I was at Target today and I saw one of the Magna Electroshocks bikes. They are still there in some places. It was the mens bike and it was $49. The only thing is that the bike was a 24" and I am 6'2". Is this bike too small for me It was hanging up on the ceiling so I could not get on it.
target mountain bikes are still there! I saw one for $49
- Thread starter gplracer
- Start date
24" should be plenty big (actually a 20 or 22 should do for 6') Remeber You get what you pay for with cheapo bikes.
why you guys buy these cheap a$$ bikes?
they are unsafe, frame design is poor, brakes suck, rims bend, tires have no traction, it weighs 40 plus pounds, shift components are the cheapest stuff, they don't shift smooth, etc.
Just go to a bike shop, test a good bike and you will know.
they are unsafe, frame design is poor, brakes suck, rims bend, tires have no traction, it weighs 40 plus pounds, shift components are the cheapest stuff, they don't shift smooth, etc.
Just go to a bike shop, test a good bike and you will know.
blah...i'm not trying to be dave mirra or greg lemond. i got a nishiki already, so what? i wanna be sexy, some these bikes are so pretty LOL myself
edit about below: exactly what i was trying to say
edit about below: exactly what i was trying to say
I think you forget to realize people are buying these bikes b/c they're cheap. I'm a college student and my first huffy bike from target lasted over a year for $99. I figure if I use this magna electroshock for 6 months it's well worth it for $25. I may even put on a nice helmet and run it into the wall a few times, that's entertaining enough for the price of 3 movie tickets 
I think gplracer was talking about wheel size, since department store bikes usually don't have a choice in which frame size you can buy...so that 24" might be kinda small for you.
mechBgon
Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
- Oct 31, 1999
- 30,699
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As a professional bicycle mechanic, I sure don't recommend anything you can buy at Target. Better to spend a bit more on a decent used bike-shop brand. Not going to preach to you about it, though.
As for size, the frame size for someone 6'2" depends somewhat on how your body is proportioned, but most people who are 6'2" will want at least a 21" frame, or more likely a 23" if they're not going to do any hard off-roading. The frame size is not the nominal wheel/tire size, REPEAT, the frame size is NOT the nominal wheel/tire size. And as yakswak said, department-store bikes don't usually come in more than one frame size, so any size you see listed at Target is probably the nominal wheel size. A bike with 24" wheels is for kids up to about 5'2", or a very small adult.
Just for comparison, Schwinn's least-expensive mountain bike, the Frontier, comes in 10 different frame sizes: a boys' and girls' 12" frame with 24" wheels; and a 13", 15", 17", 19", 21" and 23" mens' frame with 26" wheels; and a 16" and 19" ladies' frame with 26" wheels. It is a well-made bicycle and more importantly, it will be properly assembled, tuned, warrantied and supported by your local dealer and his/her trained mechanics. If you factor its lower maintenance costs, longer lifespan and trade-in value, it is actually very competitive. Find a used one for $150, ride it for a couple years, trade it in for $60...
...or get the ill-fitting, badly-assembled Target special. Your rear wheel bearings will typically be shot after about three months of daily normal non-abusive usage, and you will be at your local bicycle shop spending $25 for a new wheel and $10 labor for the mechanic to use his specialty tools to do the job on your $49 bike. And you will be suffering the inconvenience of walking/riding the bus while he does your repair. And don't bring it in later hoping to trade it in, not where I work, because I will politely tell you that we don't take that kind of bicycle on trade-in.
DOH! I slipped into rant mode! Sorry but I've dealt with it for 11 years, wanted to let you know my perspective.
As for size, the frame size for someone 6'2" depends somewhat on how your body is proportioned, but most people who are 6'2" will want at least a 21" frame, or more likely a 23" if they're not going to do any hard off-roading. The frame size is not the nominal wheel/tire size, REPEAT, the frame size is NOT the nominal wheel/tire size. And as yakswak said, department-store bikes don't usually come in more than one frame size, so any size you see listed at Target is probably the nominal wheel size. A bike with 24" wheels is for kids up to about 5'2", or a very small adult.
