Get your next Carbon Bike at Walmart... Ok, I'll Start
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 463
Bikes: 02 Litespeed Ultimate, 84 & 85 Raleigh Grand Prix, '84 Raleigh Prestige, 85 Raleigh 555 RSL, '20 Raleigh Tamland, 38 Raleigh, 85 Landshark "Raleigh", '84 Marinoni Levi's Raleigh, SB4484, SB7979, Raleigh SSCXWC, 87 Raleigh USA 531 Prototype
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 147 Times
in
79 Posts
Get your next Carbon Bike at Walmart... Ok, I'll Start
https://www.walmart.com/cp/viathon-b..._fbins_enp_spg
"I can't believe Timmy the seasonal furniture assembly kid fitted me to the wrong length stem!"
"I can't believe Timmy the seasonal furniture assembly kid fitted me to the wrong length stem!"
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
145 Posts
So much faulty logic. But hey, if it makes you feel better about yourself. Might as well put in the Rapha is now walmart tripe.
Likes For tagaproject6:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 781
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 479 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
156 Posts
No worse than any other website. It's not like you're going to see the bikes on the rack in the store.
The backstory is as legit as any manufacturer, i.e. a bunch of bike industry guys partnered with a massive retailer... designed a frameset, found a contract manufacturer, spec'ed familiar components... We've seen this movie many times. But this time, the biggest e/retailer in the world is behind it.
https://gearjunkie.com/walmart-high-...s-grow-cycling
The backstory is as legit as any manufacturer, i.e. a bunch of bike industry guys partnered with a massive retailer... designed a frameset, found a contract manufacturer, spec'ed familiar components... We've seen this movie many times. But this time, the biggest e/retailer in the world is behind it.
https://gearjunkie.com/walmart-high-...s-grow-cycling
Likes For Zaskar:
Likes For Cypress:
#6
Non omnino gravis
So should we also hate on Vizio because they make TVs that are exclusively sold through big box stores and chains?
When a startup bike builder partners with WalMart, you are guaranteed to receive a product, quality TBD. If you throw some money at a Kickstarter, you may well get nothing.
I have a 0% chance of buying a Viathon bike, while at the same time have 0% issue with WalMart selling them.
When a startup bike builder partners with WalMart, you are guaranteed to receive a product, quality TBD. If you throw some money at a Kickstarter, you may well get nothing.
I have a 0% chance of buying a Viathon bike, while at the same time have 0% issue with WalMart selling them.
Likes For DrIsotope:
#7
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 463
Bikes: 02 Litespeed Ultimate, 84 & 85 Raleigh Grand Prix, '84 Raleigh Prestige, 85 Raleigh 555 RSL, '20 Raleigh Tamland, 38 Raleigh, 85 Landshark "Raleigh", '84 Marinoni Levi's Raleigh, SB4484, SB7979, Raleigh SSCXWC, 87 Raleigh USA 531 Prototype
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 147 Times
in
79 Posts
Likes For La Brea Bike:
#8
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 463
Bikes: 02 Litespeed Ultimate, 84 & 85 Raleigh Grand Prix, '84 Raleigh Prestige, 85 Raleigh 555 RSL, '20 Raleigh Tamland, 38 Raleigh, 85 Landshark "Raleigh", '84 Marinoni Levi's Raleigh, SB4484, SB7979, Raleigh SSCXWC, 87 Raleigh USA 531 Prototype
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 147 Times
in
79 Posts
So should we also hate on Vizio because they make TVs that are exclusively sold through big box stores and chains?
When a startup bike builder partners with WalMart, you are guaranteed to receive a product, quality TBD. If you throw some money at a Kickstarter, you may well get nothing.
I have a 0% chance of buying a Viathon bike, while at the same time have 0% issue with WalMart selling them.
When a startup bike builder partners with WalMart, you are guaranteed to receive a product, quality TBD. If you throw some money at a Kickstarter, you may well get nothing.
I have a 0% chance of buying a Viathon bike, while at the same time have 0% issue with WalMart selling them.
#9
Heft On Wheels
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 3,123
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 560 Times
in
346 Posts
I don't see an issues with Walmart selling these bikes. They get a bad wrap because they are sold though Walmart. Have not seen a lot of in depth reviews yet but so far they look and sound pretty decent. The price isn't the best but for a decent carbon frame its there. I actually like the fact that a guy with resources at Walmart and a passion for cycling can do this. I think its pretty awesome actually. I wish I had the money and resources to start my own personal bike line.
Bad mouth Walmart all you want ( and I don't shop there either) but if you read about what the grandson I think he is from Walmart has done for cycling community, culture, and infrastructure in and around Bentonville, AR and the area I think he is probably a pretty cool guy. Its easy to do with money but he actually did it!
I am not going to purchase one but can't put them down either. I think they will be fine, assuming I or my LBS can put the thing together.
I will say your correct, they DO suck at making a TV.
Bad mouth Walmart all you want ( and I don't shop there either) but if you read about what the grandson I think he is from Walmart has done for cycling community, culture, and infrastructure in and around Bentonville, AR and the area I think he is probably a pretty cool guy. Its easy to do with money but he actually did it!
I am not going to purchase one but can't put them down either. I think they will be fine, assuming I or my LBS can put the thing together.
I will say your correct, they DO suck at making a TV.
