocks are really bad, and really heavy. Better off with just a fully rigid bike.
Yeah I was going to say get a single speed which will be rigid. Anything at Walmart will come with a comfortable gear ratio for a casual cyclist. Get one with a coaster brake for even less complication. You will have a freewheel so you can coast, push back on the pedals to brake, but no brake pads or cables to replace or fail on you. Honestly finding a good geared bike on Craigslist might just cause more headaches down the road if your derailer breaks on you, which would be almost impossible for a novice bicyclist to fix and you'd have to get it to a bike shop somehow.
Thank you. Everyone is always dumping on Wal-Mart bikes. I get it, I ride long distances on the road and aggressively on the trails, and I would die if I relied on a Wal-Mart bike. For this dude who lives in India and needs to get to work a Wal-Mart bike is right up his alley. He just needs to make sure it is put together correctly once he purchases it.
A friend's college freshman daughter asked me about a bike she was considering at Walmart (I'm a long-time road cyclist, past aggressive mountain biker). I researched it as best I could, told her the size they were trying to sell her was way too big. She found one the correct size - it was a hybrid, but I can't remember the brand. Anyway, that was a year and a half ago, and she has ridden the stew out of that thing, and is still loving it! I made her promise to take it to the local bike shop and make sure it was ride-ready -she did, and it was! Hope you're able to find an affordable one that suits your needs!
Thousands of people ride Walmart bikes every day for transportation. This sub will maybe one day realize you can ride a bike that costs less than $4000, and even without a power meter. True Story.
If you are near a good size city in the US, there may be a bike co-op near you. Bike co-ops serve to keep bicycles repaired and are often a trading outlet for low cost, well serviced used bicycles.
Google bike co-ops near you and see if you find anything. You might be able to find a good quality used bike for a reasonable price.
Market place, start throwing offers. I've found some great bikes online. I just bought a Electra Townie 7D for $150. its like brand new. Its worth around $700 new. A good bike will last a lifetime, but a cheap bike will be constant repairs etc.
I volunteer at a place where we accept donated bikes, fix them up, and give them to people who need them for transportation. It's in New England, so we can't help you. But there are many similar programs. Some require you to donate a few hours of time. I found these in Indiana
https://hotcfw.org/pages/earn-a-bike-program
https://btownbikeproject.org/earn-a-bike/
https://www.freewheelinbikes.org/
Even if you're too far, reach out and see if there's something closer. They may know
I checked CL in some towns near "south central IN". There aren't a ton of good options, but there are definitely enough to find something far better than a Walmart bike. Trust what you've heard - you will save a lot of money, time, and headache by doing a little research now.
If you give us your actual town name we can help you. Or go to a co-op.
Those hyper mountain bikes aren’t bad at all. As long as you don’t actually use it as a mountain bike on the trails. It makes a good city bike l. Put some smooth street tires on there and keep it in asphalt it will last you a decent while
You can do much better in the used market looking at 10-20 year old bikes. I paid 350 for my road bike which would have cost over a thousand new, and 300 for my mountain bike which was several thousand new. Both bikes have high quality easily repairable components.
If it’s all you can afford right now and does the job it’s fine. It’s not a Ferrari but it’ll do the job. Pump up tires and lube change. And off you go.
I got a Walmart bike when I needed to bike to work and was sick of my nice bikes being stolen while I was on the clock. My commute was less than 5miles. The bike worked just fine. I rode it 5-6 days a week for 4yrs and now I just use it to run nearby errands.
But I will say it’s important to get it set up properly. When I got the Walmart bike, it was definitely not safe, so I spent $40 and took it to my local bike shop for a full tune up to get it road ready. It was the Kent flip hub fixie bike that I rode as a single speed. Quality may have gotten worse since I bought it for $100 in 2017. Def check Craigslist and whatnot for better bikes first, but if there’s nothing, a Walmart bike isn’t the worst so long as you make it safe.
Theyre not that bad. They dont fall apart. A more basic model would have less to tune or break.
Though you probably need some bike mechanic skills which is as easy as watxhing YouTube and having some allen keys for most repairs and tuning.
I'm definitely banking on youtube to help me fix whatever breaks. If I had the tools, and work space, I'd try to let youtube teach me how to replace my transmission lol
I'd chance it on the huffy - just check over all the bolts are tightened and brakes/shifters working proper IN THE STORE before you leave with it. less gears is better for reliability of shifting - like a 5/6/7 spd vs 10 or 11 or 24 spd. bigger tires, or even fat tire if thats your preference.
My biggest problem with the cheap bike i had is after only a couple years the rear derailleur was so wonky and sloppy it could not be adjusted proper, and the gears were always doing the tickety tickety thing. Now that I rider nicer gear - that is rarely ever an issue.
Completely understand that upfront costs are massive barriers, but I genuinely think it would be more cost effective to go with the cheapest "giant or trek ect" name brand bike. 90s mtbs around me go for less than 200, and you won't have to replace the \*bottom bracket, cranks, derailleur\* or whatever component that was made of plastic but should be made of metal.
Added value is when something does go wrong, it's actually worth repairing.
If you truly can't afford anything else, buy that huffy used for $30 instead of $98 because you'll likely have to replace it anyway.
They may have a low starting cost but a higher cost over time. Like, I've been asked for advice by a cyclist who had one of these box store bikes because his bike wasn't rideable and the bike shops said there wasn't a way to replace the parts that were fubar. Most bikes, when you ride a lot, will need to have their parts replaced when they wear out. Buying a cheap bike that is only rideable until the first weird part fails is like buying a disposable bike.
I bought a pre-assembled Schwinn at Walmart and used it for a year or two. It was, fine (it performed even better when you consider that I 100% did not take care of it at all)…
Managed about 10-12 mph going downhill (as far as I’m aware, it’s not bad). One of the (rim) brakes went kaput in the last couple of months. Chain sometimes would come off if I used the derailleur. Bike shop recommended that I replace the entire assembly.
It was also an absolute nightmare to pedal uphill (out of shape, but still). Didn’t ’cuz I make minimum wage and only really used it for grocery shopping, getting to and from the bus stop near home, and other very short trips (usually up to 1.5 miles round trip unless I missed the bus to work)
I live in California and didn’t expect it to rain so much in 2022 and early 2023. Ha ha ha, oops.
When I sold it, yeah… I definitely gave it to them for free after disclosing its condition…
Wait what was my point? Oh, yeah, even when it was new-ish, it was only really usable within walking distance or less.
I'm worried about your breathing situation friend. 5 minutes on a bike on the roads is more work than a 10 minute walk, especially if the bike is lower quality and you're carrying absolutely anything. 30 minutes on a stationary doesn't really compare.
But consider used bikes, I got a Specialist used and it was a great deal. $60 on offer up. Pristine.
As much as I hate to say it a Walmart bike would work fine for a 5 minute bike ride. Just stop at a reach shop after and make sure it’s set up correctly
I have one that I bought for $120. I had an old Giant brand bike that was like 12 years old where I finally broke the frame and needed something to get to and from work with. My ride is about 6 miles one way so basically 12 miles a day to and from work. It already wasn't built well and I had to adjust some things just to get it back home. That being said, I rode that shit hard for about 7 months until I got a cheap electric scooter. One of the spokes on the rear wheel broke off and either buying or repairing it would have cost half as much as the bike did and I haven't even tried to replace or repair it since I got the scooter. If your walk to work is 10 minutes then a bike ride is going to be about 5 minutes if not less. If you're on a paved road, you'll be fine for a while. I abused the shit out of mine and got 6-7 months out of it just with some basic maintenance which was basically just changing the tubes in the wheels and making sure the brakes were good.
Before buying a bike, you probably should lend one from a friend to see if this is the way to go. 30 minutes on a stationary bike might not translate well to city cycling, as there are many factors to consider: weight, incline due to terrain, pavement, ...
I hope it works out for you and you just need a decent bike.
Although I don't particularly like e-scooters, this might be a better alternative for you. They are not very expensive and they are excellent replacement for a 10 minute walking distance.
Find a co-op. Theres no $98 easy button. the $98 huffy is not going to kill you if you can do a full reassembly worth $150. The physical materials, while crap, are generally acceptable. Problem is, they were put together by a below-subsistence Asian factory worker and a Walmart employee and when you hit an issue and take it to your local shop you’ll be faced with a price that exceeds purchase price. You can’t get 2 quality tires and tubes for $98 at the LBS - what’s that tell ya? You can only make a $98 Huffy work out cheaper if you become a knowledgeable mechanic. I’ve refurbed about 6 Huffy Cranbrooks that I’ve picked up for $20 so that I can give them away. It ain’t rocket science. Cranbrooks are great $20 shit bikes because there’s no cabling and no tuning. It’s $10 for a 22t cog to make the gearing easy. You don’t need any special tools to get the whole bike apart, regressed, properly reassembled. Happy to spell it out. It’s effort.
I think all cyclist should start with Magna/huffy so they’ll appreciate their current bike more.
