Joe wrote:
Walmart has a Schwinn Sidewinder for $139.72. It's Chinese made and looks
pretty well made.

Does anyone have an opinion one way or the other about this bicycle? Any
other bike in this price range that would be considered a better deal for
an adult rider?

Also, this bike has front shock absorbers on the fork. Are these subject
to wearing out? Can they be left alone even if they wear out? Do they
cost much to replace? How are they maintained?

Personally, I would prefer no shock absorbers, but it looks like almost
all the bikes at Walmart have them.


The key is really the weight of the frame, and the interchangability of
components. Sure a folk can wear out or break, many cheaper forks are
simply springs, mind you it may be possible to replace a cheap fork with
a better one when it breaks (although it might costs as much as the bike
did), if one of the springs breaks, simply use the handymans secret
weapon, duct tape :-) lots of duct-tape to keep it from collapsing.
Properly, you could probably find someone with a welder, and weld the
thing in place as well. If your new to cycling, starting with a 45lb
gas-pipe bike, may not be doing yourself any favours.

Now another option, and a better one, IMHO, call your local bike shops,
and see if any have a nice used bike in your price range. This gives
you an ability to build a relationship with the folks that can help you
if you have problems later on. Your also likely to get a lighter bike
with better components.....

W