How Long Will A Walmart Bike Last

Walmart offers a wide selection of bikes at affordable prices but how long will a Walmart bike last? Different factors will affect this, and I am here to help you understand what you can expect from a Walmart bike.

Many turn to Walmart to get affordable bikes and they offer several brands. Walmart also gets a bad reputation for selling cheap items. Affordable does not always mean cheap manufacturing, and different factors can affect how long a bike will last.

How often you ride and how you take care of the bike can make any bike last longer, even a Walmart bike. With proper care and maintenance, a Walmart Bike will last 5 years.

You can get any number of brands or types of bikes from Walmart. As with any item, some will be better than others. Walmart caters to shoppers that have a budget, but this doesn’t always mean you have to get a bad bike. This guide will help you learn more about Walmart bikes and how long they can last, so you only need to focus on the fun the bike will bring.

How Long Do Kids Bikes From Walmart Last

There are a few important factors to consider when buying a kid’s bike. You want them to be safe, so a reliable bike is important. You also know they will be dropping the bike so an expensive bike may not be the best option either. This leaves you with finding a balance and Walmart bikes often fit perfectly.

Walmart bikes for kids include known brands including Schwinn, Huffy, and Mongoose. Pricing depends on the size of the bike and the brand but on average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $250 for a kid’s bike. In comparison to other bikes, these prices are considered low and can also be considered cheap. This leaves you wondering how long the bike will last.

You can get your kid a BMX, mountain bike, or road bike from Walmart. The type does not impact how long it will last as much as how the kid will ride it. Kids are more likely to drop their bikes, crash, and try stunts and tricks. This adds wear to the bike which will reduce its lifespan. Knowing this is a good reason to get a bike that is affordable. The last thing you want is an expensive bike getting roughed up in one week.

The bikes sold at Walmart for kids are generally made from steel or aluminum. When you want a bike that will last a little longer and be more durable, choose a steel frame.

Just remember that steel frames are heavier and more likely to rust, but the bike will withstand drops better and is more affordable than aluminum. For lightweight bikes that are rust-proof, choose aluminum. These will be slightly higher in price. Ultimately a steel frame will last longer with proper maintenance.

Being more affordable means the bike will likely start to wear much quicker than others. With a Walmart kids’ bike, frames can bend, and handlebars and stems become loose. While these are easy fixes, it may not be the safest option.

A higher quality bike can withstand drops and stunts better. For kids starting out, a cheaper option from Walmart is a better place to start. Once they are riding better, you can invest in a more expensive bike that will last.

How Long Do Adult Bikes From Walmart Last

The brands you can typically choose from include Huffy, Schwinn, Genesis, Kent, Viathon, and Hyper. There are a selection of speeds, tire sizes, and designs. When it comes to selection, Walmart has great variety for getting a bike. The price range will be from $100 to $400 but when there are adult bikes on the market that cost thousands, do these Walmart bikes last?

For adults there are more types of bike available to choose from. Walmart offers:

• Mountain bikes which are the sturdier bikes

• Road bikes for pavement and commutes with lighter frames and narrow tires.

• Hybrid bikes which are a combination of a mountain bike and a road bike.

• E-bikes, or electric bikes with an integrated motor or battery. These will be the most expensive type.

• Cruiser bikes which resemble vintage bikes

• BMX bikes that are used for racing and doing stunts. These will be most likely to have a short lifespan due to the aggressive nature they are typically ridden.

Whichever type you get, care, storage, and how you ride the bike will influence how long it lasts. The materials and manufacturing do play a role, but even the toughest bike can be worn down quickly with no care and aggressive riding.

Adults take better care of their bikes than kids do, so dropping and damage will not be too large of a factor in terms of wear. Adults also do not grow out of bikes.

This means when you are looking for a bike, you want one that will last. Cheaper bikes that are noir likely to fall apart may not be worth it. Especially if you are a regular cyclist. If you are investing in a bike, you want it to last. And this often comes with a high price tag.

The main benefit of Walmart bikes is therefore the same for adults as it is for kids; affordability. Also, in the same way, components of the bike can wear much quicker than with higher-priced bicycles.

With regular maintenance and care, you can make your adult Walmart bike last longer. The key parts to take care of for a maximum lifespan for your bike are:

• Chain: this needs to be changed every 2,000 miles

• Chainring: These should be changed as often as the chain and at the same time

• Cassette: this needs to be cleaned regularly

• Cables: need to be changes every year or as soon as any cracks in the housing appear

• Tires: Heavier tires for mountain bikes or commuter bikes need to be changed every 4,000 miles and lighter racing tires need to be changed every 2,000 miles.

How To Choose A Walmart Bike That Will Last Longer

Many of the bikes at Walmart are similar so it helps to know what to look for when you want a bike that will last. Frames are the most important part.

Affordable bikes are typically made from aluminum or steel while aluminum is more expensive and lighter weight, steel will last longer and is more durable. This is better for kids bikes and BMX or mountain bikes that will be ridden more aggressively.

Assembly is the next important factor to look at. Check the nuts and bolts of the bike before you buy. If they are secure, chances are the bike will last longer.

You want a chain that is properly oiled and pedals that are securely attached. Handlebars need to be secure and not leaning to one side. Any parts that are loosely attached can be easily tightened, but in general are not a good sign for stable manufacturing.

How To Make A Walmart Bike Last Longer

With proper care and maintenance, you can make a Walmart bike last longer. To get the most life from a Walmart bike, make sure you store it in a garage, shed or house. Do not leave it out exposed to the elements.

You also want to take care how you ride it. The less aggressively you ride, the longer parts will last. Chains, cables, and tires get worn the quickest, so these are the parts you will want to keep an eye on. Changing them when worn or showing signs of rust will be the best way to add extra life to your bike.

The best ways to make a Walmart bike last longer include:

• Changing tires and chains when worn
• Changing cables every year or two
• Replace brackets when worn
• Check and replace chainrings every year
• True wheels after every 5 to 10 rides

Helpful Tips To Know How Long Will A Walmart Bike Last

When you are looking to get a bike from Walmart for yourself or your kids, there are a few things to look for to make sure you get a bike that will last. There are a few helpful tips that will let you know a Walmart bike can last:

• All bikes from Walmart are new
• Walmart has a great return policy
• Walmart bikes are easy and affordable to upgrade
• Replacements parts are easy to get

Keeping these tips in mind can assure you that a Walmart bike can last and there are additional steps you can take along the way to increase the lifespan of your Walmart bike.

Final Thoughts

Bikes can be expensive and as with any product price is not the only indicator of quality. Walmart is known for offering lower-priced products and this includes bikes, but this leaves people wondering how long will a Walmart bike last? The bikes may be more affordable, but when you know what to look for, you can get a great beginner bike.

With proper care and maintenance, your Walmart bike will last for a few years. Not the best choice for experienced and serious cyclists, but for those just getting into biking, a Walmart bike is a good place to start. You will get as much from it as you put in, so take care of the bike and you will get to ride it for longer.