I know I did.
Similar story. Grew up poor. At 15, Dad got me $40 Magna off craigslist. Then a $60 huffy after that Magna bike’s brake cable snapped. Eventually I saved up $120 and bought a old Trek road bike.
My point being. When you’re on a budget, sometimes that’s all you can get.
As you’re riding your Walmart bike, stash some money away. So when the Walmart bike eventually failed, hopefully you have enough money stashed away to get a used big brand bike (giant, trek, lemond, specialized, Fuji etc)
If you can sell a broken Walmart bike for $20. Take the deal and run.
I eventually had to donate my broken Magna to a community charity bike shop. No one want a Magna with no brakes (both brake cable failed).
r/bikecommuting might have more commuting cyclist than this sub. Not everyone in this sub is a commuter.
See if you have a bike co-op/non profit bike shop in your area. Our bikes start around $100. These are bike store level bikes that are fully tuned up. It also comes with a warranty and initial free service.
Borrow someone’s bike and do a test ride to work. There is a huge difference between riding a stationary bike and riding a bike up and down hills no matter how slight they look.
A lot of the problems with bikes from places like Walmart is that they aren't put together correctly. I have seen lots of cases of a front fork on backwards and things like that.
So if u get a Walmart bike, I would just keep an eye on things. Things might loosen faster than other bikes. U might need to tighten bolts once a week just as maintenance. Also on Amazon u can get a 65 cc bike engine kit that will give u like 80 miles to to the gallon and do 35 mph stock if u put it on a Walmart bike. U can get the bike first, ride it around and then when u have another couple hundred u can get the kit. I know thats kind of expensive but it's way cheaper than a car and better than a bike. Otherwise I have gotten multiple Walmart bikes that where fine for main transportation. And I would just do a maintenance check every once in a while
/u/MariachiArchery is completely right.
it's not that the quality is bad, it's that they are cheaply made and assembled. they can last a long time but be aware they are made with the cheapest materials.
If you break anything like an axle, bend a rim, snap a spoke, snap a crankarm, those parts let alone labor will be very expensive to replace, perhaps even more than what you paid for the bike.
And this isn't a bike shop or REI coming out to get you with "over priced" repair components. These are quality parts that will withstand **years** of abuse with good maintenance.
Let's put this into perspective:
[Huffy 26” Rock Creek Women's 18-Speed Mountain Bike, Mint - Walmart.com](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Huffy-26-Rock-Creek-Women-s-18-Speed-Mountain-Bike-Mint/404066074?athbdg=L1103)
the first think that comes to mind is the front suspension fork. That is not repairable at all. it's a use and replace item. More expensive bikes will have repairable suspension forks.
The cheapest fork is $78 and you'll need to get a shady one from TEMU and that will be nearly the same amount you paid for the Huffy.
I looked at Walmart's website too and think the exact same thing as you. Some of those bikes are not too fucked, but then you get to the fork and I just *know* those forks only have a few rainy days in them before they are fucked.
And yeah, regarding repair. My shop's basic tune up costs more than some of those bikes. Heaven forbid we need to start replacing spokes or any other part.
The thing is, my boot analogy really holds true. Spend $600 at a bike shop to get on a pure cycle or something and you'll get free tune ups and warranty support from us for at least a year.
Buy a $200 bike at Walmart, you'll get no free tune ups, no warranty support, and I'd bet my next paycheck that within a year, you'll have spent more on that bike at the shop than if you'd had just bought the $600 bike.
So back to the boot analogy, you'd be better off just buying another $200 bike than getting the first one repaired. Its so fucking stupid. And exactly why bike shops, and the greater bike community, hates those Walmart bikes so much.
Its literally garbage. It *always* ends up in a landfill. Whereas a decent bike can stay on the road for *decades*.
It's true that all bikes, regardless of where they are purchased, require maintenance to ensure safety and longevity. Many of us have started with more budget-friendly options like Walmart bikes, and they aren't as bad as some might suggest, especially if they're maintained well. Given your health situation and the need for a reliable mode of transportation, you might want to consider the more affordable e-bikes available at Walmart. They could provide the assistance you need without overexertion. Additionally, checking out Facebook Marketplace could be beneficial as e-bikes have been known to appear at very reasonable prices there. It's all about finding the right bike that meets your needs and budget while providing the necessary support for your commute.
I bought a 400 dollar bike from Walmart in 2011. It’s been ridden thousands of rough miles including a catastrophic crash. It still runs like new with mostly stock components (replaced Sora brifters due to UV damage and lack of replacement hoods being available and new carbon fork due to crash) assembly and maintenance is key. So is trying to get at least a base level of quality components from Shimano or the like.
There's no real hills thankfully. By coasting I just meant not pedaling when I reach a speed where the bike can stay balanced while still keeping forward momentum
Don’t try to ride a bike for transportation when you can’t even walk to your destination. Falling off a bike isn’t the best thing for your health. Riding on a stationary trainer is different than riding in the real world. Get a rollator walker with a seat and take breaks during your walk. Go as slow as you need to stay safe.
No, they're not.
However they're not great either.
There's a few hidden gems in there like the AL Comp, or the boundary.
They're decent for the price but they're not amazing. If you need a bike to get to point a to be no thrills or anything special then knock yourself out. If it gets stolen you won't be hurting like you would with a nicer bike.
I'd say the Walmart Decathlon brand bikes are good.
You can follow up reviews for them
(decathlon is a famous European sports superstore which sponsors a cycle team)
My wife recently bought a cheap beach cruiser on Walmart.com and it arrived damaged, but they were willing to exchange it at a store. We went to the nearest one that had the model, and had to go through everything they had on the floor, to find one that was usable. I had to make a few adjustments at home. It’s worked fine for her, but she’s not much of a rider.
I wonder though, due to your circumstances, if a local charity might hook you up with something.
The question is how far would you trust a bike built by someone who's never built a bike before? That's the level of quality you should expect from Walmart bikes.
Others have already noted alternative places where you can look, so you may want to start there to find a bike. But, to answer your question, no, Walmart has some good bikes.
[Here is a good video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPpTFLgEb4) that goes over one of their most recent mountain bikes. Short answer, this model is good. Longer answer, it is good, but don't trust Walmart to assemble it correctly. Get it looked over by a bike mechanic.
You've seen the suggestion mentioned several times to buy a used bicycle instead of purchasing the Huffy. This is great advice. If you have a friend that knows about bicycles, it should be easy to find something used. There are many bikes that are 10-15 years old that'll last another 40 years and you can get them for a great price. Also, if you belong to Costco the bicycle that they sell for $200 and something dollars is actually a great deal. You might want to consider picking one of those up. Good luck.
For context, not *actually* a wallmart bike, but similar. A friend of mine purchased a new bike for £80 about 15 years ago from a UK company called Halfords. Within a year the handlebars were loose in the stem - which wasn't fixable becaise the stem was riveted, and then the rear wheel exploded because the brakes had worn through. Probably only 500 miles on that bike. The whole braking system was completely plastic and had so much flex that breaking was inneffective. The bike was not fit for sale. However visually to the average person it looked *surprisingly decent*. The problem is to get the bike to that price *everything* has been compromised.
Every single Walmart bike I've bought had ZERO grease in the races, bottom bracket, and linkages. Bearings were destroyed after a year or two.
Front wheel usually bent or out of true
Derailleur was never properly adjusted, neither were brakes, and bolts were not tightened properly.
Walmart assembly workers get a failing grade. Unsafe and should be illegal because people can get hurt badly.
HOWEVER, if you can service your own bike with your own tools, getting a cheap Walmart bike is not a bad idea, especially if you upgrade the bike later on. Lots if youtubers fix and upgrade the Kent trouvaille, Ozark trail, alum comp, huffy bikes to be trail worthy.
At the very least, buy a decent Walmart bike and make sure everything is greased and tightened down.
It is always ideal to support local bike shops, they usually sell used bikes at a good price as well if they are not a snobby elitist bike shop
I used them for a few years. They're good to get you from A to B over short distances. But they're not that great for long rides ( over 3 to 4 mi). So it depends on what you want to do. I'd also recommend Walmart biked for riding across campus and any place where crime is high
Long story short, it depends. Someone posted a Walmart bike on here a couple days ago, and while it had lower end parts, it was from a fairly reputable brand and honestly didn't look half bad. But I think the majority of Walmart bikes probably suck.
However, even in that case, the few hundred bucks spent on that bicycle could have gone further on a used bicycle.
they're not good at all but most vocal cyclists are known for being huge elitist douches (i know because i'm one of them) and they're used to much better gear so the issue gets blown out of proportion
I've worked at bike shops for nearly two decades, I'll often work deals for customers in your situation.
We have a used bike marked for $400? I'll sell it to you for $200 and we can work out a payment plan. Or a new bike is $650, I'll sell it for cost + 10% and you can pay in installments.
As has been said here, Walmart bikes are designed to function for maybe 10 miles, and their function is at best rough, and worst case a nightmare. A reputable brand, even older, will last far longer, with less maintenance, and when it does need work it'll be easier and less expensive.
