My family (Wife and 3 yr old boy) is thinking of getting into bicycling in the evenings. We're just a few blocks from the Mississippi River, which has a paved levee for miles and miles. We're buying my son's first bike (with pedals) for Easter. Probably a Disney Cars or Spiderman training-wheel special. But I'm pretty clueless as to what to start with for my wife and I. We don't really want to drop lot of of money, but want quality bikes that will last (obviously I'll need to learn to tinker). What are some good bikes to look at? Are the selections at box stores (Academy, Wal-Mart, Target, etc) worth looking at? Or should I just go to a bike shop where the people know the product?
Family Bicycling
- Thread starter jzuzphreek
- Start date
(First, let me say that I'm an ex-bike shop mechanic and manager, but I have no dog in this fight either way)
These days, branding is not really important--at a certain price point, different brands will often differ only in very small details and the paint job. HOWEVER, I can't stress enough that your local bike shop is the place to go to get a bicycle for your family. Bikes are only partially assembled at the factory, and final assembly and adjustment is done at the retailer. Guess who assembles those WalMart (and other big-box retailers) bikes..
Give up?
If you're lucky it's an $8/hour worker who knows NOTHING about how they even go together, never mind how to build a bike correctly. This results in marginally put together, unadjusted, and sometimes downright dangerous machines. Also, the quality of components on big-box bikes will mean that things will start breaking almost immediately. The last thing you want when it's a nice evening and your family wants to go for a ride is to spend that time cursing under your breath while your wife and son look on, waiting for you to "fix" their new bike.
Will you spend more at a bike shop compared to WallyWorld? Yup, no doubt. Will it be worth it? Many times over!
Enjoy your bikes, and of course, this being B&B, we need pictures!!!
These days, branding is not really important--at a certain price point, different brands will often differ only in very small details and the paint job. HOWEVER, I can't stress enough that your local bike shop is the place to go to get a bicycle for your family. Bikes are only partially assembled at the factory, and final assembly and adjustment is done at the retailer. Guess who assembles those WalMart (and other big-box retailers) bikes..
Give up?
If you're lucky it's an $8/hour worker who knows NOTHING about how they even go together, never mind how to build a bike correctly. This results in marginally put together, unadjusted, and sometimes downright dangerous machines. Also, the quality of components on big-box bikes will mean that things will start breaking almost immediately. The last thing you want when it's a nice evening and your family wants to go for a ride is to spend that time cursing under your breath while your wife and son look on, waiting for you to "fix" their new bike.
Will you spend more at a bike shop compared to WallyWorld? Yup, no doubt. Will it be worth it? Many times over!
Enjoy your bikes, and of course, this being B&B, we need pictures!!!
Try to stay away from the Target/Walmart bikes, they tend to have very low end and even non-standard parts, though that has changed much over the last few years. Academy will have better bikes. Stop in at GNO cyclery and have a look at some of their lower end hybrids and cruisers. Also check that shop out on Jefferson Highway by the rail tracks, they have a good selection. Craigslist is actually a good place to look for bikes at this time of the year, people are clearing out the garage and some older bikes just need a good tune up.
I'm really jealous of this post, as the river levee is one of my favorite riding spots. Unfortunately, I'm here in Buffalo NY right now and dreaming of the days of riding the levee. I used to do laps from the zoo to the St. Rosa's general store, spending hours taking in the sights and sounds. You'll be amazed; the ships passing, the mulch yard smelling like wonderful wood chips, dragon flies everywhere, the houses on the river side of the levee, the golf course. I remember the summer the river rose to the top of the levee and all of the old timers fishing for catfish.. I was riding along when all of a sudden this big ol' fat number was just laying there in the middle of the path flopping around scarily. I'll be back next March and early April to train and race the Ironman 70.3, and look forward to two things; the river levee and PJs granitas!
