Reviews about Cycling & Biking Equipment

tallirish says "walmart bikes are of semi ok quality" about Walmart Bicycles

tallirish — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:23:27 GMT

Walmart has an array of bikes however there not the best quality. If you plan on using a bike from walmart as a primary means of transport your in for rough times. Unless you have the time and money to keep them in good shape I wouldnt buy a bike from walmart. Example mongoose was a good bike company until they let walmart buy them out. Now they are made of parts that when they break you cant fix them easily unless you buy expensive parts and tools, which makes it easier to buy a new bike. If you go to a bike shop and spend a bit more money on a nicer bike thats not ment to fall apart you will be happier in the long run. plus in most cases the bike shop that you buy a bike from will help you fix and maintain your bike unlike walmart whos bike builders are a bunch of crackheads.

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NMiller says "You can't get a better bike for the price" about Scattante Elite

NMiller — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:24:13 GMT

I bought this bike two years ago, and I absolutely love it! For the money I spent ($1400), you simply can't get a better bike. There are definately better bikes out there, but not for this price. The bike is fully carbon with Ultegra/105 components. Its a tripple, which I like, but if you'd rather have a double, there's a similar Scattante bike with a double.

You also get free adjustments for life at Performance Bike. I've taken the bike in about every 500 miles since I got it and they tune it up for you for free. Its also really durable, as mine has been trhough two pretty nasty wrecks (once was when I loaned it to someone else), and it only has a scratch on one of the shifters.

My only advice: don't pay full price for this bike (it's something like $2500). It always goes on sale for ~$1600. And Performance Bike almost always has 10-20% off coupons. Also, if you join the Performance Bike club (cost: $20), you get 10% cash back on all of your purchases. You do the math,...

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theHonestone says "No-Mor-Flats are GREAT!!" about Bell No-Mor Flats Inner Tubes

theHonestone — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:19:33 GMT

I've had the Original No-Mor Flats by Cyclo and the Bell No-Mor Flats (Bell bought out Cyclo No-Mor-Flats)

I've had them in three previous bikes and am going to put them in a 4th 5th and add them to a bicycle trailer or Kid Kaboose what ever you call them.. as of today My electric bike due to blow out will have them next

So the sizes I have installed included 26" 27" - i already have the 20" for the trailer yet haven't bought the trailer yet - that is how good these things are.

Most people that have purchased them and think they are hard to install didn't read the directions or got the wrong size for their tire. Be sure to check and read the directions.

They are easy as pie to install if done properly - using soapy water just slip them in and use an extra bicycle tire removal tool to ease the tire itself into place. Be sure to let them dry after install - then seal the hole used for the inner tube air valve with the enclosed silver tape - that's it!

Never buy another tube - never get caught...

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kims62001 says "Cute bike for any Barbie lover! " about Dynacraft 16" Girls Ride With Me Barbie Bike

kims62001 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:55:24 GMT

We got this bike a few months ago for my daughter who is a huge Barbie fan. She really loved the fact that it comes with a miniature Barbie bike to attach to the handle bars so you can bring your doll with you. It was a bit of a hassle to put together but my husband finally got it all figured out. The colors on the bike are very pretty and girly and it looks even better in person. It came with some cheap plastic flower prints to put on the tires but those wouldn't stay on so we just trashed them. My daughter has yet to learn how to ride it yet and she is still a little short for it but she really enjoys daddy helping her ride it around. It was a bit pricey but it was worth it to see her smile!

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viewkgr says "Trek bikes are the best as far as I am concerned" about Trek 7.3 FX

viewkgr — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:04:48 GMT

My Trek 7.3 FX bike is the best. The bike is a hybrid, but as many professional reviewers will tell you, you would never know it. It has an excellent ride on the road. I use it purely for exercise rides. I do not race, nor do I use it for commuting. The bike is comfortable, sturdy and reliable.

The bike is outfitted for comfort with Ride Longer features such a fitness-specific Bontrager Nebula saddle and Bontrager Ergo grips. It is a fitness bike with an extremely comfortable ride. They state that it performs equally well on bike paths or long stretches of open road. However, the tires were definitely made for the open road, not gravel paths. The bike is amazing lightweight and easy for me to handle.

The bikes comes in two different technology options: One is the hydroformed trek alpha black aluminum and the second is the lightweight TCT carbon to optimize vibration absorption.

This is a neat looking bike and I am loving riding my bike once again.

I would definitely...

