Walmart Goes Carbon [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Trek420

09-17-2007, 07:26 PM

3 sizes, small medium and large :confused: Who do they think they are, Giant? :cool: :rolleyes:

Says it's assembled by skilled folk right there in Italy y'all and "ready to ride right outa the box."

"Minimal assembly is required for this premium bicycle."

Yeah, by Wallmarts highly "skilled staff" staff of underpaid elves.

No thank you at any price.

+1 what V. sez

Zen

09-17-2007, 07:36 PM

Walmart is evil! They are a big part of why there is so little manufacturing in this country anymore. To keep their prices low they force companies to lower their manufacturing costs, hence moving the manufacturing out of the states.

V.

Part of the reason but not all. which would lead us into a dangerous political discussion.
A whole lot of people can't afford to shop anywhere else.

That's a lot of money for a S-M-L Walmart bike. I bet something reasonably close could be found at your LBS with a service guarantee.

Aggie_Ama

09-17-2007, 07:38 PM

And am I going to get one the high schoolers being paid minimum wage to fit me? What about free tune ups? My wonderful LBS is selling Specialized Ruby Comps for that price with a couple of free tune ups and a professional fit.

The review on the Aluminum/Carbon makes me ill, someone that into cycling shouldn't be touting a bike at Walmart. Why don't we have a vomiting smilie?

mimitabby

09-17-2007, 07:42 PM

a vomiting SMILE??!?

yes, the carbon fiber is made from pure ... melamine from China.. :confused:

if people can't afford to buy a bike at a bike shop, should they be buying carbon from Walmart??

maybe buy Aluminum from a bike shop, and get it fit to you AND get some kind of guarantee for the same price? oboy.

bike4ever

09-17-2007, 07:45 PM

Part of the reason but not all. which would lead us into a dangerous political discussion.
A whole lot of people can't afford to shop anywhere else.

That's a lot of money for a S-M-L Walmart bike. I bet something reasonably close could be found at your LBS with a service guarantee.

There is definitely advantages of the Walmart bike - more service for the LBS. We will see an increase in poorly built bikes - more custom fits because of the sizing - and definitely repairs since the bikes never worked right from the beginning. This will be an increase for the LBS.

Aggie_Ama

09-17-2007, 07:46 PM

a vomiting SMILE??!?

I frequent another board that has it. :D

Trek420

09-17-2007, 07:57 PM

A whole lot of people can't afford to shop anywhere else.

Neatly avoiding the dangerous political discussion :eek: and focusing on something I think we can mostly agree on is the "false economy" of box store bikes.

I've never been in and don't intend to but "some of my best friends shop at Wallmart." :) Most say that "I can't afford _____ unless I buy there". Let's not discuss aesthetics and philosophy of "maybe you don't need to have ___ maybe buy fewer but quality ____ and less cr**"

But at the same time most say the quality there is poor at best.

When I think of carbon, CARBON :eek: and it being the only thing between my brain and the pavement at ___ mpg I want quality.

DarcyInOregon

09-17-2007, 09:36 PM

Walmart is evil! They are a big part of why there is so little manufacturing in this country anymore. To keep their prices low they force companies to lower their manufacturing costs, hence moving the manufacturing out of the states.

V.

Veronica, I won't shop at Walmart either. I never have and I never will.

I live outside a small town. Thank goodness the Walmart store is in the county seat, about 14 miles away. My little town has a small LBS, and the owner is truly amazing. I get exceptional service from him and I will always buy my bikes directly from him.

I've been in the LBS on numerous occassions over the past year when someone has come in with a Walmart bike. They ask the owner if he will fix it. They always say something like, I just bought the bike, I rode it for a few miles and the chain broke, or the gear shifters broke (or something on it broke.) Every time, the store owner tells the person that sorry, he is unable to fix their bike. He doesn't explain to the person why, he just refuses. They exit the store. The shop owner explained to me the first time I witnessed this situation that he refuses to have Made in China Walmart bikes in his shop, that he won't condone or enable the ownership of such bikes, and that the liability factor for even touching such a bike for repair is huge. He said most bike shops won't accept Walmart bikes for repair either, that it is not just him.

I think my LBS is the greatest!

