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Thread ID: 87885	2008-03-08 00:12:00	What to look for in bicycles?	beetle (243)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
647201	2008-03-08 00:12:00	I am on the market for some new kids bikes . . . . . . . . . . . but am stumped as to what i have to look for . What are good components to look for in a bike? The budget i had was around the $200 - $250 each idea . this works fine at one cycle shop they have heaps to choose from . . . . . . . . I went to the other bike shop and he said, you only get good stuff from $300 . . . . . . . now these are kids bikes they no doubt will outgrow . so i want to buy good but not the most expensive . So what should i look for in a bike? some one said, no plastic bits, steel alloy? and frame lightness? now these were real bike shops, not a big brand store like warehouse . help or advice wanted please . beetle	beetle (243)
647202	2008-03-08 00:33:00	Don't be too shy to spend what you want on bikes even if they outgrow them.... once they're too small you can claw some cash back by reselling them. Also, don't be taken in by expensive features - a lot of us grew up not even having a bike, so anything that is rideable is better than nothing.	Greg (193)
647203	2008-03-08 00:48:00	Generally most bikes now come with components from Shimano probably the worlds biggest component manufacturer, there stuff is good. basically kids want something that looks cool and yes they will outgrow it, nothing wrong in getting something slightly bigger now but not too big.	gary67 (56)
647204	2008-03-08 01:13:00	Don't buy from The Warehouse - apart from the lack of quality (and therefore resale value), the bikes they have are heavy and unsuitable for children, despite the size of them. Go to a proper bikeshop (not one that also sells/services lawnmowers) and ask for advice. A good bikeshop will determine what level of cyclist your child is, what sort of riding they'll be doing, and what kind of budget you have and then recommend something appropriate (and fit the child to the bike). As Greg said, don't be afraid to buy quality - second-hand bikes can be sold (or passed along) quite easily. Look for a brand name like Avanti, Giant, Marin - avoid Vision. Bikeshops (in Auckland anyway) are also finding sales difficult, so don't be afraid to dicker over the price. Bear in mind that a full retail priced bike has about a 100% markup on it...	johcar (6283)
647205	2008-03-08 01:18:00	These bikes look quite sturdy (discovermagazine.com) if they're in your price range ($US12K-ish).	sal (67)
647206	2008-03-08 03:27:00	Don't buy from The Warehouse - apart from the lack of quality (and therefore resale value), the bikes they have are heavy and unsuitable for children, despite the size of them. Go to a proper bikeshop (not one that also sells/services lawnmowers) and ask for advice. A good bikeshop will determine what level of cyclist your child is, what sort of riding they'll be doing, and what kind of budget you have and then recommend something appropriate (and fit the child to the bike). As Greg said, don't be afraid to buy quality - second-hand bikes can be sold (or passed along) quite easily. Look for a brand name like Avanti, Giant, Marin - avoid Vision. Bikeshops (in Auckland anyway) are also finding sales difficult, so don't be afraid to dicker over the price. Bear in mind that a full retail priced bike has about a 100% markup on it... Can't agree more a real bike shop will have all the advice you need one of the ones here in Nelson even gives free servicing for the life of the bike or until you sell it on, can't get better than that	gary67 (56)
647207	2008-03-08 03:28:00	Don't know if you get them there . . . but stay far away from Huffy, Murray and MTD . They use pinched or crimped tubes in the forks where they attach to the axles . They aren't safe . They fall apart . They aren't oven brazed or welded . . . just crimped together and they work loose . They are NOT certified for US/BMX for that very reason . . . but a small kid will experience axle separation and a very dangerous accident should the front wheel fall off . Nishiki and Shimano are really good ones . All kids will like the seat better if it's a little padded and somewhat larger than their rear end too . The seats are padded, not the little kids .	SurferJoe46 (51)
647208	2008-03-08 03:37:00	Beware cheap suspension shocks too an adult friend had his come apart when the weld holding the spring inside broke he fell on his face needing reconstruction of mouth and nose not nice	gary67 (56)
647209	2008-03-08 04:45:00	Unless the child in question is a teen, I would stay away from any bike that has suspension. Looks flash, but adds heaps to the weight...	johcar (6283)
647210	2008-03-08 04:47:00	SJ - those brands aren't available here - but The Warehouse (Walmart clone, but much smaller) sell cheap rubbish that is constantly being recalled - for various safety reasons... Haven't seen a Shimano bike - I thought they just did componentry???	johcar (6283)
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