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Posted: 8/7/2013 7:57:41 AM EDT
[#1]
Nope, wont last him a few days and be may be turned off to the sport for life. Your best best is chip in the extra $$$ as a b-day/x-mas gift. You could also hit craigslist up. At 14, its a great age to learn how to work on bike.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 7:58:18 AM EDT
[#2]
No, not really. That is a touchy situation. Being 14 he'll probably just buy another one in a few years. I would suggest buying a nicer one used or buying one of the lower end, name brand, models from a real bike store. There really is a difference in the quality of product.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 7:58:25 AM EDT
[#3]
No.
Where ya @ in WY? If you watch CL in FTC/Denver - I could probably help you out by picking it up for you. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 7:58:39 AM EDT
[#4]
Absolutely not.
The quality is bad, and they are assembled by Walmart monkeys with no clue. The spokes won't be tensioned properly, brakes are rarely adjusted right, and you're lucky if they get the derailers working properly. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:00:06 AM EDT
[#5]
Should be able to find a used Trek in good condition for that price.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:00:28 AM EDT
[#6]
Do not buy a Walmart bike.
Take a look at bikesdirect.com and see what they offer in his price range. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:01:13 AM EDT
[#7]
(former wrench monkey here) |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:01:42 AM EDT
[#8]
Agree, is there any way he can earn an extra hundred? Does he need it now? Season is coming to an end. Close out model maybe?
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:01:48 AM EDT
[#9]
NO.
Get on Craigslist and look for a good brand. You can get a good used $700+ bike for $400. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:02:06 AM EDT
[#10]
how many times can you afford to buy a cheap bike?
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:02:50 AM EDT
[#11]
Also check out bikesdirect.com
I have a motobecane from there that serves my needs nicely. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:03:10 AM EDT
[#12]
Walmart Bikes are produced and sold to meet a certain price point not for quality.
You get what you pay for. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:04:41 AM EDT
[#13]
Throw in another couple hundred or buy a used bike.
Lifes to short to ride cheap bikes 
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:04:44 AM EDT
[#14]
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:04:48 AM EDT
[#15]
Always buy from a good bike shop. Better bikes, real mechanics, better service.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:06:06 AM EDT
[#16]
Had a walmart bike. It worked. I now have a bike shop bike and it works a lot better. You get what you pay for. As a 14 yo I guess the question is how long and hard will he run this? If he goes to cars at 16, my guess is the wallyworld bike will probably last that long.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:07:40 AM EDT
[#17]
NO....Craigslist and get a quality bike that's gently used.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:07:40 AM EDT
[#18]
The biggest difference between Wal Mart and a bike shop is the mechanic that builds the bike. I take approx. an hour to build a bike. The Wal Mart requirement is 15 minutes or less.
Come on pops, spot the kid some money in return for some extra chores. 
ETA-Unless you know how to work on the bike I don't recommend an internet purchase. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:08:30 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn you grew up with. The name was purchased. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:10:24 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Had a walmart bike. It worked. I now have a bike shop bike and it works a lot better. You get what you pay for. As a 14 yo I guess the question is how long and hard will he run this? If he goes to cars at 16, my guess is the wallyworld bike will probably last that long. True... Until he goes to college then rides the piss out of the bike because he can't find parking spots! |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:10:40 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do not buy a Walmart bike. Take a look at bikesdirect.com and see what they offer in his price range. +1-got my son an adult size bikedirect MTB for his 11th birthday-now that he's 5'5" at a little over 12, I'll be able to swap the parts over to a larger frame for around $100 or so next year when he outgrows his current 15" frame, which you can't do with Walmart bikes. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:11:07 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn we knew growing up. They went bankrupt and sold off the name years ago. It's just Chinese junk with a Schwinn sticker on it. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:11:37 AM EDT
[#23]
On our way to the local bike shop. I'll update after. Looked at bikesdirect.com .......looks promising.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:12:40 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Yes. After the bankruptcy in the early 90's they were bought by international companies with experience in sourcing products from the far east and they refocused the Schwinn brand on low-end leisure models.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:13:25 AM EDT
[#25]
