Post by Admin Czar on Nov 23, 2017 13:19:29 GMT -7
“I rode my new Mongoose from Walmart just 2 miles and got a flat tire. I had it fixed but the chain came off the next time I rode it. The bike is a piece of crap. I took it back for a refund!”
That’s the typical 1 or 2 star bike review found at department store websites. Sadly, these folks were not ready for a budget bicycle. The, new-bike-should-be-flawless, mentality combined with no knowledge of how components of a bicycle work, is a setup for utter disappointment. Even worse around the holidays. It not really the customer’s fault and, on the surface, it’s a perfectly reasonable expectation.
Until a few years ago, Walmart and other retailers classified bicycles as “toys”. Acknowledgment of a rising interest in the sport/hobby, and a litany of lawsuits later, retailers finally realized bikes are an adult business. Ads were revamped and exercise or action-bike jargon was added but, they forgot the big disclaimer -
WARNING! THIS BICYCLE MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED BY A STONED OR COMPLETELY UNQUALIFIED EMPLOYEE!
That is no joke and is the main cause of bike failures experienced by unfortunate owners. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Walmart recently announced they will be subcontracting in-store bicycle assembly at some stores. Reports on other forums indicate this has begun. Probably sooner than later in larger cities & the more litigious states. One assumes it’s more difficult to find qualified subs in the smaller towns. Used budget bikes can be a whole other can of worms, or gems making the lucky few totally happy.
Here's the important part - Links and videos will be posted on this forum regarding bicycle assembly and inspection of key components before your first ride. These will help you sort out what you can (and can't) expect, and how to prepare for your next budget bike.
That’s the typical 1 or 2 star bike review found at department store websites. Sadly, these folks were not ready for a budget bicycle. The, new-bike-should-be-flawless, mentality combined with no knowledge of how components of a bicycle work, is a setup for utter disappointment. Even worse around the holidays. It not really the customer’s fault and, on the surface, it’s a perfectly reasonable expectation.
Until a few years ago, Walmart and other retailers classified bicycles as “toys”. Acknowledgment of a rising interest in the sport/hobby, and a litany of lawsuits later, retailers finally realized bikes are an adult business. Ads were revamped and exercise or action-bike jargon was added but, they forgot the big disclaimer -
WARNING! THIS BICYCLE MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED BY A STONED OR COMPLETELY UNQUALIFIED EMPLOYEE!
That is no joke and is the main cause of bike failures experienced by unfortunate owners. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Walmart recently announced they will be subcontracting in-store bicycle assembly at some stores. Reports on other forums indicate this has begun. Probably sooner than later in larger cities & the more litigious states. One assumes it’s more difficult to find qualified subs in the smaller towns. Used budget bikes can be a whole other can of worms, or gems making the lucky few totally happy.
Here's the important part - Links and videos will be posted on this forum regarding bicycle assembly and inspection of key components before your first ride. These will help you sort out what you can (and can't) expect, and how to prepare for your next budget bike.
A bit warm. yes. Had to do another 2100 mile round trip on short notice. My back was/is in a real bad way & came home to a dead AC unit. Other than that its been just peachy! 
It's interfering with my bike & shooting time
Great for some things. Vans are such a bitch to work on. But what car isn't anymore...