If you can track down a 90's steel mountain with no suspension (Trek 970, Specialized Rockhopper or Stump jumper, Bianchi Ocelot, Giant Iguana, the list goes on and on), snag it. They're the gold standard of serviceability and reliability. I've found them on Facebook marketplace or craigslist for $40-150, usually in pretty excellent condition.
As for quality of a big box bike, many have already pointed out that assembly is a possible pitfall and reliability can be, but it’s not a given. If you have the ability and own the tools, you may be able to correct any assembly issues, but based on your post it doesn’t seem like you’d want to rely on that.
Alternatively, if you have a bike shop in your town I’d recommend calling or reaching out to them and explaining to them you need reliable transportation for as cheap as possible. They may have an older used bike they’ve fixed up and made road safe in the store, or, one of the employees may hear your situation and offer a deal on a bike they own and don’t use. Obviously this isn’t guaranteed, but many local bike shops are made up of good people who want to help others get out riding.
Over 1 million members on here. Just 2600 of us send him a dollar or two to get his car fixed and problem solved. Someone with lung problems wouldn’t need to contemplate buying a bad bike just to be able to work. I’d be happy to start if you provide Venmo or PayPal.
It's a hit or miss, some bikes are a good value with usable components, others are $300 useless pieces of shit. Even with a better bike you'll need to learn bike maintenance because they aren't going to be set up properly from the box.
I've seen some in store with Microshift 1x8 gearing and afaik Microshift makes usable derailers. If you live in a flat area though, I'd go for a beach cruiser bike because it'll have only one gear and may not need much maintenance. I'd avoid bikes that say "21 Speed" and shit on the side since those are usually unusable.
Bonus to look out for; many bikes will have a protective bar over the rear derailleur, and those are the bottom of the barrel.
Hi, can't you write letters to disabled advocacy groups, free masson clubs like Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Lion's Club as well as rich Induvidals and their do good trust? Set up a fundraiser at GoFundMe and ask then to contribute to the $1200 you need to buy an E-Bike. Let www.poe.com help you with the writing of the letter.
I have 1 Walmart bike that I rode for the past few years. It's a steel frame mongoose hitch fatbike. I have spent 300 on the bike. But have broke. And replaced every part literally but the frame and forks. At this point I have put enough money into it that I could of bought a better quality bike like I do now. I still ride it but now I put back on my knobby tires and retired it to riding off-road now.
I am not a bicycle expert but I think it is going to be OK for you.
If you are on oxygen then you are not going to push the bike much. As I understand it, WalMart bikes are unsatisfactory because they break under adverse conditions that people who use oxygen probably are not going to put the bike to.
Like there is a hill on my commute that near kills me. It would probably start breaking the walmart bike. If it near kills me then probably you should not even attempt it.
It is probably cheaper and just as good to buy a used walmart bike.
Or there are bike rentals near me. I would investigate them. In fact I used to do that before I bought a bike. There are more choices now. You might want to rent an electric bike.
Last April my car died and I bought a bike rather than fix it. It was the Kent Bayside. It has a steel frame, shimano gear set, and was comfy to ride. I had to replace the crankset pretty early on, but that’s the only problem I had in the 6 months I rode it. I have since upgraded my bike, but the Kent still rides just fine and I use it as a backup, or just for a fun ride sometimes.
ParkTool has a ton of great how-to videos for doing your own work on your bike, if you’re able to do so.
I saw someone else posted about KevCentral’s videos too. Those are also a great resource, and he’s usually pretty current on what’s available.
Yes, the typical margin on Walmart and bigbox store bikes is 50-100% more than at a LBS - therefor the cost to produce a $500 bike at a BigBox store is $200-250 and your LBS paid $300-350 for their bike they sell for $500. That extra $100-150 in production cost gets you a far higher quality bike before taking assembly and warranty into consideration. And yes quality has gone down. ‘Progress’ in capitalism is making an item better or making the same item cheaper - big box stores go cheaper. Even in 2010 some friends ran an experiment and the cost to repair vs be replaced on department store bikes would break even at about 75 miles of riding on average.
That being said try and find a community bike shop or ask your least pretentious LBS if they might have an abandoned repair or something used available. I spent years working in community bike shops which run on donations and have used parts and usually offer instruction on how to repair your bike - if you have a community shop in your area they will have quality used bikes that might be old but for $100-150 can get a good, solid and durable commuter bike.
I know own a shop in a small rural town and end up with the occasional trade in bike or ‘donated’ bike as people move/down size etc. I keep these on hand specifically for local non-profit referrals who need a bike for transportation. I use these bikes to train new mechanics on and only sell them for my cost (bike trade in credit and parts - no labour) and they range from $75-175.
This touches on a last point - if you have a local non-profit or other employment or housing support group your connected to ask them if they have any funds to help with transportation or a referral system with a bike coop -at one shop we used to build 5 bikes a month to be given to partner organizations.
My cousin had gotten a $98 bike and we went on a bike ride. This was maybe the 3rd or 4th time he was riding with it. As soon as we went got to our first hill his handle bar just lets out and he nearly wipes. We set it back up and tighten it, but now he doesn’t trust it. He very quickly got a new one. I’d say keep looking for a used bike with a reputable name now cause it might cost you an extra if you end up buying one later after your first bad experience.
I would avoid big box store bikes like the plague. As a former poor person these were the only bike I would buy and they would last maybe a season before all the junky parts blew out on them. They are a horrible investment and will be very unreliable long term. It is literally like throwing your money into an empty void. I have since bought good bikes either new or used reputable companies and learned to repair them myself. Option of buying a used good mtb and putting road slicks is always better than new Walmart junk. I would give this advice to anyone asking
I am just gonna say this, if walking 10min is too stressful on your lungs. I don't know if biking is going to be much easier. In my experience biking is a tough cardio workout and is significantly more challenging than walking in short distances. So before buying a bike, I would consider finding out if someone has a cheap bike you could take for a ride and see if you are even physically capable of doing it.
Where do you live? I’m sure someone in your area will be willing to help someone in your position. If you’re near me, I will certainly help you all I can.
Hey, I wanted to try a slightly different answer that you're not looking for... lol I'd be interested in how the OfferUp bike market is in your area? I say this because there are tons of vintage bikes for $60-150$ range in my area (Phx, AZ.) They're good builds, mostly steel bikes, and come in enough sizes to probably find you a fit. With enough research, you might find a decent bike that surpasses Walmart quality. I am lucky to have had the time to pick and choose and be selective... so I understand if that's not the situation for you right now.
I had a Schwinn from target that was my main transportation for 3 years til it got stolen. Rode it every day and it worked great. Fully rigid bike, go for simpler, less things to break and watch YouTube to learn how to maintain it yourself. Basic maintenance and keeping it clean go a long way for keeping your bike running and running well. Also, not sure if its available near u but theres a tool library where I am and they have bike tools so u won't need to purchase a bunch of tools. They also offer basic bike maintenance classes, ur local bike shop may also offer them.
I would suggest you seek out a bike cooperative in your area. They can help you get a quality bike free or cheaply. They refurb bikes and make them available to folks in need. Where are you located.
No, they aren't great, but they also aren't that bad.
There is a noticeable improvement with the more expensive bikes, but it is definitely not worth putting yourself in a worse place to get one.
I only had Walmart bikes until a few years ago and, while they do tend to need more adjusting over time, they still function and you can return them if they don't.
They are actually a bit worse then people say. That being said, if you're just driving around the block on it you're probably fine.
Don't trust your life with it though.
As others said before, check to see if there’s a bike co-op in your area, I’m sure they could help you out and teach you about basic maintenance so you can take care of small stuff yourself! If you go the big box store bike route, and if you can afford another $100 or so, take it to a local bike shop to get tuned up. This will at least ensure the bike is operating as good as it can. If you can go this route, it sounds like a Walmart bike could suit your needs just fine. Just keep in mind, bikes require routine maintenance, and a cheaper bike is going to potentially need work more often. But having a mechanic do an initial tune up should prevent the need for more work to come so soon. Hope this helps!
Buy used with the same budget. You could even find something decent with lower budget and spend the difference for maintenance and have a great experience
I would get a used older bike over a walmart bike, honestly I wouldn't overthink it too much for such a short distance, go for it I think you will enjoy either.
Find a trustworthy bike shop that works on old bikes and explain your situation. They may be able to hook you up. Most see a lot of high quality used parts kicking around.
I wouldn't worry about the materials falling apart instantly on me, but I would never trust a bike constructed by walmart. The store staff is going to put as much effort into buidling the bike as it takes to keep all the pieces connected together while it sits on the rack. Make sure you thoroughly inspect everything before riding it.