They sell great disposable bikes. Something you take to school or a high hit area.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:15:21 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yes. After the bankruptcy in the early 90's they were bought by international companies with experience in sourcing products from the far east and they refocused the Schwinn brand on low-end leisure models. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Yes. After the bankruptcy in the early 90's they were bought by international companies with experience in sourcing products from the far east and they refocused the Schwinn brand on low-end leisure models. And their final assembly is done by Walmart employees who DGAF, rather than bike shop employees. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:17:33 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do not buy a Walmart bike. Take a look at bikesdirect.com and see what they offer in his price range. Rules to live by. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:17:37 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Like most brands, they have different quality tiers. There are current Schwinn branded bikes better than the department store models. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:18:08 AM EDT
[#29]
Look around for a store that carries the Sync brand. They have all aluminum frames ans wheels, and Shimmano components. We just got my son one, for under 200. He's only nine, but Sync was the only aluminum framed bike would could find in 24in. The aluminum frame is a big deal. He tried a steel framed Schwinn, and could not keep up with the rest of us.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:18:13 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn we knew growing up. They went bankrupt and sold off the name years ago. It's just Chinese junk with a Schwinn sticker on it. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn we knew growing up. They went bankrupt and sold off the name years ago. It's just Chinese junk with a Schwinn sticker on it.  Is Trek still good? |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:19:11 AM EDT
[#31]
No. Neither do sporting goods stores. Head to a bike shop and tell them.what you are willing to spend and they should help you out. There's too many good companies to name them all but GT, trek, cannodale, giant are a few of the bigger names. Craigslist can get you some sweet deals. You can easily pick up a bike that was $1000 a few years ago for 300-600.
Eta..I'd either float your kid a couple hundred to get into a decent bike or do craigslist. $300 ain't gonna get you anything quality in a MTB unless your local shop has an entry level used bike which is quite possible. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:20:45 AM EDT
[#32]
Craigslist. Lot's of people that had the itch for a top quality mountain bike posting up since the bike just sat in their garage for 2 years. I've bout my last 2 for a fraction of their new price.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:20:52 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn we knew growing up. They went bankrupt and sold off the name years ago. It's just Chinese junk with a Schwinn sticker on it. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn we knew growing up. They went bankrupt and sold off the name years ago. It's just Chinese junk with a Schwinn sticker on it. Yes it is. You have to buy the right line though. The aluminum framed top tier bikes will not be found at Wal-mart. They are usually only found at bike shops. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:22:30 AM EDT
[#34]
My buddy weighs about 280 pounds and bought a mountain bike from wal mart. It broke on the very first trip out. He took it back and exchanged it. That second bike has lasted him for the last 10 years and he treats it like garbage.
So hit or miss I guess. I personally spent a ton on a bike from a local shop. The advantage is I can get it worked on for basically free. Well, I used to be able too. It got stolen a few years back.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:24:12 AM EDT
[#35]
http://www.synccycles.com/
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:29:14 AM EDT
[#36]
I have an old Mongoose with front and rear suspension that came from Wally world. As a casual rider on relatively rough terrain, it served me just fine. Of course, there are better bikes, but if you are looking for something cheap to see if it's a sport he's interested in, I say go for it.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:35:40 AM EDT
[#37]
tagged for update
bikesdirect is good Check local shops first |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:37:06 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Target has them too. When I was 14, I rode the shit out of a cheap Huffy ten speed, for YEARS, and I didn't have any problems. This Tier 1 bike shit is a little ridiculous. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:43:29 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Schwinn was bought out back in 02 or so. They now suck. The old schwinn owners now own waterford |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:48:24 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Target has them too. When I was 14, I rode the shit out of a cheap Huffy ten speed, for YEARS, and I didn't have any problems. This Tier 1 bike shit is a little ridiculous. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Target has them too. When I was 14, I rode the shit out of a cheap Huffy ten speed, for YEARS, and I didn't have any problems. This Tier 1 bike shit is a little ridiculous. That huffy you rode, like mine, was built way more solid back then than the cheap Chinese bikes that department stores sell now. The old saying "they don't build 'em like they used to" is so very true. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:50:04 AM EDT
[#41]
Does Walmart sell a decent "mountain bike" ? No. I worked in a bike shop as a mechanic in college. We would refuse to work on Walmart specials. People would bring them in for a tune-up, we'd get them running right, and three days later, they would be a pile of shit again. People would bring them back and demand a refund, or that we fix our "poor workmanship". It was easier and cheaper to just say "No, We'll happily fit you to a real bike, but this isn't worth it." Walmart bikes are great, for someone who wants to buy a bike that will take up room in the garage and not do much else. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:51:56 AM EDT
[#42]
No, they don't.