I'm really jealous of this post, as the river levee is one of my favorite riding spots. Unfortunately, I'm here in Buffalo NY right now and dreaming of the days of riding the levee. I used to do laps from the zoo to the St. Rosa's general store, spending hours taking in the sights and sounds. You'll be amazed; the ships passing, the mulch yard smelling like wonderful wood chips, dragon flies everywhere, the houses on the river side of the levee, the golf course. I remember the summer the river rose to the top of the levee and all of the old timers fishing for catfish.. I was riding along when all of a sudden this big ol' fat number was just laying there in the middle of the path flopping around scarily. I'll be back next March and early April to train and race the Ironman 70.3, and look forward to two things; the river levee and PJs granitas!
- Thread starter
- #4
I was kinda freakin' out about the accuracy of your locations till I got to the second paragraph!
I love the levee. There's so much to see up there. In high school, a friend and I would rollerblade from Riverdale HS in Jefferson to Audubon park. In 2011 when the river was in floodstage, I found ever excuse I could to walk up there. I'm fascinated by geology/weather/water, so it was all kind of coming together. I really can't wait till I'm finished with school, and can spend some REAL quality time in the evenings with my family instead of all of us passing out from exhaustion on the days I am home. Thanks guys for your tips. They will ALL be taken into consideration.
Wingnut's advice is absolutely spot on. If there's anything I could add it would be to look for a hybrid bike, which is basically a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. It will be more comfortable than a road bike, but lighter and easier to ride than a mountain bike. Without knowing your budget, it's hard to give specific recommendations, but a good bike shop should be able to meet your needs.
REI is ok for intro bikes, definitely a step above Target/Walmart and big box sporting goods stores but probably a step below most good local bike shops. REI also has good guarantees, but, as I discovered they don't necessarily have great after purchase mechanical service. I was worried about plunking down almost $1K on my first real bike a few years ago so bought it at REI knowing they have a great return policy. However, now I take it to get serviced at a local bike shop. Next time, I'll probably just get it a local shop to begin with.
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks for the info. A while back I was doing some research on the different types of bikes for different terrains/use/etc. I ended up with more questions than answers. Hills don't really exist where I live. The only things I could call hills within 50 miles of my house are Monkey Hill in Audubon Zoo (off limits to bikes, as it's in a zoo), and the ramp up to the top of the levee.
As for my budget, I don't really know at the moment. We're trying to pay off some debt before making any big purchases, so I probably won't be purchasing anything before the summer.
That's good information Jeff. Thanks.
You may wish to take a look at Craigslist, especially for the kiddo's bike. It's been my experience that the young childrens' bikes are all extremely similar. Heavy, cheaply made, single speed with a coaster brake, room for training wheels. Kids grow out of them quickly, so you can likely find somebody with one to sell for next to nothing.
I'd echo the sentiment of generally staying away from the big box store bikes. I worked at Target for a brief period and knew the store's bike builder. He did not own a bike and had not ridden one for 10+ years. He had very little training on how they should be built and I'd very regularly pull bikes off of the floor for being maladjusted. At best, you'd have a shifting problem that wouldn't let you access all of your gears. At worst, the brakes were maladjusted and wouldn't stop you. We did have two or three models of Schwinn bikes that I would consider of acceptable quality; they started at about $250 and were therefore the most expensive bikes that Target sold. However, as I said, they needed work immediately after purchase because they weren't likely to be assembled properly.
One final word of advice: strongly consider getting a bike with no suspension at all. Cheap full suspension bikes are garbage. Getting a suspension fork is completely unnecessary if you're going to be riding paths.
I'd echo the sentiment of generally staying away from the big box store bikes. I worked at Target for a brief period and knew the store's bike builder. He did not own a bike and had not ridden one for 10+ years. He had very little training on how they should be built and I'd very regularly pull bikes off of the floor for being maladjusted. At best, you'd have a shifting problem that wouldn't let you access all of your gears. At worst, the brakes were maladjusted and wouldn't stop you. We did have two or three models of Schwinn bikes that I would consider of acceptable quality; they started at about $250 and were therefore the most expensive bikes that Target sold. However, as I said, they needed work immediately after purchase because they weren't likely to be assembled properly.
