I don't know, I see a metal is a metal. I understand that a bike shop bike has better service and the bike has better components. Yet I just feel the frame of a $500 bike store bike and a $100 bike from Walmart using aluminum is the same. It's like people charging $100 for audio/video cables when a $1 no-name cable works the same for tv. Is this the same marketing ploy in the bike industry?I see a Mongoose bike for $500 to $1000 on their website, yet I see one with the same frame metal at Walmart/Kmart for only $100. Mongoose is a reputable name. What gives?What do you think? Is the metal quality in a $500 aluminum bike shop bike the same as a $100 aluminum department store bike?
Many good points above, especially about service. I re-emphasize the comment about the tubing. Aluminum bikes are not just aluminum they are aluminum alloy and it's not just the formula it is the process of forming the tubes that builds strength, but the problem isn't that Walmart frames are really that likely to break although they might. And as for the car comparison - Toyota vs. BMW doesn't do the story justice. Entry level bike store bikes are Toyotas Corollas and Ford Focuses (not BMWs) and Walmart bikes compare to Yugo's or some other Soviet Era car - at best. There really isn't a car out there on the US market that sucks as much as a Walmart bike. My 3 biggest problems with department store bikes in general: 1) Brakes - regardless of what type of system used they universally SUCK the levers are often to flimsy and about 1/2 the time even a competent mechanic can't get the brake system to work satisfactorily. 2) EVERY SINGLE bolt, nut and washer (that all look shiny in the store) is the cheapest possible and the RUST practically the very first time they get wet, and they strip, break, and lock-up something terrible making repairs a total pain. 3) They aren't designed to be repaired, they are designed to be ridden and tossed in the garbage. And Yes the dual suspension is worse than a bad value - it actually makes the bike WORSE. Yes WORSE. Not only is that bike useless for actual mountain bike and the suspension totally not up to the task, it will also bounce up and down as you pedal down the road sucking all of your effort into the suspension instead of moving. It gets worse when riding up hill. AND the shocks add extra weight AND when the shocks blow out it'll bounce even more.
Customer service is a very important reason to buy a bike shop quality bike. A bike shop will have staff who actually know something about bicycles. They will make sure the bike is the right size for you fits you comfortably. They won't mind changing over parts (such as a saddle or a stem) to make the bike has comfortable as possible. They provide a bike with a decent warranty (on both the frame components) some free bike check-ups from a qualified mechanic. The mechanics don't mind adjusting the bike gears brakes for you, usually free of charge. And they have a wealth of knowledge, and don't mind answerering any questions you may have. These are all very good reasons to not buy a bike at a walmart store. EDIT - The dual suspension on cheap bikes are usually not very good quality. Don't expect to be able to do any real mountain biking with that kind of bike. It'll also have low quality gears brakes. Be prepared to learn how to do basic adjustments maintenance yourself, so it stays roadworthy. The metal quality might be similar, but the welding will not be as good as more expensive bikes. And what's the point in having a good frame if the components are low quality. It's the components which make the bike function as a bike.
This Site Might Help You. RE: Is a $500 Aluminum mountain bike store bike the same as a $100 aluminum mountain bike from Walmart? I don't know, I see a metal is a metal. I understand that a bike shop bike has better service and the bike has better components. Yet I just feel the frame of a $500 bike store bike and a $100 bike from Walmart using aluminum is the same. It's like people charging $100 for audio/video...
There are several different alloys of aluminum used to make bike frames. A $500 bike is probably made from a higher quality alloy than a cheap $100 bike frame. Apart from the alloy used, the quality of fabrication will also be better in a more expensive bike. The components used on the more expensive bike will also be much better. The better bike will also be available in a variety of frame sizes, important if you are taller or shorter than average. There is a lot more to bike quality than the description of the metal used to make the frame and the difference in quality between a bike selling for $100 and one that sells for $500 is huge.