Likes For sdmc530:
#10
Senior Member
I think they look pretty good. I won't buy one since I ride my own stuff, but they do look nice.
#11
Junior Member
Interesting for sure, at least at the current sale prices. At regular MSRP not so much. Specs are only available for the frame sets not the built up bikes, so no info on stem lengths, crank lengths, handlebar specs, or centerline crank to ground distance. Also, the warranty is only 2 years. Clearly they aren’t targeting discerning cyclists who are very particular about what they want in a bike. Still, I find myself checking the reviews to learn more. The few reviews available are fairly positive. Just window shopping, as I’m not really looking to part with any money on another bike. I think at the current sale prices I might take a chance if I really wanted a high end gravel bike. 60 day return to the local Walmart means no shipping costs. Really, seems like a seamless trial. Anyway, it will be interesting to see how the Viathon line develops.
#12
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 463
Bikes: 02 Litespeed Ultimate, 84 & 85 Raleigh Grand Prix, '84 Raleigh Prestige, 85 Raleigh 555 RSL, '20 Raleigh Tamland, 38 Raleigh, 85 Landshark "Raleigh", '84 Marinoni Levi's Raleigh, SB4484, SB7979, Raleigh SSCXWC, 87 Raleigh USA 531 Prototype
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 147 Times
in
79 Posts
I have zero input on the bikes themselves. They are probably fine. The thought (purely from a satirical perspective) of them actually performing bike shop operations out of the brick and mortar store brought images of "The people of Walmart" to mind. I can clearly see the guy in stained pajamas making fun of a guy in full kit in the checkout line... I don't know, maybe I have a weird sense of humor...
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,433
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
I like it. These are obviously not BSOs. The more people riding quality bikes, the better.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 5,122
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1579 Post(s)
Liked 1,187 Times
in
604 Posts
That aside, perhaps folks here don't realize, as said above by @sdmc530, that the 'sons [grandsons?] of Walmart' are themselves very, very dedicated cyclists -- especially mtb -- and have been actively pursuing and funding advocacy/trail development initiatives?
https://www.bikemag.com/features/profiles/walton/
This line of bikes is, I would think, related to that. Low hanging fruit, I know, and WallyMart is an easy target, but still ... a moment's thought might give a few folks on here pause. Then again, that's a big ask around here on teh Biek Forms.
Last edited by badger1; 11-14-19 at 07:33 AM. Reason: Add link.
#18
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,631
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4729 Post(s)
Liked 1,531 Times
in
1,002 Posts
I'd be a bit more apt to buy one of these.. if I could find a review from anyone who's actually bought or ridden one:
Schwinn Paramount
Schwinn Paramount
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4365 Post(s)
Liked 3,001 Times
in
1,854 Posts
That aside, perhaps folks here don't realize, as said above by @sdmc530, that the 'sons [grandsons?] of Walmart' are themselves very, very dedicated cyclists -- especially mtb -- and have been actively pursuing and funding advocacy/trail development initiatives? This line of bikes is part of that.
Low hanging fruit, I know, and WallyMart is an easy target, but still ... a moment's thought might give a few folks on here pause. Then again, that's a big ask around here on teh Biek Forms.
Low hanging fruit, I know, and WallyMart is an easy target, but still ... a moment's thought might give a few folks on here pause. Then again, that's a big ask around here on teh Biek Forms.
If you look up the net worth of various Walton family members, it's astronomical. If a few of them are cycling enthusiasts, great. As somebody already mentioned, maybe they can be induced to help support the US race community in one way or another - sponsoring a team or putting some money behind some marquee races. Like maybe the Walmart Tour of Arkansas?
If I owned an LBS near a Walmart, I wouldn't be too concerned.....yet.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,101
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 822 Post(s)
Liked 1,955 Times
in
941 Posts
I see the MSRP on the DA and Ultegra models dropped $1,000 and $500 respectively, Slow sales? Or, just marketing? Seems like with Walmart's purchasing power, those prices could drop further and be a true leader for economical carbon road bikes with upscale DA and Ultegra components.
#21
Heft On Wheels
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 3,123
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 560 Times
in
346 Posts
I see the MSRP on the DA and Ultegra models dropped $1,000 and $500 respectively, Slow sales? Or, just marketing? Seems like with Walmart's purchasing power, those prices could drop further and be a true leader for economical carbon road bikes with upscale DA and Ultegra components.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4365 Post(s)
Liked 3,001 Times
in
1,854 Posts
I see the MSRP on the DA and Ultegra models dropped $1,000 and $500 respectively, Slow sales? Or, just marketing? Seems like with Walmart's purchasing power, those prices could drop further and be a true leader for economical carbon road bikes with upscale DA and Ultegra components.
#23
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
If you're worried about whether the assembler paid any attention to torque specs, see if you can order it unassembled and DIY.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,516
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20808 Post(s)
Liked 9,450 Times
in
4,668 Posts
Purchasing power doesn't mean much if consumers aren't purchasing the item from them. Like it or not, this type of product isn't in Wal-Mart's wheelhouse and there are going to be some serious reservations from buyers in this price-point. With some time, marketing, good reviews, etc, they might move some units, but even if they were offering Ultegra at 105 prices, there would still be some significant consumer hurdles, service and brand/retailer perception chief among them, IMO.