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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

99.0. "GENERAL Made Bicycles" by COMET2::LEVETT () Fri Jul 11 1986 22:22

    Any opinions on the brand General bikes?  I'm going to purchase
    for my wife and myself and other the K-MART, Sears, etc., ranging
    from $65 -> $125 the next one were a pair of Generals at around
    $220. They both have a life warantee on the frame and a year on
    parts. The Mountain Shadow (mens) is a 12 speed, shifts very nicely,
    the shifters are on the handlebars and seems to be a very sturdy
    bike. The Mountaineer (ladies) is a 10 speed, basically the same
    and my wife likes it as well.  Being on a budget, these fell fairly
    nicely into our price range compared to others we saw that were
    *much* more expensive. We are both novices but don't want to be
    stuck with a lemon.
    
    Thanks..._stew-
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
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99.1just bewareNOVA::FISHERMon Jul 14 1986 06:4913
Most bike shops make a lot of their money tuning up the bikes in this
category. The parts just don't stay in adjustment -- "a year on parts" just
covers manufacturing defects.  Get yourself a good book on bike repair (a
subject of another note in this conference but I like Bicycling's) and be
prepared to keep them in good operating condition.  Such problems as
"brakes rubbing the wheel" are commonplace.

Another problem with "this type" is that the salespersons have little or
no real concern for fitting the bike, so if you develop elbow, back, knee,
neck pains caused by poor fit, they can give you the old "I don't know."

The sign over the side door to my Sears says, "Satisfaction guaranteed or your 
money back."  They can be bullied into honoring it if you have real problems.
99.2SEARS is for toolsAPOLLO::DEHAHNMon Jul 14 1986 12:0315
    
    Sears is not equipped to fit you properly to the bike. An improperly
    fitted bike will be nothing but pain and trouble for you. Bicycles
    also need parts and service. You'll have lots of fun getting parts
    and service for a Sears bike.
    
    Go to a bike shop. If you need a recommendation on a good one in
    your area, just speak up. $220 is well within the range of a
    "bike-shop" quality bicycle.

    I think you'll be much happier in the end.
    
    CdH_who_doesn't_own_a_bike_shop
    
    
99.3replyCOMET2::LEVETTMon Jul 14 1986 14:5613
    The General was in a bike shop...a shop that has been in this area
    for 27 odd years.  The owner did look at height and clearance from
    the top bar to the crotch as well as handlebar height, extended
    leg etc.  They seemed concerned with the customers (me) 'needs' as well
    as financial situation in that they didn't try to sell me anything
    I couldn't afford.  They also recommended staying away from the
    Sears, discount store bicycles and I believe that they are looking
    out for my 'best' interests.  My real concerns were geared more
    to the make of bicycle not being a Schwinn, Peugot (sp ?), or some
    of the other exotic expensive bikes I've seen.
    
    _stew-
    
99.4SUPER::CONNELLMon Jul 14 1986 20:207
    There are very good deals now on Japanese bikes.  You can get something
    new and backed with good service for under $250.
    
    Where do you live?
    
    Chuck
    
99.5GENRAL::WOESTEHOFFIt's the singer, not the songWed Jul 16 1986 19:338
P L E A S E   D O N ' T   B U Y   A   B I K E   F R O M   S E A R S,   
K M A R T   E T C.  ! ! ! ! !

You'll be much happier and safer with a bike from a reputable bike shop.
Also, read note 100.

                                         Keith