Just for comparison, Schwinn's least-expensive mountain bike, the Frontier, comes in 10 different frame sizes: a boys' and girls' 12" frame with 24" wheels; and a 13", 15", 17", 19", 21" and 23" mens' frame with 26" wheels; and a 16" and 19" ladies' frame with 26" wheels. It is a well-made bicycle and more importantly, it will be properly assembled, tuned, warrantied and supported by your local dealer and his/her trained mechanics. If you factor its lower maintenance costs, longer lifespan and trade-in value, it is actually very competitive. Find a used one for $150, ride it for a couple years, trade it in for $60...
...or get the ill-fitting, badly-assembled Target special. Your rear wheel bearings will typically be shot after about three months of daily normal non-abusive usage, and you will be at your local bicycle shop spending $25 for a new wheel and $10 labor for the mechanic to use his specialty tools to do the job on your $49 bike. And you will be suffering the inconvenience of walking/riding the bus while he does your repair. And don't bring it in later hoping to trade it in, not where I work, because I will politely tell you that we don't take that kind of bicycle on trade-in.
DOH! I slipped into rant mode! Sorry
but I've dealt with it for 11 years, wanted to let you know my perspective.sir, i see what you're saying (and agree somewhat), but i went to a bike shop in midtown a few yrs back to ask about a tune-up for the nishiki. guy said no problem, it'll cost $75. came back two days later to confirm the price to get my money together, different guy's there, he says "sure no problem, it'll be $150" (I AM NOT JOKING). needless to say, it sits in the corner of my apt. if i buy this bike for $25 and ride for a month in july/june, i've made my money back. i have an s-10 and a honda civic, so i'm not necessarily(sp?) hurtin for transp rite now. your opinion has been noted however
(I AM NOT JOKING). needless to say, it sits in the corner of my apt. if i buy this bike for $25 and ride for a month in july/june, i've made my money back. i have an s-10 and a honda civic, so i'm not necessarily(sp?) hurtin for transp rite now. your opinion has been noted however
mechBgon
Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
- Oct 31, 1999
- 30,699
- 1
- 0
Whoa! That must be a heck of a tune-up, we only charge $45 labor. Before you commit to anything, they should itemize what they are charging in parts and labor. Make them explain to your satisfaction what each item is, how it will benefit you, and whether it is an optional item or truly necessary. Personally, I use a big dry-erase board, give the bicycle a thorough analysis, write down everything, explain it in non-technical language, and mark out what is "nice," what is necessary, and if I can think of a way to save them money I will suggest it.
If you need a second opinion, just email me at my Profile addy and I'll do what I can. I'm out of a job right now, so I have the time.
edit: thought maybe a rundown on tune-ups was in order. A bicycle tune-up should consist of
1) adjusting the four main bearings: front wheel bearing, rear wheel bearing, fork bearing (aka "headset" and crank bearing (aka "bottom bracket".
2) adjusting the straightness and roundness of the wheels to their best potential (this process is usually called "truing" the wheels)
3) ajusting the brake systems to their best potential
4) adjusting the shifting to its best potential
Additionally, the tires are topped off and the chain is lubricated, and most shops will make an effort to clean the bicycle up a bit, so that the bicycle looks like it's been worked on (the other adjustments are what a tune-up is all about, but many customers assume a bicycle has not been worked on unless it is cleaner than when they brought it in).
Many bicycles do need additional parts. Some items wear out (duh) and need replacement, which involves extra parts and often extra labor. Some people also request changes to adapt their bicycle to their needs better, which usually falls outside the realm of a tune-up's labor charge unless it's something very quick like installing a better seat.
Some bicycles are also brought in in such a dirty condition that they need extra cleaning, and possibly the solvent-tanking of the drivetrain components.
Hope that is useful info to someone.
edit #2: many customers also come in and request an "overhaul" when they are thinking of an overall bicycle adjustment. An overhaul is actually a very extensive repair in which the bicycle's bearings are actually dismantled and cleaned, usually in a solvent tank, and then rebuilt with fresh bearings and grease. A mechanic who is not helpful may just quote you the overhaul price if you say "overhaul," instead of finding out whether your bicycle needs an overhaul or just a tune-up.