One final word of advice: strongly consider getting a bike with no suspension at all. Cheap full suspension bikes are garbage. Getting a suspension fork is completely unnecessary if you're going to be riding paths.
- Thread starter
- #9
I assume the suspension really only makes for a more comfortable ride over bumpy paths?
Here's one question I have about box store bikes being poorly configured...
Are the bikes themselves actually shoddy? Low quality parts, etc? Or is it typically just the build that's poor? I could see a small advantage in buying a bike, taking it apart and putting it together correctly when buying. If only to learn the components, how they work together, and how to do repairs, etc.
Here's another option:
You could get a couple of beach cruiser style bikes. They are extremely comfortable, they have bigger tires so they suck up small bumps better and you can put a basket on the front or attach a bag to the fender. You could take drinks, food for a picnic, small first aid kit and other things to make it more fun for the little one.
You could get a couple of beach cruiser style bikes. They are extremely comfortable, they have bigger tires so they suck up small bumps better and you can put a basket on the front or attach a bag to the fender. You could take drinks, food for a picnic, small first aid kit and other things to make it more fun for the little one.
Jessy, it's a bit of both: a big box bike will, because of its price point, generally have lower quality components on it. While the most immediately obvious result of this will be increased weight, the unseen thing is that these components are MUCH more difficult to work on or to adjust correctly (if that's possible at all!), and will have a much shorter life span. Can a quality bike mechanic get a big box bike to function as intended? Probably so, but it will take him twice as long to do it as usual, and guess who's going to be paying for that time? That eliminates the low price advantage of the initial sale, and even then you'll still have a heavier, lower quality bike for your money.
If you're thinking about doing that work yourself, I'd suggest that you might want to leave it up to a qualified mechanic--at least at first. Some bike components need specialized tools in order to work on them, which your local bike shop already has. You, however, would have to make that investment--again, negating any savings on the initial purchase price. While you can get by pretty well on a car with a set of SAE box wrenches and a couple of screwdrivers, you would at least need metric tools for most low to mid range bikes, and you probably couldn't work on things like the brakes or adjust any bearings (except only superficially) without more specialized tools. Can you learn how to work on your bikes by going to the library and reading a few books? Yeah, but it's not like reading a Chilton's manual for a car--although the principles are similar from one manufacturer to the next, the components themselves will be different, and so some specialized knowledge is required.
So, am I saying that you shouldn't buy a big box store bike and putt it together yourself? Not necessarily--but just be prepared for it taking much longer than you might think and you might still have to bring it in to your local shop to do the things that you're not able to/don't have the tools do do yourself.
One other thing that I hadn't mentioned is that fit is quite important to your comfort. A bike that's too big or too small for you can mean the difference between pleasure and pain. Your local shop will be able to fit all 3 of you correctly; a big box store? Not so much (if at all).
All that said, I agree that Craigslist is a great place to find some quality bikes at quite reasonable prices. Unfortunately, most people who buy bikes wind up not using them, and so they sit in the garage gathering dust until it's time to move or they need the space, and then up on Craigslist they go. If you know what to look for, you can get some real bargains there.
If you have any questions about a specific bike for you or a family member, feel free to PM me with the details and/or a pic. Like a doctor, I can't diagnose over the internet, but I can at least steer you away from a potential disaster. Good luck, and have fun out there!
If you're thinking about doing that work yourself, I'd suggest that you might want to leave it up to a qualified mechanic--at least at first. Some bike components need specialized tools in order to work on them, which your local bike shop already has. You, however, would have to make that investment--again, negating any savings on the initial purchase price. While you can get by pretty well on a car with a set of SAE box wrenches and a couple of screwdrivers, you would at least need metric tools for most low to mid range bikes, and you probably couldn't work on things like the brakes or adjust any bearings (except only superficially) without more specialized tools. Can you learn how to work on your bikes by going to the library and reading a few books? Yeah, but it's not like reading a Chilton's manual for a car--although the principles are similar from one manufacturer to the next, the components themselves will be different, and so some specialized knowledge is required.
