How Long Can I Expect A Wal-mart Mountain Bike To Last?

I want a bike I can ride to work on, I'd probably put about 8 miles a day on it. I heard that they sell really cheap bikes at Wal Mart but I'm afraid that they're really just for the weekend rider or for pedaling around the block. I need a bike I can put some real milage on but I don't want to spend $1000.
any ideas?

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13 Comments »

MtBikr said:

Here is an option, instead of Wal-mart or Target try a sporting goods shop like Dick’s or REI. The bikes you can find there are better and not all that pricey, or if you want to buy online try Performance.

# 30 January 2010 at 2:07 pm

Jimmy S said:

For about $400, you can get a hybrid at the local bike shop. They will make sure you get one that fits you, it’ll be assembled right, have good components, and be relatively trouble free. Also comfortable for your commute.
For about $250, you can get a bike from WM that, with luck, might fit you correctly, might be correctly assembled. The components will not be high quality and it’s very unlikely that’ll it’ll give you loads of trouble free miles.
Since you want this for commuting to work, it better be reliable and comfortable. $150 is not much to spend for reliability, good fit, and service.

# 30 January 2010 at 8:08 pm

syxxpack said:

Depends on the brand. As a former store Associate, I would personally recommend having a bike shop check out your bike BEFORE your first ride. This way, you will know that if it is put together properly and you can get the most out of your new bicycle. I bought a Road Master and so far everything is going great except for finding accessories for it which are extremely hard to come by.
Finding a new bike there can be fun, and money saving but to get the most out of your new bike you will need to put some money into it. My advice: Check prices for what you can afford and start small, this way you can max what you pay for.

# 30 January 2010 at 10:32 pm

Ric said:

You don’t have to spend $1000 for a good bike. Try looking in some bike shops at the Comfort bikes or Hybrid bikes. You can generally get into a Hybrid for between $300 and $500 some are even cheaper depending on the components you get and you’ll have a good quality bike that will last and you also get the shop to do the set up and maintain the bike if you have any problems. Best way to go. Check the site below to give you an idea. The Trek 7000 runs $359.00
Something to keep in mind is that you’ll always do better with a brand name bike like Trek, Canonndale or Kestrel.
Walmart bikes, Kmart and Target are basically throw away bikes along with most you by online. you’ll find that most of those bike will come with low end components, wheels etc. if they didn’t they wouldn’t be selling them online or at a big box store at cheap prices.

# 30 January 2010 at 11:16 pm

Max Cruise said:

A few years ago a family member received a 24″ Roadmaster mountain bike for Christmas. Typical $99 department store bike.
“Let me go over the bike so it will be in good condition when the weather gets warmer” I offered. Big mistake on my part.
I spent 6 hours adjusting and lubricating EVERYTHING on the bicycle. Every bearing was too tight and sadly lacking in lubrication including the pedals. Both wheels out of true. Bad tensioning on the spokes. Cables too long. Brakes out of adjustment. Derailleurs out of adjustment. Chain too long. Frame out of alignment. I had to machine a sleeve to go into the seat tube to allow the seat post to be clamped. All for a $99 bike. While I grumbled and griped, it was for family. That is what you do for family. Fortunately I have the tools and skills.
My recommendation is to spend between $450 to $600 for a new bicycle. Quality goes up by leaps and bounds compared to some of the department store bikes available.
I recommend equipping the bicycle with kevlar belted tires to reduce the instances of flats. Air up the tires every day or two. Carry two spare tubes and a patch kit. When I commuted (11 miles one way) I carried a spare tire. Tire has a kevlar beads which allows the tire to be folded up. When I got a flat, I installed spare tire and tube. Fastest way to get back on the road. Then I repaired the tire and tube at home.
I do applaud your desire to commute to work on a bicycle. Best way to commute and stay in shape. Feels so good when you get to work feeling awake, warmed up, and refreshed. Plus no commuting expenses.
Good Luck

# 31 January 2010 at 5:02 am

Lord Darkclaw said:

If it’s one of the sub-$99 ones it will last until you get it back home where it will promptly fall apart like a Homer Simpson soap-box racer.
If you want a good MTB you will have to spend $1000 at bare minimum for a new one but for around $500 you could buy a decent secondhand one, just make sure the seller is honest and isn’t trying to fob you off with a lemon – it helps if you can bring someone with you who knows MTBs.

# 31 January 2010 at 8:16 am

Bob A said:

You do not want to depend on a Walmart bike to comute to work. They are not dependable enough for that purpose. They only come in one size and it’s usually the wrong one. Go to the local bike shop and look at the commuter or hybrid bikes. A road bike would be the best but a hybrid will do the job. Forge has some nice bikes for $250 the M Street bike sounds like a good commuter. That is my next purchase. I have a Forge Saranac and it’s a shop quality bike.http://bicyclewarehouse.com/product/09-g…http://www.forgebikes.com/road.asp

# 31 January 2010 at 12:17 pm

McG said:

I have found that they last a long time as long as you keep it dry and waxed on static display in your house.
Once you ride them they fall apart.
Don’t buy one. It will discourage you from riding to work.
You can find a good commuter for under $500 at Performance and many other bicycle shops.

# 31 January 2010 at 3:47 pm

Zacharia said:

Many years ago, I rode a Wal-Mart Pacific mountain bike on a local trail, and the rear derailleur broke and I had to WALK 14 MILES HOME. Ever since I spent $1000 on a REAL bike store bike it has NEVER given me a problem in over 7000 miles. Go figure…

# 31 January 2010 at 3:48 pm

LARRY said:

The bike will fall apart before you know it. Go to your local bike shop. Tell the staff how much you want to spend. You can get something decent for $300-$500 that would include a front shock.

# 31 January 2010 at 4:17 pm

Peter Griffin said:

You don’t want to ride a dept store bike to work for many reasons. And you don’t need to spend more than $500 on a good commuter.
If your local bike shop can’t help you, check out performance and REI.

# 31 January 2010 at 10:47 pm

Anonymous said:

Not long, i got one a couple years ago it’s chain keeps falling off so for me only 3 yrs. The paint start’s scraping off in a while to.
Hope i helped!

# 1 February 2010 at 12:06 am

$@M said:

there not that bad but the chain always falls off

# 1 February 2010 at 12:11 am