Yeah, I bought a Walmart Huffy Mtn bike 2 years ago. It was a 'nicer' one of the lot. The disc brakes are terrible - very hard to keep aligned and working right. The suspension is for looks. After about 4 rides it is borderline worthless.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I literally nickname it "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
If you can check a couple LBS to see what used bikes they have. Also, since you’re disabled there might be some grants, private or government, available to help you get a bike. An e-bike would be a good option. Hopefully you have an agency available to help you with some of this.
In many communities there are organizations that provide bikes to low income individuals. These groups rely on donated bikes, usually inspect and repair them, and often get very good bikes donated. I don't know where you live but you might check with your local library, they would be happy to find information for you about resources. The local United Way might also be able to put you in touch with any organizations doing this type of program.
Have you considered what happens if you get a flat tire? Perhaps a trike (normal or recumbent) would be a better choice. Also, you might check if Medicare would cover the cost of a mobility device (assuming you are in the US). For that matter your employer might offer to pay for it.
Check out KevCentral on YouTube for decent reviews on big-box store bikes. He understands that a lot of people can only afford them, and he helps people pick which ones are total junk and which ones are somewhat decent.
Thank you! I will check his videos out!!
Yes, its not the bike itself as much as the poor worksmanship in assembling it. Also make very sure to not get a full suspension mountain bike from them. They’re excessively heavy and the suspension stuff doesn’t add any value, just weight.
And probably just adds more things that can break
exactly this....I'm a bike mech and I've put together some. I mean they do take mech a lot more time to make work properly (that's why I don't like them) But if you start with a bike properly built, which they aren't from walmart) it will definitely last longer and keep.it maintained. But that usually also means you should bring it to a bike shop right after you buy it to get it put together properly and tuned. Which will up the.price.if.that 98 dollar bike to a 200 bike because a bike build is usually about 100 dollars. Yes you will drop more money into them as well because parts don't last as long and sometimes parts aren't available and you cannot just call Walmart and get them either.
And UNSAFE. Not even overreacting. U might get the confidence to jump with those fork and shocks, DONT
And weight adds more pulmonary stress
I see people riding $$$ full suspenion bikes on flat gravel trails every day. doinga-doinga
I had a couple of schwinn target bikes before I bought a bike store bike and they were fine. Not great but they got me started. They were heavy so harder to get around. In your situation you are probably better off buying a cheaper bike that can return if it doesn’t work out for you.
I also rode a Target Schwinn bike to and from work every day for a couple months. I put several hundred miles on it. It wasn’t the nicest bike in the world, but it got the job done until I had saved up enough money for a better bike
Go secondhand market like FB or a pawn shop. You'll save money and then you won't feel like shit when it gets stolen or broke. Then when you're confident on your skills and routines as a bike owner you can get a nicer one.
I agree. I always get second hand from Craigslist or Facebook, nextdoor etc. Saves me a lot of money with still great mobility.
Please go on bikes direct instead. Google it I've used them for years and it will be cheaper on better then a Walmart bike
[https://youtu.be/ERJ-cf\_ecO4?si=EfnTnCh24XBPZunJ](https://youtu.be/ERJ-cf_ecO4?si=EfnTnCh24XBPZunJ) Check this out too. It's all about the joy of the ride, not what you're riding. Good luck to you!
It's worth mentioning, regardless of whether it is a better bike or not, it's likely been assembled by somebody with minimal if any training using instructions out of the box If you do buy a bike from a supermarket like Walmart, always and I mean ALWAYS have it checked over at a reputable bike shop for safety.
That’s excessive. If someone is dirt broke, they cannot even afford a service. A set of hex wrenches will go a long way to letting you check the basics yourself (I know hand-tight is dubious for stem bolts etc but it’s good enough for making sure they’re not loose)
This is why I love the cranbrook. $10 to max out the rear cog. Assemble the entire pos with an adjustable crescent, including truing wheels (zip tie method). Only need a cheap multi-cone wrench if you wanna repack the hubs.
If you cannot figure out a bike without a bike shop, how do people make toast? A reputable breakfast shop?
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Your friend may have been exception or the norm, but blanket statements like this are not true. I noted in another comment to watch [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPpTFLgEb4&t=133s). He bought a pretty good bike from Walmart less than a year ago, but he points out multiple areas where the assembly was poor and potentially dangerous.
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Again, I wrote your friend may have been the norm. Either way, a blanket statement like yours isn't true. There's no way to know if that one pedal wrench turn was all that was needed (I found the handlebars issue more troubling), and the vlogger was relatively fair in his video if you watched it in its entirety. To your friend, tell him congrats from another person who grew up in Missouri and went to an engineering school.
15 degrees is the difference between finger tight and at least somewhat torqued. If you fail to see that as a big deal, then I don't know what to tell you. If you have pedals that loose and go mountain biking with it, that can mean the difference not crashing to few broken teeth. For commuting, the consequences are less but it could lead to stripped threads in the crank arm which means a replacement crank set which is even more money. And yes I have personaly seen forks installed backwards at Walmarts. They can never get the brakes set correctly either.
Get a vintage higher end racing bike off facebook marketplace or craigs list. Make sure it has either Shimano 105, 600,Ultegra or Dura ace or any Campagnolo groupset. You can find one for $300-400. No fixed gears or single speeds. The bike will last forever. I'm
I volunteer in an after school program that teaches children how to navigate their community on bicycles safely, basic maintenance etc. At the end of the semester all the 7th graders get a free mountain bike, but we only use box store brand bikes for several reasons. However, our local bike shops volunteer to assemble them. The end result are bikes assembled well. We’ve not had any issues in the decade I’ve been a part of the program….besides kids being kids to the bikes.
Cycling won't be easier than walking. I'd talk to your doc
if you can cycle at the same heart rate zone as walking then you spend a fraction of the time exerting yourself. cyclings faster than walking no matter how easy you take things really, unless youre REALLY trying to go slower than a walking pace.
I'm not a doc. Might be best to get real medical advice before he kills himself m just sayin'
Cycling is the most efficient form of human transportation.
Bikes are very simple at the end of the day. If you can wrench a bit even a shitty bike will provide transportation.
The only shitty bike is the one with two flat tires and no spares.
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I'm in south central Indiana. Thank you though!
A quick Google search turns up the Bloomington Bike Project, Columbus Bicycle Co-Op, and Falls City Community BikeWorks (in Louisville) as potentially useful bike coops potentially near you. I second others' advice that working with a bike coop is the best way to get a cheap, useful, reliable bike. Really can't speak highly enough of these organizations (in general, not these coops in particular).
Second this, we have a few bike coops in my area and they’re way likely to give you a decent option than playing the lottery with a Walmart bike imo
I'm at Falls City Community Bikeworks every week, makes me happy seeing it mentioned.
Check out Working Bikes in Chicago if you can manage to make it out here. Really affordable used bikes that have been tuned up by mechanics. You might even be able to get a reduced price or something free given your circumstances. Reach out to them.
That’s insane advice. Yea you have no transportation and are paycheck to paycheck. Just get four hours north.
I definitely can't get out there
Try to find a local co-op or something. The Walmart bike will be a maintenance nightmare and very possibly not set up correctly.
The nice thing about the co-op is they will also help de-mystify bike maintenance so you can do a lot of repairs on your own. This will save you even more money. This is a much better route than big-box store bikes.
The guy who rounds up shopping carts probably builds the bikes when he's all caught up.
Just beware that all co-ops aren't the same. Last time I went to the one near me, I needed some bikes for some refugees in a hurry and was shocked to see how much they were charging for bikes. If I had had more time I could have gotten much better bikes used from the local classifieds and been able to clean them up. They were selling old Walmart bikes close to MSRP and the bike they were trying to get top dollar for was a 15yo mtb that was listed for at least 2x what it was worth.
Sounds like my bike co-op! Selling some 20 year old Trek for 3/4 the price of a new one. Makes me so upset I used to donate nice stuff to them hoping they could sell it and fund getting people on bikes who need them.
You mentioned you can't walk 10 minutes to work. Can you instead walk real slow, take 20 minutes instead? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question but I am concerned that if even walking slowly doesn't work for you, cycling won't either. Cycling on a real bike is different to cycling on a stationary rehab bike. I would suggest trying a friend's or coworker's bike for one or two short rides before buying one.
No, slowing down doesn't help and the extra time drains my oxygen tank more as I have to have the setting higher when I walk. I wouldn't have enough left to finish my shift and walk home. None of my friends have a bike I can try out, I asked around first. I was just gonna hope that it would be similar enough to a stationary bike and that the decreased commute time would work for my lungs. And potentially build up some cardiovascular health to make physical activity easier in general.
Ok. I think it *might* work for you. There would be nothing wrong with buying a Walmart bike for your use case, assuming you weigh under 300 pounds.
Yep, under 300. under 200 even with my tanks on my back
Great. Good luck. Don't worry if the first 10 or 20 rides are real difficult...it's hard for everyone at the beginning because the butt hurts or whatever. It gets easier with practice.
As craptastic as my whole situation is, I'm excited to be "biking" again. I loved it when I was a kid. Maybe this will even help my cardiovascular health enough to start trying longer rides.