Darcy

Running Mommy

09-17-2007, 10:12 PM

sigh...
Oh boy.. Here is running mommy jumping into the shark tank..
Once upon a time I worked for wal mart. Early 90's (very early), the economy was in the dumper, the first wal mart was opening in nor cal, and I needed a halfway decent paying retail job as I was in retail mgmt. Back then wal mart was the ticket. They paid pretty well, and offered me a job managing their cash office. I ended up also managing their billing office, as well as becoming a part of the district audit team. I was a happy wal mart associate. I had good benefits and enjoyed the company.
Of course Sam Walton was still alive. I remember a HUGE billboard touting the percentage of items in the store that were made in america. It was a large chunk of the store. One of the things Sam hung his hat on was how FEW things in the store were made in China, and how many american jobs were created by "buying american"....
And then Sam passed away.....
So much has changed since then, and I really don't fault people for their disdain of Wal Mart. I don't shop there much myself anymore.
Over the years I have always tried to give the little guy my business. My local ACE hardware get's all my home improvement biz. And I would pick and Independent bike shop over a chain any day. I also shop at the local IGA grocery store- they have the best meat and produce around.
I'm about to become an lbs owner myself, and I will be competing with the local wal mart and target. I have my advertising game plan in my head already.
You see when I worked for wal mart I watched the clueless teenagers assemble bikes. It was a scary thing, and I would never let anyone I know buy a bike from a box store- for safety reasons alone. I have seen too many disasters come through the return counter. Wal Mart has paid lots of folks medical bills over the years! Scary stuff when the handle bars fall off! :eek:

Trek420

09-17-2007, 10:12 PM

He doesn't explain to the person why, he just refuses. They exit the store. The shop owner explained to me the first time I witnessed this situation that he refuses to have Made in China Walmart bikes in his shop, that he won't condone or enable the ownership of such bikes, and that the liability factor for even touching such a bike for repair is huge.

I agree that box store bikes are meant to break within blocks of the store often dangerously and most can't be fixed. I'm glad that you have a great LBS. But I disagree with his approach. Because most of these riders will never ride again, or leave with the impression that bike shops are snobs.

I've seen my shop tell a rider the bike can't be fixed, and not go into detail. Just can't be done. But one of the reasons I like Chris is he respects all bikes. I remember being in when a guy came in looked around and said "I want a full suspsension MTB for around $400".

Chris gave him a concise 30 second explanation of how he'd pay for the "look of suspension" with poor frame, fit and or components and for what the rider wanted to do (fitness, commute) a bike without suspension-better frame and components.

He explained he has nothing in that range which is true, he hardly has parts in that price but sent the guy to some nearby shops....with an invitation that whatever he buys wherever he gets it to come back for maintenance, service and fit.

Now that's good service.

How many of us have heard "I tried cycling but ____ broke and or ____ hurt"

Well where'd you get the bike?

Have to educate people to get thee to a LBS will save you time and $$$ but the LBS should be a welcome place to go.

DarcyInOregon

09-17-2007, 10:42 PM

I agree that box store bikes are meant to break within blocks of the store often dangerously and most can't be fixed. I'm glad that you have a great LBS. But I disagree with his approach. Because most of these riders will never ride again, or leave with the impression that bike shops are snobs.

Trek, I disagree. My LBS said that it is a huge liability issue, and that is why he and other shops won't touch a bike from Walmart. The small shops should not endanger their livelihood and their ability to keep their businesses profitable because of these type of Walmart bikes. If they do a repair, and the Walmart bike breaks down again in a short time, which it will, or the bicyclist is injured or killed, the small shops do not have the funds to pay to defend themselves against the frivolous lawsuits. It is that simple. My LBS is merely a smart and wise businessman.

Darcy

7rider

09-18-2007, 04:12 AM

My LBS has a big sign at the front of their service bay, announcing that they will not repair "department store" bikes. I was talking to one of the mechanics when a couple came in with 2 beat up Huffys. One had a bent pedal, the other a flat tire. The mechanic said "I can sell you the parts to fix the bikes, but I cannot do the repair."
You could see that it pained the mechanic, as his primary instinct is to throw the bike on the stand and fix it. He would if he could...but the directive had come down.
It's an insurance and liability issue.
As for me...if I had $1800 to plunk down on a 26 pound "carbon" bike from Wal-Mart, I would hope I would know better to take that $1800 and go to a LBS and get a bike that can be serviced and repaired, if necessary, by someone more knowledgeable than me - or the 17 year old behind the cash register.

Zen

09-18-2007, 06:17 AM

Trek, I disagree. My LBS said that it is a huge liability issue, and that is why he and other shops won't touch a bike from Walmart

There's no doubt about that. I think the point is though, don't just summarily show them the door and leave them with a bad opinion about bike shops or they will continue to avoid them. Trek's LBS didn't fix the bike but did take the time to explain why and the advantages of the LBS.

