Cheap bikes are no bargain
I was checking out Consumer Reports’ Bike recommendations and I found this tidbit:
Cheap bikes are not bargains
Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us sell plenty of bikes from brands such as Huffy, Mongoose, Roadmaster, and Schwinn for $100 to $200. They seem like good deals, so why would we advise you to spend $300 or more for a bike in the Ratings?
Because you get what you pay for. Mass-market bikes have cheaper construction than higher-priced bikes and can weigh 7 or 8 pounds more. They come in only one size, so you’re not likely to get a great fit. And mass merchants can’t match bike shops for quality of assembly, expert advice, and service.
Adults should consider cheaper bikes from a department store only for the most casual use, and stick with a front-suspension model, which is likely to be better than a cheap full-suspension bike. You may want a mass-market bike for kids who will outgrow a bike quickly or toss it about.
Still, if your budget allows, we’d recommend that you buy one of the $300 comfort bikes in the Ratings. You’ll get a lot more bike for the buck.
Via Consumer Reports
In case you are wondering, here are CR’s top recommended Road Bikes:
Best road bikes:
1 Klein $1,800
2 Giant $1,800
3 Giant $1,000, CR Best Buy
6 Cannondale $1,050, CR Best Buy
8 Raleigh $650, CR Best Buy
