Bike enthusiasts always scoff at department store bicycles purchased from such stores as Walmart, Canadian Tire and Costco. Here's the thing: They're not being snooty, they have a very valid point. Department store bikes are crap. They're not even a get-what-you-pay-for value.
Even the expensive ones are crap. I'd say the more expensive the department store bike, the less value you're getting. Don't be fooled by features such as front and rear suspension or number of speeds (gears.) All these features are poorly made and added just to appeal to consumers. The features are valid, if they are a quality component put on quality bike.
Your local bike shop will only sell quality bikes. Although I am concerned with the quality of components they put on childrens' bikes that cost almost as much as adult bikes these days. (Tip: Upgrade the rear derailleur to something better before you walk out the door.)
The problem with department store bikes
There are two problems. The first is that the people assembling them may not know or care about what they are doing.
A friend bought a fairly expensive comfort bike at Canadian Tire last year that had bent wheels rims, a front wheel that wasn't attached securely, a chain that was several inches too long (and kept falling off, which is dangerous in traffic if you're putting your weight on the pedals expecting there to be resistances), and brake pads that were so poorly aligned, they were certain to fail in an emergency. Most of these problems were a result of poor assembly by their bike person. It may be possible that you could luck out and get someone at one of these stores who knows and cares about what they are doing, but I wouldn't take my chances.
When we returned the bike to complain, the sporting goods manager was rude and completely unapologetic. A bike store--ANY bike store--would have been appalled if a bike left the store in that condition. Even more speciality chain stores like Sport Chek (owned by Canadian Tire) does a thorough check of their bikes before they leave the store and they have to sign off on them. They have bike mechanics that are more capable there and the bikes are a bit better than big box store bikes. If you have a problem, it's easier to get it addressed in a store like that.
Walmart bikes supposedly arrive at the store pre-assembled but the assembly of those bikes is poor, too, from what I've seen.
The second problem with department store bikes is the bikes themselves, even the ones that supposedly retail for hundreds of dollars. I saw one at Canadian Tire on sale for $450 from $700. The bikes there are priced to be on sale for hundreds off or half price. If you do go there, never pay a non-sale price.
Department store bikes are poorly made, with poor materials and components. They won't last long before needing attention. Local bike shops make their living off of repairing and tuning department store bikes.
Even department store bikes that advertise aluminium frames are made with worse (less rigid and more heavy) aluminium than bike shop bikes. A lighter bike is easier to store and less effort to ride.
Components such as wheels are REALLY cheaply made and they will go out of true (bend) quite easily. Maybe even before you get home. They're single-walled, not double-walled so they're weaker, plus, they're just cheaply made all around. A wobbly wheel will mean your brakes won't work well and you'll lose a lot of energy because of the warbling.
A friend bought a fairly expensive comfort bike at Canadian Tire last year that had bent wheels rims, a front wheel that wasn't attached securely, a chain that was several inches too long (and kept falling off, which is dangerous in traffic if you're putting your weight on the pedals expecting there to be resistances), and brake pads that were so poorly aligned, they were certain to fail in an emergency. Most of these problems were a result of poor assembly by their bike person. It may be possible that you could luck out and get someone at one of these stores who knows and cares about what they are doing, but I wouldn't take my chances.
When we returned the bike to complain, the sporting goods manager was rude and completely unapologetic. A bike store--ANY bike store--would have been appalled if a bike left the store in that condition. Even more speciality chain stores like Sport Chek (owned by Canadian Tire) does a thorough check of their bikes before they leave the store and they have to sign off on them. They have bike mechanics that are more capable there and the bikes are a bit better than big box store bikes. If you have a problem, it's easier to get it addressed in a store like that.
Walmart bikes supposedly arrive at the store pre-assembled but the assembly of those bikes is poor, too, from what I've seen.
The second problem with department store bikes is the bikes themselves, even the ones that supposedly retail for hundreds of dollars. I saw one at Canadian Tire on sale for $450 from $700. The bikes there are priced to be on sale for hundreds off or half price. If you do go there, never pay a non-sale price.
Department store bikes are poorly made, with poor materials and components. They won't last long before needing attention. Local bike shops make their living off of repairing and tuning department store bikes.
Even department store bikes that advertise aluminium frames are made with worse (less rigid and more heavy) aluminium than bike shop bikes. A lighter bike is easier to store and less effort to ride.
Components such as wheels are REALLY cheaply made and they will go out of true (bend) quite easily. Maybe even before you get home. They're single-walled, not double-walled so they're weaker, plus, they're just cheaply made all around. A wobbly wheel will mean your brakes won't work well and you'll lose a lot of energy because of the warbling.
Shifters and dérailleurs are the cheapest possible on department store bikes. You will have problems shifting gears in no time.
What should you do if you can't afford a new bike at a bike shop?
Check your local online classifieds for used bike shop bikes. You can usually find a good deal if you're patient. Find out the brands the bike shops sell in your area and look for those brands. It may require a tune up at your local bike shop, but you'll be far better off in the long run than by buying a department store bike.
If you buy a department store bike, you're better off buying the cheapest ones available with the least features (avoid ones with suspension because they'll be too poorly made for the price.) Then when it breaks, get your bike shop to replace some parts with real parts that will last. The name Shimano on your bike means nothing. They make components that cost five dollars and some that cost five hundred. Shimano makes quality products but they do now make absolute crap for department store bikes that is completely worthless.
If you buy a department store bike, you're better off buying the cheapest ones available with the least features (avoid ones with suspension because they'll be too poorly made for the price.) Then when it breaks, get your bike shop to replace some parts with real parts that will last. The name Shimano on your bike means nothing. They make components that cost five dollars and some that cost five hundred. Shimano makes quality products but they do now make absolute crap for department store bikes that is completely worthless.
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