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liznzad says "directions were horrible but it did the job" about SunLite Multi-Fit Rear Bicycle Rack

liznzad — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:52:26 GMT

I bought this to attach a child seat to the back of my bike and eventhough the instructions were horrible on how to put it on, my husband managed to help me and install it anyway. It is just what we needed and works perfectly. I even had my ten year old jump in there when we went out and it hel on pretty tight. I love how simple and strong it is all the extra parts confused me when I installed it but there are different types of bikes so they give you all the hardware you need for all the types of bikes you might have. I think im gonna buy a couple more to put on my husband's bike and the kids because now that I have cargo room i'm always stuck carrying all the stuff out of the car and wheeling it out on my bike when we go out. I would definately recommend this product, the only thing I would suggest is that they make it a little longer, when I put the seat in I would love to have just a littl extra space in the back

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liznzad says "Didn't seem to fit very well" about Bell Barbie Pedalin' Pretty Girls' Bike Helmet, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads - Value Pack

liznzad — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:46:26 GMT

We just bought bikes for the whole family ( we are a family of seven) and I needed to buy the kids helmets as well. I only have one little girl so instead fo buying what looked to be safer i bought the one she wanted...the prettier one. I don't like the way it fits, it doesn't seem to fit snuggly enough for my taste and the straps don't look sturdy. I don't know how sturdy they should be if she's only 6 years old but i'de rather be safe than sorry. I didn't like the clasp of the helmet being on the bottom either, it's very hard for her to buckle it herself and she likes to be self sufficient, if I had to change anything about this helmet I would make the straps more comfortable and sturdier with the snap on the side and maybe a cushion under the chin, she wears it because she likes th animation on the helmet so that's a plus but she has trouble taking it off so she ends up running around in it even when she's not on the bike.

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AngiBowman says "Perfect Gift for a Disney Cars Lover" about Huffy Disney Pixar Car's The Movie Boys Bicycle

AngiBowman — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:55:57 GMT

My son loves the movie Cars. Actually, scratch that. My son is OBSESSED with the movie Cars. Everything in his life revolves around that movie - from bed sheets to pillows, from toys to clothes, his life is all about the movie Cars. When we found a 12 inch bicycle for my son that was decked out as a Lightning McQueen and Cars-themed bike, we were thrilled!

What It Is

In short, this is a bicycle that is meant for kids aged 3-5 and can be found in 12 inch and 16 inch options. Although I was told by a friend that it was available in a 14 inch option, I have yet to actually see that option online or in the store.

The bike itself is red and includes a padded bumper between the handle bars and a bag in front to carry all the essentials. The subtle and not-so-subtle references to Cars is amusing, especially for the Cars-loving recipient! If you're concerned about safety, they have you covered. You can also purchase matching helmets and padding.

The Good

This truly is the perfect gift for that...

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LisaCarey says "Pretty in Pink and Keeps My Daughter Safe while Biking " about Bell Barbie Pedalin' Pretty Girls' Bike Helmet, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads - Value Pack

LisaCarey — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:21:28 GMT

My daughter very earnestly reminded mommy and daddy that she also needed a safety helmet and pads when we purchased her Barbie Bike for her birthday. She reminded me that at preschool on bike day they were told they should wear a helmet and pads so they don't get hurt on their heads when they ride their bikes. Then she pulled the Barbie Pedalin' Pretty Girls' Bike Helmet, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads - Value Pack from the shelf and said, "I want this one it's pretty, it matches my bike and it will keep my head safe!" I am so glad she has her priorities straight!

The Barbie Pedalin' Pretty Girls' Bike Helmet, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads - Value Pack is $19.99 at Walmart and was located right next to the bikes, giving parents no chance at forgetting to purchase this important safety equipment. The value pack contains a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. I like these features:

the helmet was easily adjustable to fit our daughter
the elbow pads and knee pads are marked so that you can...

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LisaCarey says "Biking with Barbie: My daughter's first big girl bike " about Dynacraft 16" Girls Ride With Me Barbie Bike

LisaCarey — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:22:51 GMT

My husband is big on bikes, he has even done those riding tours across states and such. So it's no surprise that my daughter would want something really "cool" (and pretty and pink) when it comes to her first big girl bike. For birthday number 4 that's exactly what she got the Dynacraft 16" Girls Ride With Me Barbie Bike.

What we like about the Dynacraft 16" Girls Ride With Me Barbie Bike:

sturdy
durable
seems better made than other bikes we looked at in the store
it's really pretty and looking good at 4 is important to our little princess
streamers
perfect size for her body
easy to handle
can grow with her
handle bar brakes and pedal brakes
pink
Barbie bag
training wheels
less expensive than others in the store

What I don't like about the Dynacraft 16" Girls Ride With Me Barbie Bike

our didn't come with the water bottle. (for DAYS I had to listen to, but mine doesn't have a water bottle!)