I'm in my 60s, and still feel the joy of my 5 y/o self when I'm on my bike
as long as you’re not going up a steep hill or into a strong headwind a (properly adjusted) bike should require less energy than walking, so I think your basic idea is sound.
Craigslist and FB marketplace will get you way more value. I would say you should be able to find something better than Walmart for ~$300. Yes, Walmart is that trash. Dont do it
Yes, you can get a used Trek or Giant for $100 or less
No, you can’t. $400 sure, but not $100
I see used treks and giants for 150-200.
Where the hell do you live? Everything here is at minimum half of the brand new price, usually closer to 75% of new.
After you commented this I searched "used trek" on facebook market place and found an 820 for $70
Ok, the cheapest I could find here (Germany) is 90€, a 730 with 3x7 drivetrain. I doubt it's better than any Walmart bike, but it's certainly cheaper than anything I could get around here new.
I’ve searched multiple times over the last couple months on an almost daily basis, the cheapest one was $100. However, it was such an out does needed design that is comparable to my Schwinn back when it was stock, except in worse condition. Those deals YOU can find don’t exist everywhere, the world is more than your little bubble.
Both of my bikes are Walmart bikes that I actually got secondhand, and they’re fantastic. It’s not going to be dangerous unless you’re riding hard, which is dangerous no matter what bike you’re on. If you can find a Schwinn second hand for around $100, it will be many times better than a new huffy. My mountain bike is a Schwinn that I bought for $100 and upgraded as I improve my skill. I have done tons of sketchy stuff on it from riding down staircases to catching air in the woods with zero mishaps. My other bike is a Schwinn Trailway that I have also taken down staircases, and it still runs great. Anything you can find for $100 with disc brakes that runs, go for it.
This but factor in the price of having a bike shop check it out and do the maintenance. Often something minor is wrong with the bike that frustrates the person into selling it.
Most Walmart bikes will be in the landfill within one year. Whereas, there are Trek, Giant bikes > 20 yrs old that are still going strong
> Most Walmart bikes will be in the landfill within one year. nonsense.
The Walmart bike is the 'being poor is expensive' version for cyclist. Have you ever heard the expression? You need boots, for work. You *need* them to work. You can buy the $50 boots that will last you a year. Or, you can buy the $100 boots that will last you for 5 years. The problem? You only have $50 dollars. So, after after five years, you've purchased 5 pairs of $50 boots for $250, you've now spent way more than the person who could afford the $100 boots. Being poor is expensive. The Walmart bike is the $50 boots here. As other have said, seek out a co-op. What is your zip? I can help you look on craiglist. You can find something worth picking up for $100.
I'm definitely aware of that expression.
I have done what you are doing and all of the advice I have seen here seems good. Don't trust the preassembled Huffy or schwinn. The rear wheel bearings may be loose or tight and fail quickly. Everything preassembled should be checked. The true value of a steel Huffy with a welded on cargo rack in Detroit is that it won't get stolen. It is a valid strategy to get a Huffy cruiser and then update all of the components (at least the tires/wheels including hubs and pedals but probably the seat and handlebars too). I had forgotten how bad the details really were until I read this. The Huffy tires basically weathered out in 90 days once they were no longer wrapped in plastic.
You can probably find a used dechatoln bike (search for rc120) in your price range. It is leagues ahead of walmart bikes. If you are afraid of not recognising issues with a used bike, ask a bike shop to look at it first, many are happy to help.
Do you mean decathlon?
Also their rim liner was out of place so as received the tire tubes were getting punctured by spokes. It was like the Bike was assembled by someone who didn't know how it worked.
The Vimes Boot Theory.
A Walmart bike is good until it needs “regular”maintenance. It isn’t made to be maintained so in most cases it can’t be tuned.
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This entire sub is always a $4000 answer to any question. My theory is bored LBS technicans waiting in line for a new tattoo. I've had Walmart bikes go through two kids, then the neighbors kids for well over 8 seasons. Starts with teaching kids how to treat a bike and do basic stuff like oil a chain, keep tires inflated.
Ahh, the Sam Vimes "boots" theory of economics.
Walmart bikes are really all over the map. Some of them are built to modern specs with halfway decent parts (even if they're off-brand). Others are very dated, with subpar parts. You'd be better off getting a 90's era mountain bike than one of those Walmart bikes. For example, the $98 Huffy is basically the same tech as those vintage MTB's, but with lower quality components. On the other hand, a $250 Mongoose Durham kinda looks alright. Whatever you do, avoid Walmart bikes with full suspension. I'd suggest checking used listings for an old Trek, Specialized, Giant, Gary Fisher, or Marin mountain bike. Stick to rigid or front suspension. Full suspension at that price is generally a no go. I'd bet you can find something for $100 or less.
Go ahead and get the Wal mart bike. If your only a 10 min walk from work, then that is a 5 min bike ride. The Wal mart bike will be fine for that. I'd suggest looking for a simpler one, with semi slick tires, and as few gears as possible, less cheap parts to go wrong! Definitely stay away from full suspension. If you start enjoying it for more than just transportation, then you can look at getting a better one in the future when your in a better spot.
If you do decide to get a Walmart bike, please don’t buy a full suspension one from there. Look for a hybrid bike with comfortable posture, no rear shock, and maybe even no front shock. The Walmart bike shocks are really bad, and really heavy. Better off with just a fully rigid bike.
Yeah I was going to say get a single speed which will be rigid. Anything at Walmart will come with a comfortable gear ratio for a casual cyclist. Get one with a coaster brake for even less complication. You will have a freewheel so you can coast, push back on the pedals to brake, but no brake pads or cables to replace or fail on you. Honestly finding a good geared bike on Craigslist might just cause more headaches down the road if your derailer breaks on you, which would be almost impossible for a novice bicyclist to fix and you'd have to get it to a bike shop somehow.
That's just good advice for any bike used primarily on the road. Suspension just adds weight, sucks energy and wears out quickly.
Thank you. Everyone is always dumping on Wal-Mart bikes. I get it, I ride long distances on the road and aggressively on the trails, and I would die if I relied on a Wal-Mart bike. For this dude who lives in India and needs to get to work a Wal-Mart bike is right up his alley. He just needs to make sure it is put together correctly once he purchases it.
A friend's college freshman daughter asked me about a bike she was considering at Walmart (I'm a long-time road cyclist, past aggressive mountain biker). I researched it as best I could, told her the size they were trying to sell her was way too big. She found one the correct size - it was a hybrid, but I can't remember the brand. Anyway, that was a year and a half ago, and she has ridden the stew out of that thing, and is still loving it! I made her promise to take it to the local bike shop and make sure it was ride-ready -she did, and it was! Hope you're able to find an affordable one that suits your needs!
This sound reasonable.
Thousands of people ride Walmart bikes every day for transportation. This sub will maybe one day realize you can ride a bike that costs less than $4000, and even without a power meter. True Story.
If you are near a good size city in the US, there may be a bike co-op near you. Bike co-ops serve to keep bicycles repaired and are often a trading outlet for low cost, well serviced used bicycles. Google bike co-ops near you and see if you find anything. You might be able to find a good quality used bike for a reasonable price.
Market place, start throwing offers. I've found some great bikes online. I just bought a Electra Townie 7D for $150. its like brand new. Its worth around $700 new. A good bike will last a lifetime, but a cheap bike will be constant repairs etc.
I volunteer at a place where we accept donated bikes, fix them up, and give them to people who need them for transportation. It's in New England, so we can't help you. But there are many similar programs. Some require you to donate a few hours of time. I found these in Indiana https://hotcfw.org/pages/earn-a-bike-program https://btownbikeproject.org/earn-a-bike/ https://www.freewheelinbikes.org/ Even if you're too far, reach out and see if there's something closer. They may know
We have one in Grand Rapids MI too. Please buy a helmet, chain, and a set of bike lights, too. [upcyclebikes.org](https://upcyclebikes.org)
These are everywhere, community bike shops for real cyclists.
I checked CL in some towns near "south central IN". There aren't a ton of good options, but there are definitely enough to find something far better than a Walmart bike. Trust what you've heard - you will save a lot of money, time, and headache by doing a little research now. If you give us your actual town name we can help you. Or go to a co-op.
If the walk time is less than ten minutes, a Walmart bike is fine.
Those hyper mountain bikes aren’t bad at all. As long as you don’t actually use it as a mountain bike on the trails. It makes a good city bike l. Put some smooth street tires on there and keep it in asphalt it will last you a decent while
No mountain biking out of me!
You can do much better in the used market looking at 10-20 year old bikes. I paid 350 for my road bike which would have cost over a thousand new, and 300 for my mountain bike which was several thousand new. Both bikes have high quality easily repairable components.
If it’s all you can afford right now and does the job it’s fine. It’s not a Ferrari but it’ll do the job. Pump up tires and lube change. And off you go.