OTH, he's 14 and he's not done growing so you may as well get him a Mongoose. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:52:37 AM EDT
[#43]
I got a pretty decent 21spd Schwinn Ranger from Target for under $200. I like it. I'm a casual biker.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:56:04 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is Trek still good? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Schwinn is no longer the Schwinn we knew growing up. They went bankrupt and sold off the name years ago. It's just Chinese junk with a Schwinn sticker on it.
Is Trek still good? I know Outdoor Magazine likes their higher end models. I want a bike too, but I want to buy once, cry once, and I figure it's going to set me back just short of a grand. Can't do that right now. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 8:59:27 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Also check out bikesdirect.com I have a motobecane from there that serves my needs nicely. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 9:03:31 AM EDT
[#46]
Update: bike purchased
Well, local shop had Specialized Hardrocks for $439.00. He bought a lime green one. I bought one years ago almost identical, and now my oldest son rides it. I've got the 29" version with disk brakes, now. I ride every day, 365, and they've held up well. This new one has a 19" frame so it should allow him to grow and still fit fine. He's pretty small now, but loves the way it rides. We traded his Diamondback DB24 in on the bike. We bought that there originally too. He only gave us $70 on trade in, but its more than I expected. Owner says he can sell it for $100. I pitched in the last $58.00 to cover the difference and taxes. We agreed that he could work it off by mowing our lawn the next three times. He already mows the neighbor ladies yard every week. Probably should of tried selling my 29 to my oldest son for 300, had my youngest buy the yellow hardrock(oldest sons) for 200, and I could have gotten a new 29 for $100 . Damn, should have thought of that earlier.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 9:03:45 AM EDT
[#47]
No way. Mountain biking is a pretty physically demanding activity. Having a heavy ass bike that breaks down every 5 minutes is way more likely to make him give up on it IMO. Have him save a bit longer or pitch in to help him out and he'll be way happier in the long run.
ETA: The Hardrock is decent for a starter. It was my first mountain bike. Good on ya for helping him out. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 9:11:24 AM EDT
[#48]
This most likely won't help you, unless the kid wants to turn his $300 into a used bike business. Here's an ad I found this morning - http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/3965071080.html Also this one, I may take a drive down there to look for a part - http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bid/3972263882.html I'm on the side of getting help from someone a little closer. There should be thousands of great bikes available along the Front Range from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs, and I have no doubt you can find that help here. |
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Posted: 8/7/2013 9:17:54 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This most likely won't help you, unless the kid wants to turn his $300 into a used bike business. Here's an ad I found this morning - http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/3965071080.html Also this one, I may take a drive down there to look for a part - http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bid/3972263882.html I'm on the side of getting help from someone a little closer. There should be thousands of great bikes available along the Front Range from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs, and I have no doubt you can find that help here. We are over 8hrs from the Front Range and 6 from Cheyenne.
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Posted: 8/7/2013 9:18:28 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yes. After the bankruptcy in the early 90's they were bought by international companies with experience in sourcing products from the far east and they refocused the Schwinn brand on low-end leisure models. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Has Schwinn really gone down that much? My local Walmart carries them. Yes. After the bankruptcy in the early 90's they were bought by international companies with experience in sourcing products from the far east and they refocused the Schwinn brand on low-end leisure models. I got a Schwinn rocket a few years back and it isn't bad for 3 bills. It has stood up to some decent trail riding. No be drops or anything but plenty of roots, logs, some downhills. I did go over it and adjust/set everything before taking off. It now sports a better fork, avid bb7 brakes, better derailleurs, and some egg beaters. |
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