Should I buy a cheap bike?

I have a very inexpensive bicycle I use as a grocery getter! Came from a yard sale, and I have rattle can painted it several horrid colors: bars, tyres, and wheels so it will not be a desirable one for a thief. I have several Cannonade, & one very expensive Jamis bicycle that are a dream to ride, and I put many miles on all of them every week. Compared to the yard sale (grocery getter) the pedal effort is minimum, but I would never dream of winding a bare or plastic covered chain around the light weight aluminum or carbon frame of these light weight bicycles. I have purchased and sold a number of bicycles using craigslist, and there is a great difference in pedal effort between a Big Box store and a local bike shop bottom end units. I live in the Southwest section of the states where we only get 4 inchs of rain per year, and it is easy to keep a bicycle clean and properly maintained. If you live in a wetter area, the damage that can occur to the frame and components is far different. The build, along with finish, especially the quality of components becomes far more critical, and required maintenance can determine how much and when you use your bicycle. A mass produced bicycle sold cheaply is not going to be assembled as well, and the component and finish quality are never going to be the same. Also the Big Box retailer will sell you a maladjusted bike, but a specialist bike shop should have their reputation riding with you and the bicycle will be ready to ride without needing the wheels re tensioned, trued, or rebuilt, or brake levers adjusted so you can stop. A simple test ride should provide the tactile feed back you need to know to make a purchase. JR

A bike is only as good as the person that put it together, I have cheap bikes that are over 5 years old & older and with routine maintenance they still ride today and I have an average bike assembling skill but if you are willing to spend money on the more expensive one and it fits and comfortable for you than get it because it's for you and no one else but you.

A bike from a shop will be much better quality and last a lot longer. The components will be much better and they come in different sizes so they are more comfortable to ride. If you have never owned a shop quality bike before you would never know the difference. Go for a test ride and find out for yourself.

Boys’ Magna 20" Invader BMX Bike Product Features * Features a deluxe freestyle frame with full rotor and cable set and front and rear bulldog-style brakes * Includes front and rear peg sets * Vinyl spring cushioned seat * Assembly required

I may ride a cheap bike myself but I would not buy my wife a cheap bike... nor a cheap bottle of wine.

go for the pricier bike!!!!!! i find the 600 range is pretty good. cheaper bike break alot easier and wear out much faster. if u use a cheap bike for only a few times a mouth or less it could last forever with regular lubrication. however, in the past i have bought 300 dollar bikes that i used on a daily basis and the had broken arts after a year, and by two years i had to get a new one cuz it was just to unsafe to use the bike, and too costly to get all new parts. the easiest part to break are the derailer and brakes. good luck in your future bike endeavors!!

Your friend is DEAD wrong. Watch the video linked below. Yeah...a cheap bike may last 10 years IF taken care of properly & IF it's ridden very gingerly & IF the owner knows basic mechanics or takes it in for a tune-up at a bike shop. A lot of "IFS". Chances are - most people don't do this. Cheap bikes have single wall rims. Better bikes have double wall rims. Cheap bikes have the old, out-dated & weaker "freewheel hub". Better bikes use a Shimano "freehub & cassette". Cheap bikes have inferior brakes. Better bikes have brakes by the top manufacturers in the world. Cheap bikes contain or are made from a lot of steel. Better bikes are usually made from aluminum which is lighter & just as strong. Need I go on? Real bicycle shops do not sell toys & Toys 'R Us does not sell real bicycles. Neither does Halfords, Tesco or Argos. It's as simple as that.