If you need a second opinion, just email me at my Profile addy and I'll do what I can. I'm out of a job right now, so I have the time.
edit: thought maybe a rundown on tune-ups was in order. A bicycle tune-up should consist of
1) adjusting the four main bearings: front wheel bearing, rear wheel bearing, fork bearing (aka "headset"
and crank bearing (aka "bottom bracket".2) adjusting the straightness and roundness of the wheels to their best potential (this process is usually called "truing" the wheels)
3) ajusting the brake systems to their best potential
4) adjusting the shifting to its best potential
Additionally, the tires are topped off and the chain is lubricated, and most shops will make an effort to clean the bicycle up a bit, so that the bicycle looks like it's been worked on (the other adjustments are what a tune-up is all about, but many customers assume a bicycle has not been worked on unless it is cleaner than when they brought it in).
Many bicycles do need additional parts. Some items wear out (duh) and need replacement, which involves extra parts and often extra labor. Some people also request changes to adapt their bicycle to their needs better, which usually falls outside the realm of a tune-up's labor charge unless it's something very quick like installing a better seat.
Some bicycles are also brought in in such a dirty condition that they need extra cleaning, and possibly the solvent-tanking of the drivetrain components.
Hope that is useful info to someone.
edit #2: many customers also come in and request an "overhaul" when they are thinking of an overall bicycle adjustment. An overhaul is actually a very extensive repair in which the bicycle's bearings are actually dismantled and cleaned, usually in a solvent tank, and then rebuilt with fresh bearings and grease. A mechanic who is not helpful may just quote you the overhaul price if you say "overhaul," instead of finding out whether your bicycle needs an overhaul or just a tune-up.
$50 bikes are great for most people. Spending even $100 is far too much.
Most bikes will be used several times, then parked for months before they are used again. Maybe the Shimono 18 speed grip shifter components aren't the best, but they sure beat the 10 speeds sold 15 years ago, and seem to work very well.
Telling people to not get these because they need a "Real Bike", is like telling Grandma she needs a 1.5Ghz P4 PC with: DSL, 512meg ram, 60Gig, GeForce2 64meg, 19" monitor, bla, bla, bla, so that she can send the grand kids email. Anything less would be crap right? Wrong. Grandma can get by with a 486 to do what she plans on doing. Same holds true with the $50 bikes. Most can easily do what they want with a $50 bike.
The $45 to $150 bike tuneup cracks me up.
You can get a car tuned up for $39.95, and that includes parts.
Heck, a major job like packing the wheel bearings, balancing and aligning the tires, and adjusting the brakes, costs around $100 total.
For a real bike, this looks like a good deal :
The bike shock alone costs $400, and it's a HOT DEAL!!
Most bikes will be used several times, then parked for months before they are used again. Maybe the Shimono 18 speed grip shifter components aren't the best, but they sure beat the 10 speeds sold 15 years ago, and seem to work very well.
Telling people to not get these because they need a "Real Bike", is like telling Grandma she needs a 1.5Ghz P4 PC with: DSL, 512meg ram, 60Gig, GeForce2 64meg, 19" monitor, bla, bla, bla, so that she can send the grand kids email. Anything less would be crap right? Wrong. Grandma can get by with a 486 to do what she plans on doing. Same holds true with the $50 bikes. Most can easily do what they want with a $50 bike.
The $45 to $150 bike tuneup cracks me up.
You can get a car tuned up for $39.95, and that includes parts.
Heck, a major job like packing the wheel bearings, balancing and aligning the tires, and adjusting the brakes, costs around $100 total.
For a real bike, this looks like a good deal
:The bike shock alone costs $400, and it's a HOT DEAL!!
Now they have the Concord ProFever II 26 inch bikes on sale reg 111 now 39.94 could find a sku but the model was 702640
I agree. People get these bikes because of the price.
So what if you only use them once. You got your money's worth.
It took awhile for these deals to get to my local Target, but I bought 2 (1 men's and 1 women' = $50.00) Beat that!
For those of you who purchased these bikes, here's something interesting you may want to read. There's a Recall for these bikes, but not to worry.., you can get a replacement FORK for free.
