Why is there such a big price difference between a Target bike for $100 vs the $600+ bikes at the bike store?
There are a number of differences between “department store” bikes and bike shop bikes. I am an avid mountain biker so this mostly relates to mountain bikes, but the principals apply to both on and off-road bikes. (I bought a relatively cheap bike shop bike about 18 months ago, a Mongoose Wing Comp ($450) with mid-range componentry but with bad rims; I have already replaced it with a Jamis Dakar XC Comp ($1,800). The Mongoose has a decent frame, but the componentry just won’t hold up; I am a proponent of saving your money and buying a better bike; you will be much happier and you won’t get stranded on a trail because of sub-standart equipment) First, the frames are not designed to be ridden the same; on all dpt. store bikes, there is a sticker that will warn you that this bike is not made for jumping or competitive riding; the metal is much cheaper and often much heavier, more brittle, welds are not as good, the derailleru hangers are not replacable (MTB) which is extremely important w