In the store we tried to talk her into the Disney...

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Dionira says "Is great for regular biking. No tricks allowed...but that is ok" about Bell No-Mor Flats Inner Tubes

Dionira — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:29:35 GMT

The Bell No-Mor Flat tubes work great for kids bikes and other cyclist that do not go over rough terrain. Street biking is good using these tires. No matter how many stickers your kids drive over they do not go flat. They are difficult to install, but you never have to fix a flat after that. Trouble free for a very long time. I put them in almost all of my kids bikes so far and have had them in for at least two years. I am still trying to get the other sizes for my older kids bikes. I do not recommend these tubes for trick cycling, because there is not a lot of "give". You cannot expect the tire to do well going over jumps, etc. I have been told that you even risk bending your bicycle frame doing tricks, so don't. For trick cycles it is best to stick with the tire liners and thick wall tires.

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mkola1 says "Great bike for the price" about Schwinn Link

mkola1 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:19:53 GMT

I bought the Schwinn Link and it works great! Can't beat it for the price. Unlike certain people who have negatively reviewed the dept store bikes, thjs is really a bike I can afford.

I went to a local shop that sells nothing but bicycles and everything was so overpriced I couldn't afford it without a 2nd mortgage! I got the same bike at a dept store for 1/2 the price - talk about a deal!

Yeah, I had to do the adjustments myself, but it wasn't that difficult and I was out riding in less than an hour. Very comfortable ride and I love the stem is adjustable.

I would have prefered trigger shifters personally, but the twist shifters work just fine.

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OldHippie says "Why Do The Build This Junk?" about Pacific Bicycle All Brands

OldHippie — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:16:55 GMT

Pacific Cycle can be found on the web at pacific-cycle.com. If you do an extensive Google search however - you'll see many problems with a lot of their bikes. For example, broken front forks - both suspension forks & solid forks.

Imagine riding along and all of a sudden the front wheel & complete front assembly falls off! If you're lucky, you won't get speared by the broken fork as you go down. Don't believe me? Take a look at the photos I'm adding to the right.

Remember this...Schwinn is now & has been for some time, part of Pacific Cycle. The same "cheapo" parts that go into a $77 Roadmaster go into that $150 - $200 Schwinn you see at the big box stores. Can you say Rip-Off boys & girls?

Pacific Cycle also makes Mongoose, Dyno and their own brand - Pacific Cycle. Walk into any Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Target & try to find a bike not made by Pacific Cycle.

Getting back to Schwinn for a moment... In the 1950's, Schwinn had a terrific idea. They started the Authorized...

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OldHippie says "When Friends Don't Listen" about Schwinn Ranger

OldHippie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:44:36 GMT

Yes folks...this is what happens when friends don't listen. My friend insisted, "It's just as good as one of those 'bike shop bikes' - only less money." (It was on sale for $149.00) He's had it two days and already asking me what I can do to upgrade it for him.

Contrary to the photo on the web page from Target, this Men's Schwinn Ranger did not come with the handlebar extensions - or bull horns as they are commonly called. Neither did it come with a water bottle cage & free water bottle as shown.

If you look closely at the Schwinn Ranger from Target, the Schwinn Sidewinder from Wal-Mart and the Schwinn Traverse from Toys 'R' Us...they are all the same. The only difference is the color. It's like comparing an older Chevy Camero to a Pontiac Firebird.

The first thing I did for my friend was flip the bike upside down & true up both the front & rear wheels for him. Yes sir...right from the store, the wheels wobbled. The second thing was to install an Avenir Groove Dual Saddle...

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chataababy says "afforadle & worth the price" about Walmart Bicycles

chataababy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:53:17 GMT

I bought my first bicicle in november of last year from Walmart. It only costed my roughly around $140 and it was on sale so i ended up paying only about $120. it was a green mountain bike and it works GREAT. i had thought it would be cheap and break fast but to my suprise it didnt ! its a mountain bike with all the gears and stuff. Later on, i found the SAME bicycle for around $200. I was really impressed on how well the bike works and how its not cheap like i expected it to be. Another bike that i had bought there was a little tricycle for my niece. I bought it around January it works perfectly and it even has adjustments so that even when she gets bigger she can adjust it to her size. All in all i think walmart has the best products & cheapest prices. [:

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OldHippie says "Another Loser From Pacific Bicycle" about Schwinn Link

OldHippie — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:13:48 GMT

Wal-Mart calls this a "mountain bike". WRONG! It's a Hybrid Bike - a cross between a mountain bike & a comfort bike.