VeloVT

09-18-2007, 06:30 AM

KnottedYet

09-18-2007, 06:41 AM

My LBS specializes in used bikes. And they do a roaring business! There are plenty of folks who would rather spend $300 on a good quality used bike than on a less reliable cheap new bike.

But the reverse is also true.

BTW, the LBS has a rack of "free" bikes. Mostly trade-in box-store bikes that they won't resell. And generally they look pretty new...

Jo-n-NY

09-18-2007, 06:50 AM

Wait... 26 lbs??? I sure hope that includes the box and padding, because I just don't think anyone going to rush out to buy a carbon/ultegra "road race" bike that weighs 26 lbs :eek: :eek: :eek: when they could lose nearly 10 lbs for maybe $200 or $300 more (or for that matter, lose almost as much without spending any more by buying an alu bike. one wonders how the quality of the carbon is anyway).

And I won't defend this point on this board should anyone disagree, because I just don't want to go there, but for many reasons I just can't support Walmart.

It is interesting that they are now carrying $1900 "road race" bikes though -- one wonder 1) what this means about what Walmart perceives to be its target demographic and 2) what this means about how popular perceptions of cycling may be changing...

I think the average person that shops here does not do their homework. They see the advertisement, see the word carbon and just assume they are getting the deal of a lifetime. I feel like planting myself in the aisle and educate anyone interested in these bikes, but then I would probably get arrested.

However, should the conversation about buying a bike at Walmart, SportsAuthority etc.,come up wherever, there is no stopping my mouth.

~ JoAnn

Running Mommy

09-18-2007, 06:55 AM

I was recently reading the NBDA's (national bike dealer association) newsletter and there was a story about a shop owner that buys the broken bikes off of wal mart for pennies on the dollar. He then fixes them up and resells them as used bikes. His take is that he can tell people who call and ask "we have used bikes that start at 75.00". Of course when they hit the shop he's generally able to upsell them. But some folks just don't want to pay more for a bike, so at least they are getting a safe ride.
The bikes would be hitting the landfill otherwise, so at least he's able to "recycle" them...

singletrackmind

09-18-2007, 08:12 AM

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/barf-4.gif http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/barf.gif http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/barf-1.gif http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/barf-2.gif http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/barf-3.gif

Must...............restrain............self............from..........crappy............walmart.........

:D :D :D

mimitabby

09-18-2007, 09:26 AM

gross!

Skierchickie

09-20-2007, 06:56 PM

Gross, yes... but strangely cool!:p I vote for adding the puking smilie!

I must weigh in on the "say no to Walmart" side. For various reasons. I used to, but for two years I've been "clean".

sgtiger

09-20-2007, 11:42 PM

I used to work for one of their competitors. In our store, an actual bike mechanic would come out from Huffy and assemble those things. But even then, it was iffy.

Most of the people ,who would buy a bike from there, have no clue about what makes a quality bike. I tried to get customers to at least choose the right size bike for them or their children. They usually didn't listen. They would pick out the bike that looked the coolest.

Once, I was asked about what would be the best bike for downhill riding. I honestly told them that, though the bikes had "suspension forks" and MTB tires, they were not meant to be ridden off road (It even says so in the manual but usually left off after the bikes are assembled. Not that anyone reads those things anyway.:rolleyes: ). And that they could do better buying a used bike at a well reputed re-sale sporting goods store located a few blocks away. They discounted what I told them figuring I didn't know anything 'cause, you know, I'm a girl.:mad: Then they I asked another associate (BTW clueless about bikes), who happened to be walking by, the same question right in front of me. He just told them what they wanted to hear. They were happy and bought the bikes they had been eye-balling. Oh, well; I tried.:( :confused:

teigyr

09-21-2007, 08:20 AM

I'm not seeing the average Wal-Mart customer spending $1800 on a bike, carbon or not. And the S/M/L options? :eek:

I think the majority of people think $300 is too much for a bike. Sad, but true. I enjoyed the description though :D Italian assembly means a lot.

I choose not to go to Wal-Mart. Some of their business practices aside, I have found the stores to be dirty (yes, I have gone IN them, my father seems to think they are wonderful), the sales associates unhelpful, and the merchandise to be haphazardly placed. For the gourmet budget shopping experience, I prefer Target.

HillSlugger

09-22-2007, 06:19 PM

It says that the 26+ weight is shipping weight. I wonder what the bike itself weighs!

I saw a coworker bike into work a few weeks ago. Yesterday I asked if he's commuted again. He said no, that his bike was broken (brakes not working). He had bought a Huffy for $58. Doh! :eek: I volunteered to try to do something with it, but I don't know if he'll take me up on my offer.