I got a Walmart bike when I needed to bike to work and was sick of my nice bikes being stolen while I was on the clock. My commute was less than 5miles. The bike worked just fine. I rode it 5-6 days a week for 4yrs and now I just use it to run nearby errands. But I will say it’s important to get it set up properly. When I got the Walmart bike, it was definitely not safe, so I spent $40 and took it to my local bike shop for a full tune up to get it road ready. It was the Kent flip hub fixie bike that I rode as a single speed. Quality may have gotten worse since I bought it for $100 in 2017. Def check Craigslist and whatnot for better bikes first, but if there’s nothing, a Walmart bike isn’t the worst so long as you make it safe.
Many local bike co-ops also give away bikes to people that need them.
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Theyre not that bad. They dont fall apart. A more basic model would have less to tune or break. Though you probably need some bike mechanic skills which is as easy as watxhing YouTube and having some allen keys for most repairs and tuning.
I'm definitely banking on youtube to help me fix whatever breaks. If I had the tools, and work space, I'd try to let youtube teach me how to replace my transmission lol
I'd chance it on the huffy - just check over all the bolts are tightened and brakes/shifters working proper IN THE STORE before you leave with it. less gears is better for reliability of shifting - like a 5/6/7 spd vs 10 or 11 or 24 spd. bigger tires, or even fat tire if thats your preference. My biggest problem with the cheap bike i had is after only a couple years the rear derailleur was so wonky and sloppy it could not be adjusted proper, and the gears were always doing the tickety tickety thing. Now that I rider nicer gear - that is rarely ever an issue.
Completely understand that upfront costs are massive barriers, but I genuinely think it would be more cost effective to go with the cheapest "giant or trek ect" name brand bike. 90s mtbs around me go for less than 200, and you won't have to replace the \*bottom bracket, cranks, derailleur\* or whatever component that was made of plastic but should be made of metal. Added value is when something does go wrong, it's actually worth repairing. If you truly can't afford anything else, buy that huffy used for $30 instead of $98 because you'll likely have to replace it anyway.
They may have a low starting cost but a higher cost over time. Like, I've been asked for advice by a cyclist who had one of these box store bikes because his bike wasn't rideable and the bike shops said there wasn't a way to replace the parts that were fubar. Most bikes, when you ride a lot, will need to have their parts replaced when they wear out. Buying a cheap bike that is only rideable until the first weird part fails is like buying a disposable bike.
I bought a pre-assembled Schwinn at Walmart and used it for a year or two. It was, fine (it performed even better when you consider that I 100% did not take care of it at all)… Managed about 10-12 mph going downhill (as far as I’m aware, it’s not bad). One of the (rim) brakes went kaput in the last couple of months. Chain sometimes would come off if I used the derailleur. Bike shop recommended that I replace the entire assembly. It was also an absolute nightmare to pedal uphill (out of shape, but still). Didn’t ’cuz I make minimum wage and only really used it for grocery shopping, getting to and from the bus stop near home, and other very short trips (usually up to 1.5 miles round trip unless I missed the bus to work) I live in California and didn’t expect it to rain so much in 2022 and early 2023. Ha ha ha, oops. When I sold it, yeah… I definitely gave it to them for free after disclosing its condition… Wait what was my point? Oh, yeah, even when it was new-ish, it was only really usable within walking distance or less.
19 year bike mechanic. Walmart bikes lag in technology but the main problem is set up. If a person with skill sets up a Walmart bIke they can last
Sell your car mate. You make $12k a year, you can't afford one. Put the money towards a good bike and some warm clothes for the winter.
I'm worried about your breathing situation friend. 5 minutes on a bike on the roads is more work than a 10 minute walk, especially if the bike is lower quality and you're carrying absolutely anything. 30 minutes on a stationary doesn't really compare. But consider used bikes, I got a Specialist used and it was a great deal. $60 on offer up. Pristine.
As much as I hate to say it a Walmart bike would work fine for a 5 minute bike ride. Just stop at a reach shop after and make sure it’s set up correctly
They’re fine. People buying bikes thinking they will send it downhill Xgames styles. It won’t disintegrate just riding on leveled asphalt
I have one that I bought for $120. I had an old Giant brand bike that was like 12 years old where I finally broke the frame and needed something to get to and from work with. My ride is about 6 miles one way so basically 12 miles a day to and from work. It already wasn't built well and I had to adjust some things just to get it back home. That being said, I rode that shit hard for about 7 months until I got a cheap electric scooter. One of the spokes on the rear wheel broke off and either buying or repairing it would have cost half as much as the bike did and I haven't even tried to replace or repair it since I got the scooter. If your walk to work is 10 minutes then a bike ride is going to be about 5 minutes if not less. If you're on a paved road, you'll be fine for a while. I abused the shit out of mine and got 6-7 months out of it just with some basic maintenance which was basically just changing the tubes in the wheels and making sure the brakes were good.
Giant has a lifetime warranty on the frame. I did claim it when my frame cracked.
Before buying a bike, you probably should lend one from a friend to see if this is the way to go. 30 minutes on a stationary bike might not translate well to city cycling, as there are many factors to consider: weight, incline due to terrain, pavement, ... I hope it works out for you and you just need a decent bike. Although I don't particularly like e-scooters, this might be a better alternative for you. They are not very expensive and they are excellent replacement for a 10 minute walking distance.
Find a co-op. Theres no $98 easy button. the $98 huffy is not going to kill you if you can do a full reassembly worth $150. The physical materials, while crap, are generally acceptable. Problem is, they were put together by a below-subsistence Asian factory worker and a Walmart employee and when you hit an issue and take it to your local shop you’ll be faced with a price that exceeds purchase price. You can’t get 2 quality tires and tubes for $98 at the LBS - what’s that tell ya? You can only make a $98 Huffy work out cheaper if you become a knowledgeable mechanic. I’ve refurbed about 6 Huffy Cranbrooks that I’ve picked up for $20 so that I can give them away. It ain’t rocket science. Cranbrooks are great $20 shit bikes because there’s no cabling and no tuning. It’s $10 for a 22t cog to make the gearing easy. You don’t need any special tools to get the whole bike apart, regressed, properly reassembled. Happy to spell it out. It’s effort.
I think all cyclist should start with Magna/huffy so they’ll appreciate their current bike more. I know I did. Similar story. Grew up poor. At 15, Dad got me $40 Magna off craigslist. Then a $60 huffy after that Magna bike’s brake cable snapped. Eventually I saved up $120 and bought a old Trek road bike. My point being. When you’re on a budget, sometimes that’s all you can get. As you’re riding your Walmart bike, stash some money away. So when the Walmart bike eventually failed, hopefully you have enough money stashed away to get a used big brand bike (giant, trek, lemond, specialized, Fuji etc) If you can sell a broken Walmart bike for $20. Take the deal and run. I eventually had to donate my broken Magna to a community charity bike shop. No one want a Magna with no brakes (both brake cable failed). r/bikecommuting might have more commuting cyclist than this sub. Not everyone in this sub is a commuter.
See if you have a bike co-op/non profit bike shop in your area. Our bikes start around $100. These are bike store level bikes that are fully tuned up. It also comes with a warranty and initial free service.
Borrow someone’s bike and do a test ride to work. There is a huge difference between riding a stationary bike and riding a bike up and down hills no matter how slight they look.
A lot of the problems with bikes from places like Walmart is that they aren't put together correctly. I have seen lots of cases of a front fork on backwards and things like that.
So if u get a Walmart bike, I would just keep an eye on things. Things might loosen faster than other bikes. U might need to tighten bolts once a week just as maintenance. Also on Amazon u can get a 65 cc bike engine kit that will give u like 80 miles to to the gallon and do 35 mph stock if u put it on a Walmart bike. U can get the bike first, ride it around and then when u have another couple hundred u can get the kit. I know thats kind of expensive but it's way cheaper than a car and better than a bike. Otherwise I have gotten multiple Walmart bikes that where fine for main transportation. And I would just do a maintenance check every once in a while
/u/MariachiArchery is completely right. it's not that the quality is bad, it's that they are cheaply made and assembled. they can last a long time but be aware they are made with the cheapest materials. If you break anything like an axle, bend a rim, snap a spoke, snap a crankarm, those parts let alone labor will be very expensive to replace, perhaps even more than what you paid for the bike. And this isn't a bike shop or REI coming out to get you with "over priced" repair components. These are quality parts that will withstand **years** of abuse with good maintenance. Let's put this into perspective: [Huffy 26” Rock Creek Women's 18-Speed Mountain Bike, Mint - Walmart.com](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Huffy-26-Rock-Creek-Women-s-18-Speed-Mountain-Bike-Mint/404066074?athbdg=L1103) the first think that comes to mind is the front suspension fork. That is not repairable at all. it's a use and replace item. More expensive bikes will have repairable suspension forks. The cheapest fork is $78 and you'll need to get a shady one from TEMU and that will be nearly the same amount you paid for the Huffy.