So, am I saying that you shouldn't buy a big box store bike and putt it together yourself? Not necessarily--but just be prepared for it taking much longer than you might think and you might still have to bring it in to your local shop to do the things that you're not able to/don't have the tools do do yourself.
One other thing that I hadn't mentioned is that fit is quite important to your comfort. A bike that's too big or too small for you can mean the difference between pleasure and pain. Your local shop will be able to fit all 3 of you correctly; a big box store? Not so much (if at all).
All that said, I agree that Craigslist is a great place to find some quality bikes at quite reasonable prices. Unfortunately, most people who buy bikes wind up not using them, and so they sit in the garage gathering dust until it's time to move or they need the space, and then up on Craigslist they go. If you know what to look for, you can get some real bargains there.
If you have any questions about a specific bike for you or a family member, feel free to PM me with the details and/or a pic. Like a doctor, I can't diagnose over the internet, but I can at least steer you away from a potential disaster. Good luck, and have fun out there!
- Thread starter
- #12
Hang on, let me catch my breath!
Everything you say makes PERFECT sense. Are you sure you don't spend anytime on espresso forums? All your comments sound exactly why I can't buy an espresso machine for about a year and a half or 2. Buying for the future is the common theme.
Hang on, let me catch my breath!
Everything you say makes PERFECT sense. Are you sure you don't spend anytime on espresso forums? All your comments sound exactly why I can't buy an espresso machine for about a year and a half or 2. Buying for the future is the common theme.
Yeah, that's what comes from being the new stew in the newbie forum. Ask me for the time and I'll tell you how to build a watch...
I'll be honest, I'm at work and haven't read the entire thread but enough to say I agree with most of what's said.
I have been cylcing for as long as I can remember and just a few years ago was in the same position in wanting to get the kids out. we bought a small bike at toys-r-us. it was cheap, looked cool and was good for a couple months. then the breaks started to go, stuff started breaking down.
last year it was time to get him an upgrade, he was 7. we looked again used locally, then big box stores and then i hit up my local cycle shop that had done business with....lone behold, they have used kids bikes and offer a program. we bought a $300 small bmx style bike (what he wanted) that has full sized bmx tires so easy to change, swap them out etc. we were able to bring him in and have him fitted, test ride it (which toys r us does not allowed, once it hits the payement they said it's mine, even if it didn't fit or sucked) and they were awesome.
i asked if what the difference between it and the $300 one beside it was...1 year older model and lightly used.....SOLD. then the best part. when the bike no long works for him (outgrows it), they offer a trade in program on other bikes. yes i know, that's how they get me to keep coming back, but i have dealt with them enough to know they are honest and helpfull and won't screw me over.
so in the end, he got sweet Trek BMX style bike that he loves, for about $20 more then ToysRus, was able to try it out and it blows the big box bikes out of the water in terms of quality, components, weight and stopping/break performance.
no more big box stores for my kids bike purchases.
hit up a local bike store or REI (MEC in Canada) and get those kids take care of.
whatever you decide, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE set an example and wear a helmet yourself at all time when riding. I won't even step on my bike without one and now my kids won't either. we have explained the pros use them, we use them and you are not allowed on a bike without one! they are cool with it and helmets are awesome these days, comforatble, inexpensive and can save your life. i've hit my head so many times on branches, trees, ground etc when I used to do heavy mountain biking.
biking with the kids is awesome, cheap and family friendly and keeps everyone in shape.
ENJOY your bikes!!
I have been cylcing for as long as I can remember and just a few years ago was in the same position in wanting to get the kids out. we bought a small bike at toys-r-us. it was cheap, looked cool and was good for a couple months. then the breaks started to go, stuff started breaking down.
last year it was time to get him an upgrade, he was 7. we looked again used locally, then big box stores and then i hit up my local cycle shop that had done business with....lone behold, they have used kids bikes and offer a program. we bought a $300 small bmx style bike (what he wanted) that has full sized bmx tires so easy to change, swap them out etc. we were able to bring him in and have him fitted, test ride it (which toys r us does not allowed, once it hits the payement they said it's mine, even if it didn't fit or sucked) and they were awesome.
