TreyWestgate

The one thing I have noticed is how the big run of the mill bikes that are the cheap junk are also in one size fits all. this must be to cut down production costs as well.

But does it mean that better brands are those who also make their bikes in multiple sizes?.

Not too many brands make bikes as big as I use.

21" mtb 61cm road.

Is there a way to tell if it is something of more attention or just a burger joint bike?.

I go by size availability alone.

never found a big box bike that fit.

Yet again maybe more variety doesn't mean a better brand.

one example might be how Dick,s sporting goods has diamond backs and some are extra large sizes.

TenSpeedV2

What exactly are you asking? Your post is all over the place.

CliffordK

Some stores like Dick's Sporting Goods have moderate quality bikes. Generally far above Walmart and department store bikes.

But... perhaps the distinction would be the quality of the build, and many of the Dick's bikes will at least be a mid quality.

One note.. I broke a quick release right in front of a Dick's store... so I hoped to get the repair part. They said that they could order one and have there in a week. Not much help when I was 15 miles from home with a broken bike. Just keep in mind, the don't really have high class after sales support.

There are a number of large frame vintage bikes, including some quite large Schwinn Varsity bikes (which probably hit the bottom tier of shop bikes, one step above the department store bikes).

Stucky

Heh! That's an interesting concept. It does seem, that the better the bike, the better the range of sizes it comes it comes in, and the smaller the interval between sizes- i.e. most bikes of good to excellent quality usually size their bikes in 2cm intervals- while the big box/BSO/Schwinn/Huffy stuff, if offered in varying sizes at all, will usually come in small, medium and large...if that.

I guess the same can be said about a lot of other products, too. I mean ,if you go to buy a suit, and there's just a tag on the collar that says "L".....chances are, it's probably made of polyester and has stripes, and is intended for cigar-smoking used car salesmen.

If you go to buy a hammer, instead of seeing weight in ounces, they're just sorted by labels like "Women & children", "Inept men" and "BFH" , it's safe to assume that they're not of professional quality, eh?

How about one size fits all curtains? Just cut off what ya don't need?

Stucky

Yeah, big guys are lucky! The bigger bikes usually sell cheaper on the used market! There are a few Kleins on Ebay right now for $300 (!!!) in 61cm.

CliffordK

How tall is the OP?

There is a tendency towards smaller bikes now, at least with the high performance racing bikes. But, 60cm bikes (and frames) are still quite common, and it isn't uncommon to find 61cm and 62cm frames. Perhaps the "comfort bikes" also tend to get taller head tubes too.

It really isn't until one hits 64 to 70cm that they start becoming a bit rare. Still, as Stucky mentions, the really tall bikes do regularly show up on the used market, and are often cheaper than expected as they don't always move quickly.

Personally, I don't think of myself as fitting a single bike. But rather a range of sizes from about 54cm to about 60cm. But, really, if it has 2 pedals and 2 tires... I'll ride it.

I suppose in a sense, the department store bikes are more of one-size-fits-all... but one has them with tires from 12" (or smaller?) up to 32" Designed for short people... but how do they ride for tall riders?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/36877053

katsup

But you often have to wait for the bike you want to show up in your size. Not to mention that when you are at a shop, the response I usually hear is "we can order it".

Maxacceleration

Diamondback and Mongoose have lowered their quality and gone dept store in recent years. They are not like the DB and 'Gooses of years past. Once upon a time they made some pretty decent bikes.

cb400bill

I can't speak of Mongoose, but Diamondback is back in a big way.

https://www.diamondback.com/shop/bikes/road

Maxacceleration

Thats good news, and WOW, thats quite the line up.

TenSpeedV2

Mongoose also makes decent quality bikes as well - not just the garbage found at big box stores.

Mongoose | Selous Expert
Mongoose | Teocali Expert

And don't forget that they sponsor Chris Akrigg.

dabac

A big box bike, BSO etc is a bike built of very cheap parts through and through. Some might even say inferior. Size is not part of the definition.
But yeah, limiting the number of sizes made is usually part of the cost-cutting operation.
Still, it'd be no problem as such to have an XL or even XXL BSO made.

no1mad 

tl;dr thread
Actually, I think the current phrase is "One Size Fits Most" (OSFM). It gives them an out in case someone whines about fit. Personally, I think they should just tell the truth and state "One Size Fits... Maybe".

DaveQ24

I'm only reading this thread because I need to get up and ride ... but looking out the window at Winter Storm Caly blowing in to town from my vantage point warm under a down quilt in a recliner by the fireplace makes it so hard to get up!

Skewers - something I never considered throwing into my emergency repair kit - but I will this morning before I leave.

CliffordK

That may be the only skewer I've ever snapped like that.

I was towing a trailer, and snagged the lever with the trailer, twisting it, and the threaded end broke. I now frequently am found with levers on the right side

Anyway, the next stop was the Building Supply Store across the street from Dick's where I snagged some #10 threaded rod and a few nuts and washers, which got me home.

See:
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...back-home.html

shelbyfv

Big Box for Big Folks! Our Walmart is packed with potential Clydes.

AlexCyclistRoch

The deciding factor is usually weight. If it weighs more than 40 lbs, it's junk.

Stucky

If they made Walmart bikes in bigger sizes, how would the fat-asses who buy them fit them in the little motorized shopping carts that they range around the store on???

EnjoyinTheRide

They wheel up to customer service and have the "bike shop" attendant bring it to their van lol which is usually parked right in front of the swing doors between the yellow lines where the fire trucks park lol

CliffordK

20 lbs?

zze86

Surlys are not too far off from that weight. Fat bikes are definitely in that range regardless of brand. All junk?

EnjoyinTheRide

Idk , if you can base the quality of a bike based on a weight of "x" over...You can have a light weight bike with a heavy beating person on it and that counters that...You can be a "jockey on a horse" so to speak and ride a bike that is considered "heavy" but yet as little impact from the rider. Quality is based on "specs" and not simply total weight factor...which can be important within the intended use but not necessarily overall

When it comes to sizing within a line, what drives that is the intended use of the mfg models. One might find the road bikes have more options in size compared to a mountain bike or even multi use. I dont think that is driven by price and sales channel (walmart example) but rather intended use. Cruisers are basic sizes a 29 is rare but they exist.

If we probably looked at the history of these mfg's we would most likely see some trend in sizing. And I would guess it would be specific to the type and mfg's market..

bmthom.gis

I have no idea what this thread is about. Are you trying to determine if a bike is a decent bike? Google is your friend. Best way to tell how good a quality a bike is is to be familiar with the component hierarchy.

coffeesnob

A lot of things once upon a time were made pretty decent.

coffeesnob

they would have to scoot the snicker bars potato chips and diet pepsi to the side.