The first thing I noticed about this bike is that it has no eyelets to mount a water bottle cage...unless you want to bolt on a handlebar mounted one. So, I guess Wal-Mart & Pacific Bicycle don't consider staying hydrated important. The second thing I noticed was there is no way to add a rear rack...period. Unless you want to use one of those useless clamp on ones that wrap around the seatpost...if you're tall enough to raise the seatpost up to accomodate it. If you're a shorter person...forget it.

Which brings up another point I've made before about these "big box store" bikes; it only comes in one frame size. (This particular model is 17.5") If you're 5' 4" tall, you're too short. If you're 6' 4" tall, you're too tall. These bikes are made for people of 'average' height - whatever Wal-Mart considers to be average. (?)

This bike may also be considered...

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shanvlasic says "The best child bike seat onthe market!" about iBert Safe-T Front Mounted Child Bicycle Seat

shanvlasic — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:20:58 GMT

I bought this seat for my 19 pound daughter- she LOVES the seat and it is super easy to assemble and remove from my bike. I love that she sits in front of me where not only can she see out and enjoy her ride instead of looking at my back- but that she feels safer in front of me and it is easier to load and unload her.

I am a tall woman 5'11" and I was leery about purchasing the seat because I thoughtmy knees would be hitting the back of the seat the entire time. They don't! She sits up far enough that it's an easy ride for both of us. Plus, it's not a strain on the handlebars of my bike like I originally thought either. The bike turns effortlessly,like there is no extra weight there at all.

I am SO happy with this purchase, and i'm nt the only one. My little one cried whe Itook her out of the seat! I have finally found a solution that works and now can get some excercise with my daughter in tow.

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OldHippie says "Cruise in Style" about Trek Navigator

OldHippie — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:33:40 GMT

Finding just the right bike can sometimes be so frustrating. Especially if you're stuck with a problem like mine...a bad back. I've been on the road bikes with drop down style handlebars. I've been on mountain or all-terrain bikes, which are slightly better. But, still the handlebars are kind of low. A hybrid bike with raised handlebars and a wider saddle (seat) is much more comfortable. Similar to my Raleigh Detour 3.0, the Trek Navigator comes in three versions, the Navigator 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. All three come in both a men's and ladies version.

The Navigator 1.0 is the most basic version with no suspension seat post and no suspension front forks. It's available only in a 7 speed version. List price is still a whopping $359.99. The 2.0 does have the suspension seat post & front forks for $429.99. Plus it's a 21 speed bike. The 3.0 has the most gear combinations possible with 24, three on the front crank and 8 on the rear hub. For $569.99 you get upgraded Bontrager...

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OldHippie says "Can I Give Zero Stars?" about Pacific Bicycle 700c Men's Schwinn Varsity

OldHippie — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:31:02 GMT

I've said it before...I'll say it again; "This is not your father's Schwinn." Although the name says Schwinn, it's actually made by Pacific Bicycle. For the Schwinn quality of days gone by - go to an authorized Schwinn dealer - a real bike shop.

First of all, it's sold by Wal-Mart. This brings up a complete sub-section. #1) It only comes in one frame size. If you're 5' 4" tall, this bike won't work. If you're 6' 4" tall, it won't work either...you're too tall for the bike. The bike only comes in a 55 cm. frame, good for someone of "average" height. (5' 9" to possibly 6 feet tall) #2) It's assembled by someone making minimum wage or worse. I've heard that some stores bring in outside help and pay them $5.00 per bike to assemble them. JEEZ! You're willing to risk your life on this? The 700c Men's Schwinn Varsity I found at a local Wal-Mart - the chain wasn't even on the crank. Also the brake pads were misaligned. Not to mention the saddle (seat). Oh, my GOD! ...

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OldHippie says "Picnic in the Park Anyone?" about SunLite Toploader 3 Bicycle Rack Bag

OldHippie — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:32:58 GMT

Now that I've added a SunLite Multi-Fit Rear Bicycle Rack to my Trek 820, the question was - "Do I add panniers or a rear rack bag?" How about a combination of both!

This SunLite Toploader 3 is great for picnics because the main compartment is insulated! It also has a collapsable top compartment, a rear compartment and the side compartments fold out & down to become mini-panniers. How much room do you need?

Granted, this isn't for a two or three day trip. But, for for a one day jaunt to the park with the kids, it'll hold at least a six-pack of soda or extra water bottles & sandwiches. The rear compartment is great for storing your bike lock and/or tools. As stated before, the side compartments fold out & down to become mini-panniers that fasten to your bike rack via bungee cords. For demonstration purposes, in the photos to the right, I placed two bath towels in the right side pannier - TWO!

This is one of the few cycling items I've found that the price was nearly...

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