Well I ended up buying the $58 Roadmaster Mt Fury - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

01-02-2005, 04:29 PM

Sad to say, I bought it Saturday, rode it Sunday, returned it to Walmart
on Sunday afternoon.

I checked the bike out before buying at Walmart, it was assembled
properly, brakes working, shifters working. Bought it at $61 bucks
including tax. All the bikes at this Walmart seemed to be assembled
properly. It even felt lighter than the Schwinn's. Decided at that time
not to buy slicks for it at this time. I get it home, replaced the
saddle with my good one. Then went for a ride on Sunday. A 20 miler....
well......

At first the bike handled and rode well for a mt bike. I could actually
access all the gears I would need and compared to real Mountain Bikes,
this one had a 48 front so I rode on a flats at a 48-14. Not bad
considering, I was churing along pretty well. Brakes looked cheap but
worked. Little itty bitty brake pad. But when I hit a hill with 300 foot
climb in under a mile, the chain snapped. Right in the middle too. I
have no idea why it snaped, it happened as I was going up the hill and
standing up. Thank goodness I didn't wreck. The second thing I noticed
is the plastic pedal already had a crack in it! I weigh 165.

Sigh, so after my wife rescued me because I was smart enough to carry a
cellphone, I went right away returned the bike to Walmart, and after
waiting in line with other returnees, got my money back, no questions
asked. Nice return policy. So I went and got me the Schwinn Sidewinder
at $141 including tax. I'll report on how this bike does on the 20 mile
loop when I can go again on Wednesday. Just going by the feel of it, it
looks more solid. If it doesn't, I'll return this one.

I'll report back.