staehpj1

I saw an article about Walmart selling a $6000 mountain bike and I was like, "What!". https://gearjunkie.com/viathon-walma...in-bike-review

It seems they won't actually be selling them in their stores or servicing them or anything like that. So Viathon is more like another online seller than actually a Walmart brand. I guess maybe it is something between Bikes Direct and Canyon or maybe just analogous to Canyon.

Anyway, it looks like they actually have a gravel bike with rack and fender mounts that would be pretty close to ideal for some folks ideas of what they'd like to tour on. Note, that I am not suggesting that it is a standard fully loaded touring bike or anything, but I could see myself with something along those lines even as an only bike, possibly with two sets of wheels given that I tour pretty light (not that I ever plan to have only one bike). It would be pretty versatile for on and off road even managing some single track.

I think I'd actually consider the 105 or Ultegra Gravel model at $1998 and $2898 respectively. The 105 sounds like a pretty good bang for the buck to me. I am almost tempted to order one, but they are out of stock on the 105 any way. https://www.viathonbicycles.com/coll...roducts/g1-105

There is concern of support by a LBS, but I have really never heard on any LBS here turning away bikes ordered online. My friends with bikes from Bikes Direct have had them set up and or serviced in shops without issue. Personally I have only ever hard a bike shop work on any of my bikes when I was on the road and didn't have the tools required. I do try to support the local shops by buying parts and supplies where they stock brands and models I like and don't gouge too badly. I don't mind paying extra, but won't buy stuff I don't like or over pay beyond a certain point (I tend to balk at the price when something costs 4x what I can order it shipped next day for).

Would you take a chance on a Viathon?

gpsblake

Done several tours on a Walmart Schwinn Sidewinder including two nearly 2,000 milers. Never a problem with the bike itself... Just the ordinary occasional flat, one loose screw from the rack I put on.

With the chinese tariffs going up, it goes for $199 now.

Ghazmh

My last bike from Walmart was a 1989 Murray.

Miele Man

I just saw a $630.83 price on Wal Mart site for a Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Tech III Fold Bike Tire, Black, 700x23c.

https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Vittori...RD5RDUEZEQ5BFL

I sure do hope that the price is a misprint. LOL VBEG ;<)

Cheers