hey guys, i just bought a rather decent road bike at walmart (I'm a student and cannot afford anything else)

Because the bike was assembled by walmart, the gears aren't tuned very well (it won't shift to the lowest gear). Is there any tutorials with pictures that will show me how to to a bike? I want this bike to brake and shift flawlessly.

I was also wondering how hard it would be to upgrade the cassette from a 7sp to a 10 speed? Is that even possible? If i were to make this upgrade, would there be a higher gear then the highest gear of the 7sp?

And, why are there pedals that have straps on them? my bike came with them but i took them off, not sure why they're there, it's so hard to strap in.

Go to www.parktool.com

They have all the instructions you will need.

If that fails take it to a Local Bike Shop to have it tuned.

With the bike you purchased it would not be worth it to upgrade the cassette.

The pedals have straps to keep your feet on them. That way you can pedal in a circle instead of just mashing down. If you won't be racing or going very long distances they aren't needed, but if you will be going longer than 10miles you will like them as your legs won't get as tired. On more expensive bikes people will have pedals that you clip into (like a ski binding) that are easier to get in and out of, and will also make you faster.

the site isn't loading for me

It's parktool.com ... no "S":

www.parktool.com

Also, on some of your other questions:

1. You can't change to a 10 speed cassette without also changing at least the shifters and probably the rear derailleur as well. And most likely the rear hub too. Pretty spendy. You'd be better off to return the Wal-Mart bike and go to an actual bike shop and buy a better bike.

2. If you did make such a change, you'd have a choice to make about the ratios the new cassette included. However, generally speaking, you'd probably have about the same overall range of gears but with smaller "steps" between them.

3. Toe clips and straps hold your foot more tightly to the pedal, for more efficient pedaling. Most of us now use so-called "clipless" pedals which mate with a cleat attached to the bottom of our shoes. Either type takes some practice to get used to getting in and out of them.

the site isn't loading for me

Try it again, I corrected the link.

the bike was 199.77, i don't think i'll find anything as light and inexpensive as this bike. Maybe i'll keep the 7sp config if the steps are the only thing different. Thanks for the answers.

However, is there a nice comfortable seat that i should look at? the seat that came with the bike is a bit firm.


here's a link to the bike
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4698938


btw, that link is awsome, thanks a lot.

the bike was 199.77, i don't think i'll find anything as light and inexpensive as this bike. Maybe i'll keep the 7sp config if the steps are the only thing different. Thanks for the answers.

However, is there a nice comfortable seat that i should look at? the seat that came with the bike is a bit firm.


here's a link to the bike
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4698938


btw, that link is awsome, thanks a lot.


Generaly for longer distances you want a bit firmer saddle. But if you want caddilac ride comfort Specialized makes some nice sprung comfort saddles. They run about $40.00.

You could also just get a gel pad that goes over your seat. Try www.performancebike.com or www.nashbar.com

I was also wondering if running the bike off the curb onto the road is a good idea. The tires are a tad smaller and i'm not sure how well they'll hold out.

I was also wondering if running the bike off the curb onto the road is a good idea. The tires are a tad smaller and i'm not sure how well they'll hold out.

If they are skinnier than 700x28 then I wouldn't as you could easily get a pinch flat.

For the money, unless you bought used you probably couldn't do much better.At least from the specs and photo it seems like it should ride pretty decently. It really doesn't pay to put much money into the bike. So ride with the seat and see how it feels. Most bicycle seats feel hard to the touch. It is not a good idea to jump off curbs with any "road" or "racing" style bike. Get a mountain bike for that. It might not be a bad idea to bring the bike to a local bike shop. Have them make sure the shifting/gears are adjusted properly, the breaks are also adjusted properly and the wheels are true and spin well. The shop should do this for about $30 or so. It will be money well spent. If they find something really out of wack, like the bike can't shift into all of the gears or the wheel really out of true you can take it back to Wallmart. Since it was probably assembled in the store I wouldn't trust their assembly. You don't want to crash going down a hill over 30 mph because the bike was put together by someone just transferred from the mens clothing department.

For the money, unless you bought used you probably couldn't do much better.At least from the specs and photo it seems like it should ride pretty decently. It really doesn't pay to put much money into the bike. So ride with the seat and see how it feels. Most bicycle seats feel hard to the touch. It is not a good idea to jump off curbs with any "road" or "racing" style bike. Get a mountain bike for that. It might not be a bad idea to bring the bike to a local bike shop. Have them make sure the shifting/gears are adjusted properly, the breaks are also adjusted properly and the wheels are true and spin well. The shop should do this for about $30 or so. It will be money well spent. If they find something really out of wack, like the bike can't shift into all of the gears or the wheel really out of true you can take it back to Wallmart. Since it was probably assembled in the store I wouldn't trust their assembly. You don't want to crash going down a hill over 30 mph because the bike was put together by someone just transferred from the mens clothing department.


with this post. Three things.....first congrats on becoming a roadie and joining the club. Secondly, you should definitely take it to a local bike shop, have someone-an experienced bike wrench- check the assembly, don't rely on some 16 year old stock boy at Wally world. Wrecking at 30+ sucks. Thirdly, the seat on all road bikes tends to be firm..you need to buy a pair of bike shorts with chamois padding. It feels a bit weird at first, but the padding/shorts will definitively reduce chafing and sore buttocks....once again, Welcome to the sport. Next thing you know, you'll be eyeing the new Serotta in the window.:thumbsup:

i bought this bike to replace my haro v1 mountain bike that was stolen 3 weeks ago. I have gone to my LBS looking for something inexpensive. Nothing, road bikes are sooo expensive.

I found this bike on walmart as a fluke and was rather surprised at how lightweight it was. I'm pretty happy with it as a beginner road bike. I think i will take it to a local shop for a tune up. Better safe then sorry i guess.

with this post. Three things.....first congrats on becoming a roadie and joining the club. Secondly, you should definitely take it to a local bike shop, have someone-an experienced bike wrench- check the assembly, don't rely on some 16 year old stock boy at Wally world. Wrecking at 30+ sucks. Thirdly, the seat on all road bikes tends to be firm..you need to buy a pair of bike shorts with chamois padding. It feels a bit weird at first, but the padding/shorts will definitively reduce chafing and sore buttocks....once again, Welcome to the sport. Next thing you know, you'll be eyeing the new Serotta in the window.:thumbsup:


you may want to consider some stiffer cycling shoes...eventually. It helps with power transfer and helps with longer rides. Eventually, if you stick with it, you'll get clipless pedals.

I can guarantee you wouldn't want that headache...10 speed would require almost a complete overhaul of your drivetrain and rear wheelset. new rear derailleur, new cassette, thinner chain, redished rear wheel, new shifters...if you're short on cash, forget the idea right now and learn to love the gears you have. with that said, there's no reason most of us need 20 gears to begin with...even with hill climb training and racing, I use about 6 or 8 of my 20....