PS. I'm still keeping my bike =)
Read below:
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dynacraft Recall Hotline: (800) 551-0032
September 26, 2000 CPSC Contact: Kim Dulic
Release # 00-187 (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
CPSC, Dynacraft Industries Announce Recall of Mountain Bikes Sold at Target Stores
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dynacraft Industries Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 24,800 mountain bikes. Because some were not welded properly, the front suspension forks on these bicycles can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider. Dynacraft is aware of 23 reports of injury to riders when the forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included a concussion, fractures, cuts, bruises, back strain, and chipped and lost teeth.
The recall involves 26-inch Vertical XL2, and 24-inch and 26-inch Magna Electroshock mountain bikes. The Vertical XL2 mountain bikes have model number 8526-26, were manufactured in July 1999 and have chrome frames. The Magna Electroshock mountain bikes have model numbers 8504- 90, 8504-96, 8548-78 or 8548-94, were manufactured July 1999 through October 1999, and have frames that are chrome and blue, blue and yellow, purple, and black. A label affixed to the frame near the crank identifies the model, and the year, month and day of manufacture. Another label nearby reads: "Dynacraft Industries" and "Made in China."
Earlier this year, Dynacraft Industries announced the recall of the about 19,000 26-inch Vertical XL2 mountain bikes manufactured the week of October 11, 1999. This announcement expands the scope of that recall.
Target Stores nationwide sold the Vertical XL2 mountain bikes from August 1999 through February 2000 and the Magna Electroshock from August 1999 through August 2000. Both model bikes sold for between $100 and $140.
Consumers should stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target Store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or free replacement bicycle of equal value. For more information or to receive a free replacement fork by mail, call Dynacraft Industries Inc. at (800) 551-0032 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Bicycles that have a label that reads "Fork made Jan., 2000" or "Fork made July 2000" at the bottom of the fork are not subject to this recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. For information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call the above numbers or visit the web site at http://cpsc.gov/about/who.html. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.
So what if you only use them once. You got your money's worth.
It took awhile for these deals to get to my local Target, but I bought 2 (1 men's and 1 women' = $50.00) Beat that!
For those of you who purchased these bikes, here's something interesting you may want to read. There's a Recall for these bikes, but not to worry.., you can get a replacement FORK for free.
PS. I'm still keeping my bike =)
Read below:
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dynacraft Recall Hotline: (800) 551-0032
September 26, 2000 CPSC Contact: Kim Dulic
Release # 00-187 (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
CPSC, Dynacraft Industries Announce Recall of Mountain Bikes Sold at Target Stores
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dynacraft Industries Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 24,800 mountain bikes. Because some were not welded properly, the front suspension forks on these bicycles can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider. Dynacraft is aware of 23 reports of injury to riders when the forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included a concussion, fractures, cuts, bruises, back strain, and chipped and lost teeth.
The recall involves 26-inch Vertical XL2, and 24-inch and 26-inch Magna Electroshock mountain bikes. The Vertical XL2 mountain bikes have model number 8526-26, were manufactured in July 1999 and have chrome frames. The Magna Electroshock mountain bikes have model numbers 8504- 90, 8504-96, 8548-78 or 8548-94, were manufactured July 1999 through October 1999, and have frames that are chrome and blue, blue and yellow, purple, and black. A label affixed to the frame near the crank identifies the model, and the year, month and day of manufacture. Another label nearby reads: "Dynacraft Industries" and "Made in China."
Earlier this year, Dynacraft Industries announced the recall of the about 19,000 26-inch Vertical XL2 mountain bikes manufactured the week of October 11, 1999. This announcement expands the scope of that recall.
Target Stores nationwide sold the Vertical XL2 mountain bikes from August 1999 through February 2000 and the Magna Electroshock from August 1999 through August 2000. Both model bikes sold for between $100 and $140.
Consumers should stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target Store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or free replacement bicycle of equal value. For more information or to receive a free replacement fork by mail, call Dynacraft Industries Inc. at (800) 551-0032 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Bicycles that have a label that reads "Fork made Jan., 2000" or "Fork made July 2000" at the bottom of the fork are not subject to this recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. For information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call the above numbers or visit the web site at http://cpsc.gov/about/who.html. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.
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