i asked if what the difference between it and the $300 one beside it was...1 year older model and lightly used.....SOLD. then the best part. when the bike no long works for him (outgrows it), they offer a trade in program on other bikes. yes i know, that's how they get me to keep coming back, but i have dealt with them enough to know they are honest and helpfull and won't screw me over.
so in the end, he got sweet Trek BMX style bike that he loves, for about $20 more then ToysRus, was able to try it out and it blows the big box bikes out of the water in terms of quality, components, weight and stopping/break performance.
no more big box stores for my kids bike purchases.
hit up a local bike store or REI (MEC in Canada) and get those kids take care of.
whatever you decide, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE set an example and wear a helmet yourself at all time when riding. I won't even step on my bike without one and now my kids won't either. we have explained the pros use them, we use them and you are not allowed on a bike without one! they are cool with it and helmets are awesome these days, comforatble, inexpensive and can save your life. i've hit my head so many times on branches, trees, ground etc when I used to do heavy mountain biking.
biking with the kids is awesome, cheap and family friendly and keeps everyone in shape.
ENJOY your bikes!!
- Thread starter
- #15
I HEARTILY second the use of a helmet whenever you're on a bike.
It doesn't take a big fall to do damage to that old brain. What got me to buy my first helmet (way back in the 1980's) was a fall going down a hill, and feeling my head bouncing off the pavement as I skidded to a stop. When I finally got stopped, my friend came up and asked me if I was alright. My response: "I don't know, I'll let you know when I find out myself!" Result: no major damage
, but 2 stitches in the side of my head where I'd opened it up on the eroded pavement.
Another thought about helmets: the only people who should ride without helmets are those that have nothing inside their heads worth protecting.
It doesn't take a big fall to do damage to that old brain. What got me to buy my first helmet (way back in the 1980's) was a fall going down a hill, and feeling my head bouncing off the pavement as I skidded to a stop. When I finally got stopped, my friend came up and asked me if I was alright. My response: "I don't know, I'll let you know when I find out myself!" Result: no major damage
, but 2 stitches in the side of my head where I'd opened it up on the eroded pavement.Another thought about helmets: the only people who should ride without helmets are those that have nothing inside their heads worth protecting.
Another thought would be to check your local bike shop to see if they deal in used bikes. Sometimes they take them in on trade. The price would be better and you'd have the comfort of knowing that a professional mechanic has looked the bike over and set it up.
I am also a strong advocate for helmet use, no matter your age or experience level. Even if you are the most skilled and experienced rider on the road, it only takes one distracted driver to do some serious damage. I've had my share of accidents and have been able to walk away from all of them because of the helmet.
I am also a strong advocate for helmet use, no matter your age or experience level. Even if you are the most skilled and experienced rider on the road, it only takes one distracted driver to do some serious damage. I've had my share of accidents and have been able to walk away from all of them because of the helmet.
that's where my kids bike came from and our other kids bike will come from. may take a few trips there, ask if they'll keep an eye out for you etc. local shops are awesome and very helpful and are so knowledgeable.
many have community boards with a classified board (I know MEC/REI do) as well.
and with regards to the helmet, the only reason i stress it so much is i see it every day. kids riding bikes with helmets (not fitted properly and wearing like baseball hats) and the parents helmet-less.
i guess parents don't think they can have an accident on the bike or get sideswiped or a bike malfunction.
Live to Ride, Ride to Live.
i guess parents don't think they can have an accident on the bike or get sideswiped or a bike malfunction.
Live to Ride, Ride to Live.
Excellent advice on multiple fronts. I certainly recommend a bike shop for you and your wife's bikes. Quality and proper fit are crucial. For your son's, you can go a little less for quality, as long as it is sturdy. I'm not suggesting a flimsy, unsafe, department store brand, but since he will outgrow them year to year for awhile, you can save some money there. A good used one may be the way to go. And NEVER, ever buy a bike for him to "grow into," as it will be a bad, dangerous fit. Helmets are a must for the whole family. Happy cycling!