Zen

09-22-2007, 09:07 PM

I volunteered to try to do something with it, but I don't know if he'll take me up on my offer.

What do you think you can do with it besides throw it in the Potomac?

KnottedYet

09-22-2007, 09:16 PM

Oh, dear! Somebody making those first tentative steps toward bike-world and commuting, and then his bike lets him down!

I just wanna run out and buy him a bike and get him riding! I hope he doesn't give up!

HillSlugger

09-23-2007, 09:51 AM

What do you think you can do with it besides throw it in the Potomac?

I can try to adjust the brakes so that he can still ride.

Trek420

09-23-2007, 10:35 AM

I can try to adjust the brakes so that he can still ride. .... and introduce him to a local bike shop that sells used/and or entry level reliable bikes. :D :o

HillSlugger

09-23-2007, 10:47 AM

.... and introduce him to a local bike shop that sells used/and or entry level reliable bikes. :D :o

You got it! He already sees the error of his ways ;)

Starfish

09-23-2007, 10:53 AM

Every time, the store owner tells the person that sorry, he is unable to fix their bike. He doesn't explain to the person why, he just refuses.

Kind of too bad he won't explain why? He could do some educating.

Zen

09-23-2007, 02:43 PM

I thought you meant you were going to rev up the Huffy. hey, nothing wrong with a Huffy, its still a bike. I've owned two in my lifetime.And at least he's still riding.

$58 dollars is an odd price though.

Zen

09-23-2007, 02:46 PM

Kind of too bad he won't explain why? He could do some educating.

yeah, and it probably doesn't help with the stereotype of 'bike snobs' either.

HillSlugger

09-23-2007, 02:50 PM

KSH

10-16-2007, 12:07 PM

Trek, I disagree. My LBS said that it is a huge liability issue, and that is why he and other shops won't touch a bike from Walmart. The small shops should not endanger their livelihood and their ability to keep their businesses profitable because of these type of Walmart bikes. If they do a repair, and the Walmart bike breaks down again in a short time, which it will, or the bicyclist is injured or killed, the small shops do not have the funds to pay to defend themselves against the frivolous lawsuits. It is that simple. My LBS is merely a smart and wise businessman.

Darcy

It's a WalMart bike with Shimano 105 on it. So, I'm not really seeing where there would be an issue with working on the derailer, etc. Sure, fixing the framewould be a no-no, but the components are just as nice or nicer than what a lot of us have on our bikes (my Trek 1000 had Tiara and Soroto, my Specialized has Ultegra, but my Cerevelo has 105's.)

And... you know what... my Specialized has "made in Tawain" stamped on it. So I'm not about to get all snooty about a bike that doesn't have "made in the USA" on it.

Honestly though, it's not a good deal the WalMart bike. You can find a full carbon with 105's on it at any LBS for around that price.

Grog

10-16-2007, 12:35 PM

It's a WalMart bike with Shimano 105 on it. So, I'm not really seeing where there would be an issue with working on the derailer, etc. Sure, fixing the framewould be a no-no, but the components are just as nice or nicer than what a lot of us have on our bikes (my Trek 1000 had Tiara and Soroto, my Specialized has Ultegra, but my Cerevelo has 105's.)

I think the major problem is not so much that the components are "nice" as how the bike is assembled. High-end parts work well because they are installed properly. I doubt that the staff at Wal-Mart has what it takes in terms of mechanics skills to assemble bikes properly...

And... you know what... my Specialized has "made in Tawain" stamped on it. So I'm not about to get all snooty about a bike that doesn't have "made in the USA" on it.

Taiwan is almost the only place where carbon frames are made. North American factories seldom (if ever) have the equipment to mold them.

I must say that, liability or not, I understand any bike shop's concerns. Last week my sweet partner took his winter bike - a nice Miyata from the 80s, formerly 6-speed turned 8-speed with Durace components - to the bike shop for an overhaul. The poor guys at the shop worked for HOURS on it and could not get the derailer to work quite properly (something we knew from the start would never happen). They felt they had to TRY to make it work. I think the primary impulse in a bike shop mechanics that starts fixing a bike is to do it well. When you start working on a cheap bike, you realize that it's poorly assembled, but by that time it's too late, you've opened the can of worms.... and you feel like you have to do the job.

I agree they should explain why they won't do it, though, but I can be empathic with any shop owner/mechanics who takes the hard decision of saying no to someone's genuine need to get their bike fixed.