Not only do they lack in competance but they lack in quality. Schwinn made very nice bikes awhile ago, and still (like Mongoose) makes some pretty nice high-end bikes, but (also like Mongoose) has some really, really poor-quality, mass-produced bikes in dept. stores. I wouldn't reccomend these. Even if the bikes are put together well enough, they'd still be much heavier and less able to take abuse than a quality cycle from your LBS. Good bikes can start around $200-$250, you just have to hunt for 'em...