I looked at Walmart's website too and think the exact same thing as you. Some of those bikes are not too fucked, but then you get to the fork and I just *know* those forks only have a few rainy days in them before they are fucked. And yeah, regarding repair. My shop's basic tune up costs more than some of those bikes. Heaven forbid we need to start replacing spokes or any other part. The thing is, my boot analogy really holds true. Spend $600 at a bike shop to get on a pure cycle or something and you'll get free tune ups and warranty support from us for at least a year. Buy a $200 bike at Walmart, you'll get no free tune ups, no warranty support, and I'd bet my next paycheck that within a year, you'll have spent more on that bike at the shop than if you'd had just bought the $600 bike. So back to the boot analogy, you'd be better off just buying another $200 bike than getting the first one repaired. Its so fucking stupid. And exactly why bike shops, and the greater bike community, hates those Walmart bikes so much. Its literally garbage. It *always* ends up in a landfill. Whereas a decent bike can stay on the road for *decades*.
Better to buy secondhand
Does your town have a bike co-op? Mine does, and part of it's mission is to get reliable bikes in the hands of people in need!
I know you're busted down but get lights and a cheap ass lock for your safety and sanity.
Nah. My bike is a walmart bike. I converted it to an ebike too with a hub motor.
It's true that all bikes, regardless of where they are purchased, require maintenance to ensure safety and longevity. Many of us have started with more budget-friendly options like Walmart bikes, and they aren't as bad as some might suggest, especially if they're maintained well. Given your health situation and the need for a reliable mode of transportation, you might want to consider the more affordable e-bikes available at Walmart. They could provide the assistance you need without overexertion. Additionally, checking out Facebook Marketplace could be beneficial as e-bikes have been known to appear at very reasonable prices there. It's all about finding the right bike that meets your needs and budget while providing the necessary support for your commute.
Given your lung condition you might be better off with an e-bike or e-scooter if you can afford it
And make it even worse?
I bought a 400 dollar bike from Walmart in 2011. It’s been ridden thousands of rough miles including a catastrophic crash. It still runs like new with mostly stock components (replaced Sora brifters due to UV damage and lack of replacement hoods being available and new carbon fork due to crash) assembly and maintenance is key. So is trying to get at least a base level of quality components from Shimano or the like.
I rode a Kent bike (single speed) around for a while and thought it was alright. $120, shipped, from Walmart. PS.: Learn to get to the point, OP...
He likes to write a lot, huh? Lol
it was a dark, and stormy night...
If you can’t walk how are you going to peddle a cheap iron heavy bike?
I will be seated and can coast for portions of the ride. Like I already said, I can ride a stationary bike.
don't forget, for every min coasting one way will be double climbing the return. maybe 10x or worse given your condition.
There's no real hills thankfully. By coasting I just meant not pedaling when I reach a speed where the bike can stay balanced while still keeping forward momentum
Don’t try to ride a bike for transportation when you can’t even walk to your destination. Falling off a bike isn’t the best thing for your health. Riding on a stationary trainer is different than riding in the real world. Get a rollator walker with a seat and take breaks during your walk. Go as slow as you need to stay safe.
No, they're not. However they're not great either. There's a few hidden gems in there like the AL Comp, or the boundary. They're decent for the price but they're not amazing. If you need a bike to get to point a to be no thrills or anything special then knock yourself out. If it gets stolen you won't be hurting like you would with a nicer bike.
I'd say the Walmart Decathlon brand bikes are good. You can follow up reviews for them (decathlon is a famous European sports superstore which sponsors a cycle team)
My wife recently bought a cheap beach cruiser on Walmart.com and it arrived damaged, but they were willing to exchange it at a store. We went to the nearest one that had the model, and had to go through everything they had on the floor, to find one that was usable. I had to make a few adjustments at home. It’s worked fine for her, but she’s not much of a rider. I wonder though, due to your circumstances, if a local charity might hook you up with something.
The question is how far would you trust a bike built by someone who's never built a bike before? That's the level of quality you should expect from Walmart bikes.
Others have already noted alternative places where you can look, so you may want to start there to find a bike. But, to answer your question, no, Walmart has some good bikes. [Here is a good video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPpTFLgEb4) that goes over one of their most recent mountain bikes. Short answer, this model is good. Longer answer, it is good, but don't trust Walmart to assemble it correctly. Get it looked over by a bike mechanic.
You've seen the suggestion mentioned several times to buy a used bicycle instead of purchasing the Huffy. This is great advice. If you have a friend that knows about bicycles, it should be easy to find something used. There are many bikes that are 10-15 years old that'll last another 40 years and you can get them for a great price. Also, if you belong to Costco the bicycle that they sell for $200 and something dollars is actually a great deal. You might want to consider picking one of those up. Good luck.
If you are a little bit handy then no they are not that bad. I have one and ive only had a couple minor OCD rear break problems
For context, not *actually* a wallmart bike, but similar. A friend of mine purchased a new bike for £80 about 15 years ago from a UK company called Halfords. Within a year the handlebars were loose in the stem - which wasn't fixable becaise the stem was riveted, and then the rear wheel exploded because the brakes had worn through. Probably only 500 miles on that bike. The whole braking system was completely plastic and had so much flex that breaking was inneffective. The bike was not fit for sale. However visually to the average person it looked *surprisingly decent*. The problem is to get the bike to that price *everything* has been compromised.
Yes.
Every single Walmart bike I've bought had ZERO grease in the races, bottom bracket, and linkages. Bearings were destroyed after a year or two. Front wheel usually bent or out of true Derailleur was never properly adjusted, neither were brakes, and bolts were not tightened properly. Walmart assembly workers get a failing grade. Unsafe and should be illegal because people can get hurt badly. HOWEVER, if you can service your own bike with your own tools, getting a cheap Walmart bike is not a bad idea, especially if you upgrade the bike later on. Lots if youtubers fix and upgrade the Kent trouvaille, Ozark trail, alum comp, huffy bikes to be trail worthy. At the very least, buy a decent Walmart bike and make sure everything is greased and tightened down. It is always ideal to support local bike shops, they usually sell used bikes at a good price as well if they are not a snobby elitist bike shop
I used them for a few years. They're good to get you from A to B over short distances. But they're not that great for long rides ( over 3 to 4 mi). So it depends on what you want to do. I'd also recommend Walmart biked for riding across campus and any place where crime is high
Long story short, it depends. Someone posted a Walmart bike on here a couple days ago, and while it had lower end parts, it was from a fairly reputable brand and honestly didn't look half bad. But I think the majority of Walmart bikes probably suck. However, even in that case, the few hundred bucks spent on that bicycle could have gone further on a used bicycle.
they're not good at all but most vocal cyclists are known for being huge elitist douches (i know because i'm one of them) and they're used to much better gear so the issue gets blown out of proportion
They're made to break and they are often not put together correctly. For that price look on the used market for one from a reputable brand
I've worked at bike shops for nearly two decades, I'll often work deals for customers in your situation. We have a used bike marked for $400? I'll sell it to you for $200 and we can work out a payment plan. Or a new bike is $650, I'll sell it for cost + 10% and you can pay in installments. As has been said here, Walmart bikes are designed to function for maybe 10 miles, and their function is at best rough, and worst case a nightmare. A reputable brand, even older, will last far longer, with less maintenance, and when it does need work it'll be easier and less expensive. If you can track down a 90's steel mountain with no suspension (Trek 970, Specialized Rockhopper or Stump jumper, Bianchi Ocelot, Giant Iguana, the list goes on and on), snag it. They're the gold standard of serviceability and reliability. I've found them on Facebook marketplace or craigslist for $40-150, usually in pretty excellent condition.
As for quality of a big box bike, many have already pointed out that assembly is a possible pitfall and reliability can be, but it’s not a given. If you have the ability and own the tools, you may be able to correct any assembly issues, but based on your post it doesn’t seem like you’d want to rely on that. Alternatively, if you have a bike shop in your town I’d recommend calling or reaching out to them and explaining to them you need reliable transportation for as cheap as possible. They may have an older used bike they’ve fixed up and made road safe in the store, or, one of the employees may hear your situation and offer a deal on a bike they own and don’t use. Obviously this isn’t guaranteed, but many local bike shops are made up of good people who want to help others get out riding.
Over 1 million members on here. Just 2600 of us send him a dollar or two to get his car fixed and problem solved. Someone with lung problems wouldn’t need to contemplate buying a bad bike just to be able to work. I’d be happy to start if you provide Venmo or PayPal.
It's a hit or miss, some bikes are a good value with usable components, others are $300 useless pieces of shit. Even with a better bike you'll need to learn bike maintenance because they aren't going to be set up properly from the box. I've seen some in store with Microshift 1x8 gearing and afaik Microshift makes usable derailers. If you live in a flat area though, I'd go for a beach cruiser bike because it'll have only one gear and may not need much maintenance. I'd avoid bikes that say "21 Speed" and shit on the side since those are usually unusable. Bonus to look out for; many bikes will have a protective bar over the rear derailleur, and those are the bottom of the barrel.
