Shimano "equipped" Target bikes VS. Profesional bike store bike?? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

RuOkay · 01-09-2008, 08:30 PM

Whats the difference? I saw a schwinn MTN bike at Target that looked pretty good (schwinn makes good bike right?) It had "aheadset stem", hardtail with front suspension and its said that it was Shimano "equipped". Now whats is the difference b/w that bike from Target and another bike in roughly the same price bracket ($130-40 maybe a little more) at a professional bike store? And does shimano "equipped" mean the same thing as something with shimano from a bike store?

Thanks

Michael W · 01-09-2008, 08:30 PM

Shiman equipped doesn't really mean alot. There are different levels of shimano components, just like Nike shoes, you can buy a pair for $50 or as much as $200. The front suspension on that bike also isnt going to be as good as the ones at a bike shop. It really depends on what kind of riding you will be doing though. If you are going to ride casually around the neighborhood or something the Target bike would probably be good. If you plan od doing any kind of serious mountain bikinbg though you probably want to go to a bike store. you can get a pretty good entry level mountain bike for around $500. It will last alot longer and most bike shops offer free adjustments to the bike.

damian · 01-09-2008, 08:30 PM

Shimano make truck loads of group sets for a range of different bikes. The pro bike stores usually carry bikes with group sets weighted toward the top end of the Shimano range.

Cheaper bikes are priced that way for a reason. It's not just economies of scale affording a cheaper deal. Cheaper bikes usually have group sets that are less reliable, less adjustable, and quite a bit heavier.

If you want to actually get into riding, you should keep in mind that parts wear out and need to be serviced and or replaced.

A bike that is serviceable will have a longer life and cost less in the long term than an unserviceable rig.

Cheaper bikes are typically equipped with a smaller range of serviceability. eg: you can't replace chain rings but have to remove and discard the whole crank set and probably the bottom bracket too. . . costly!

The bikes in the big chain stores usually don't have Shimano accredited mechanics assembling and servicing them.

There is no free lunch.

dreamcatchermwhk · 01-09-2008, 08:35 PM

Shimano has many variations of their product lines from discount versions to top of the line pro versions. Schwinn and other brand names are the same. A cheaper department store bike is exactly that, a cheap version with professional name. If you are a casual rider, the Wal-Mart specials will do, but any kind of real off road biking requires a brand name "bike store" bike. You won't likely find a bike at a professional store for $140 either.