November 2005
Should you steer clear of bargain bikes at chain stores?
People in the U.S. spend nearly $4.9 billion a year on bicycles, parts, and accessories, with almost 13 million new bikes bought annually. Nearly 75 percent of those bikes are bought at a big chain store like Wal-Mart or Toys R Us where you can save hundreds of dollars. Consumer Reports checked to see if the savings are worth it by testing three mass-merchandise bikes, along with dozens of bicycles bought at bike shops.
Consumer Reports says buying a bicycle at a bike shop will get you expert attention and a wide range of choices. And testers found big differences between the bikes bought at bike shops and the ones from the chains. First, the less-expensive bikes were not assembled very well--a poorly assembled and adjusted bike won't work well, and it may even be unsafe. Another drawback was that the mass-merchandise bikes were much heavier. They were also harder to pedal uphill and harder to shift.
Consumer Reports advises that if you're buying a bike for a child who will outgrow it in a season or two, you might want to consider going to a department store instead of a bike shop, but just make sure the bike is assembled and adjusted correctly (a professional at a bike shop can do that for you).
However, if you want a better quality bike that you plan to keep for a long time, Consumer Reports says it's worth paying more at a bike shop. You'll usually be able to try out the bike, so you'll be sure to get one you really like. Another difference between the two types of bikes: mass-market bikes are one-size-fits-all, while bike shops sell bikes in many sizes, so you'll be able to get one that fits you well. And while you're buying your bike, the staff can also help you choose the right helmet--an essential piece of safety gear, no matter where you buy your bike.
People in the U.S. spend nearly $4.9 billion a year on bicycles, parts, and accessories, with almost 13 million new bikes bought annually. Nearly 75 percent of those bikes are bought at a big chain store like Wal-Mart or Toys R Us where you can save hundreds of dollars. Consumer Reports checked to see if the savings are worth it by testing three mass-merchandise bikes, along with dozens of bicycles bought at bike shops.
Consumer Reports says buying a bicycle at a bike shop will get you expert attention and a wide range of choices. And testers found big differences between the bikes bought at bike shops and the ones from the chains. First, the less-expensive bikes were not assembled very well--a poorly assembled and adjusted bike won't work well, and it may even be unsafe. Another drawback was that the mass-merchandise bikes were much heavier. They were also harder to pedal uphill and harder to shift.
Consumer Reports advises that if you're buying a bike for a child who will outgrow it in a season or two, you might want to consider going to a department store instead of a bike shop, but just make sure the bike is assembled and adjusted correctly (a professional at a bike shop can do that for you).
However, if you want a better quality bike that you plan to keep for a long time, Consumer Reports says it's worth paying more at a bike shop. You'll usually be able to try out the bike, so you'll be sure to get one you really like. Another difference between the two types of bikes: mass-market bikes are one-size-fits-all, while bike shops sell bikes in many sizes, so you'll be able to get one that fits you well. And while you're buying your bike, the staff can also help you choose the right helmet--an essential piece of safety gear, no matter where you buy your bike.