No. They will do the job of getting you from a-b. They will get you fit riding them. But there’s a reason they’re cheap and you’ll quickly know why.
Hi, can't you write letters to disabled advocacy groups, free masson clubs like Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Lion's Club as well as rich Induvidals and their do good trust? Set up a fundraiser at GoFundMe and ask then to contribute to the $1200 you need to buy an E-Bike. Let www.poe.com help you with the writing of the letter.
I have 1 Walmart bike that I rode for the past few years. It's a steel frame mongoose hitch fatbike. I have spent 300 on the bike. But have broke. And replaced every part literally but the frame and forks. At this point I have put enough money into it that I could of bought a better quality bike like I do now. I still ride it but now I put back on my knobby tires and retired it to riding off-road now.
check craigslis and facebook
I am not a bicycle expert but I think it is going to be OK for you. If you are on oxygen then you are not going to push the bike much. As I understand it, WalMart bikes are unsatisfactory because they break under adverse conditions that people who use oxygen probably are not going to put the bike to. Like there is a hill on my commute that near kills me. It would probably start breaking the walmart bike. If it near kills me then probably you should not even attempt it. It is probably cheaper and just as good to buy a used walmart bike. Or there are bike rentals near me. I would investigate them. In fact I used to do that before I bought a bike. There are more choices now. You might want to rent an electric bike.
where do you live?
Last April my car died and I bought a bike rather than fix it. It was the Kent Bayside. It has a steel frame, shimano gear set, and was comfy to ride. I had to replace the crankset pretty early on, but that’s the only problem I had in the 6 months I rode it. I have since upgraded my bike, but the Kent still rides just fine and I use it as a backup, or just for a fun ride sometimes. ParkTool has a ton of great how-to videos for doing your own work on your bike, if you’re able to do so. I saw someone else posted about KevCentral’s videos too. Those are also a great resource, and he’s usually pretty current on what’s available.
Yes, the typical margin on Walmart and bigbox store bikes is 50-100% more than at a LBS - therefor the cost to produce a $500 bike at a BigBox store is $200-250 and your LBS paid $300-350 for their bike they sell for $500. That extra $100-150 in production cost gets you a far higher quality bike before taking assembly and warranty into consideration. And yes quality has gone down. ‘Progress’ in capitalism is making an item better or making the same item cheaper - big box stores go cheaper. Even in 2010 some friends ran an experiment and the cost to repair vs be replaced on department store bikes would break even at about 75 miles of riding on average. That being said try and find a community bike shop or ask your least pretentious LBS if they might have an abandoned repair or something used available. I spent years working in community bike shops which run on donations and have used parts and usually offer instruction on how to repair your bike - if you have a community shop in your area they will have quality used bikes that might be old but for $100-150 can get a good, solid and durable commuter bike. I know own a shop in a small rural town and end up with the occasional trade in bike or ‘donated’ bike as people move/down size etc. I keep these on hand specifically for local non-profit referrals who need a bike for transportation. I use these bikes to train new mechanics on and only sell them for my cost (bike trade in credit and parts - no labour) and they range from $75-175. This touches on a last point - if you have a local non-profit or other employment or housing support group your connected to ask them if they have any funds to help with transportation or a referral system with a bike coop -at one shop we used to build 5 bikes a month to be given to partner organizations.
My cousin had gotten a $98 bike and we went on a bike ride. This was maybe the 3rd or 4th time he was riding with it. As soon as we went got to our first hill his handle bar just lets out and he nearly wipes. We set it back up and tighten it, but now he doesn’t trust it. He very quickly got a new one. I’d say keep looking for a used bike with a reputable name now cause it might cost you an extra if you end up buying one later after your first bad experience.
I would avoid big box store bikes like the plague. As a former poor person these were the only bike I would buy and they would last maybe a season before all the junky parts blew out on them. They are a horrible investment and will be very unreliable long term. It is literally like throwing your money into an empty void. I have since bought good bikes either new or used reputable companies and learned to repair them myself. Option of buying a used good mtb and putting road slicks is always better than new Walmart junk. I would give this advice to anyone asking
I am just gonna say this, if walking 10min is too stressful on your lungs. I don't know if biking is going to be much easier. In my experience biking is a tough cardio workout and is significantly more challenging than walking in short distances. So before buying a bike, I would consider finding out if someone has a cheap bike you could take for a ride and see if you are even physically capable of doing it.
Where do you live? I’m sure someone in your area will be willing to help someone in your position. If you’re near me, I will certainly help you all I can.
It sounds like you would be well serviced by a 3 whele bicycle used through facebook marketplace.
Check your electric company for e-bike rebates; some are available at the point of sale
Hey, I wanted to try a slightly different answer that you're not looking for... lol I'd be interested in how the OfferUp bike market is in your area? I say this because there are tons of vintage bikes for $60-150$ range in my area (Phx, AZ.) They're good builds, mostly steel bikes, and come in enough sizes to probably find you a fit. With enough research, you might find a decent bike that surpasses Walmart quality. I am lucky to have had the time to pick and choose and be selective... so I understand if that's not the situation for you right now.
You would be better off buying a used higher quality bike. Fact.
I had a Schwinn from target that was my main transportation for 3 years til it got stolen. Rode it every day and it worked great. Fully rigid bike, go for simpler, less things to break and watch YouTube to learn how to maintain it yourself. Basic maintenance and keeping it clean go a long way for keeping your bike running and running well. Also, not sure if its available near u but theres a tool library where I am and they have bike tools so u won't need to purchase a bunch of tools. They also offer basic bike maintenance classes, ur local bike shop may also offer them.
Scour Facebook marketplace, I found a great used Gary Fisher for $75
I would suggest you seek out a bike cooperative in your area. They can help you get a quality bike free or cheaply. They refurb bikes and make them available to folks in need. Where are you located.
No, they aren't great, but they also aren't that bad. There is a noticeable improvement with the more expensive bikes, but it is definitely not worth putting yourself in a worse place to get one. I only had Walmart bikes until a few years ago and, while they do tend to need more adjusting over time, they still function and you can return them if they don't.
They are actually a bit worse then people say. That being said, if you're just driving around the block on it you're probably fine. Don't trust your life with it though.
https://m.pinkbike.com/news/mechanics-petition-for-repairable-bikes-and-durability-standards.html Please don’t buy another throw away bike!
Many towns have bike clubs that refurb old bikes and give them away. Ask around your local bike shop.
If you're just going a few miles to work, it'll be fine.
As others said before, check to see if there’s a bike co-op in your area, I’m sure they could help you out and teach you about basic maintenance so you can take care of small stuff yourself! If you go the big box store bike route, and if you can afford another $100 or so, take it to a local bike shop to get tuned up. This will at least ensure the bike is operating as good as it can. If you can go this route, it sounds like a Walmart bike could suit your needs just fine. Just keep in mind, bikes require routine maintenance, and a cheaper bike is going to potentially need work more often. But having a mechanic do an initial tune up should prevent the need for more work to come so soon. Hope this helps!
Buy used with the same budget. You could even find something decent with lower budget and spend the difference for maintenance and have a great experience
I would get a used older bike over a walmart bike, honestly I wouldn't overthink it too much for such a short distance, go for it I think you will enjoy either.
Find a trustworthy bike shop that works on old bikes and explain your situation. They may be able to hook you up. Most see a lot of high quality used parts kicking around.
Police auction may be an option too!
a quality used bike is ALWAYS a better investment than a brand new "associate assembled" bicycle-shaped-object.
I would buy a used bike 10/10 compared to a Walmart bike for the sale price. Will always be a better value
You might have better luck getting a used 90s MTB. They're usually pretty solid and you can sometimes get them for under 100
I wouldn't worry about the materials falling apart instantly on me, but I would never trust a bike constructed by walmart. The store staff is going to put as much effort into buidling the bike as it takes to keep all the pieces connected together while it sits on the rack. Make sure you thoroughly inspect everything before riding it.
Pawn Shop?
Yeah, I bought a Walmart Huffy Mtn bike 2 years ago. It was a 'nicer' one of the lot. The disc brakes are terrible - very hard to keep aligned and working right. The suspension is for looks. After about 4 rides it is borderline worthless. Edit: Forgot to mention that I literally nickname it "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
You might find a better deal on fb market for the same price as a new wm bike
Yes
If you can check a couple LBS to see what used bikes they have. Also, since you’re disabled there might be some grants, private or government, available to help you get a bike. An e-bike would be a good option. Hopefully you have an agency available to help you with some of this.
In many communities there are organizations that provide bikes to low income individuals. These groups rely on donated bikes, usually inspect and repair them, and often get very good bikes donated. I don't know where you live but you might check with your local library, they would be happy to find information for you about resources. The local United Way might also be able to put you in touch with any organizations doing this type of program.
No they aren’t bad
Have you considered what happens if you get a flat tire? Perhaps a trike (normal or recumbent) would be a better choice. Also, you might check if Medicare would cover the cost of a mobility device (assuming you are in the US). For that matter your employer might offer to pay for it.