As Christmas approached, my parents surprised me by pitching into my savings. Together, we got my first 10-speed—a shiny Huffy from a local big-box store, maybe Toys “R” Us. It wasn’t a high-end bike shop model, but I didn’t care. For the next few years, I rode that bike into the ground, and I loved every minute of it.
The Huffy taught me more than how to ride—it taught me how to care for a bike. I learned to clean it, tune it, and keep it roadworthy. I figured out how to adjust the brakes and derailleurs, patch flats, and replace the bar tape. Eventually, I rebuilt the hubs and swapped out the chain. That bike was my ticket to freedom, my way of exploring the world.
Every weekend, I’d set out on 50-60-mile rides to shopping malls, airports, or wherever the road took me. It wasn’t about the destination—it was about the thrill of the journey. I was 13, maybe 15 at most, and I knew I was lucky.
Luckily the bike had been assembled properly in the first place. I remember riding it straight to my best friend’s house the day I got it, and it performed perfectly. Whether by skill or chance, the store employee who put it together did a good job. Back then, many big-box stores had full-fledged bike departments where real mechanics assembled and repaired bikes. Sadly, those days—and those departments—are long gone.
But the lessons and freedom that bike gave me? Those have stayed with me forever.
The Current Bicycle Shopping Experience
Today, thanks to social media and bike-enthusiast friends who approach maintenance with near-religious fervor, I see a constant stream of photos highlighting poorly assembled bikes from big-box stores. The problem isn’t the bikes themselves—the components are usually fine for beginners, and while the frames might be a bit heavy, they’re still perfectly usable for casual riders. The issue lies in improper assembly, which can make the bikes frustrating to ride or, worse, downright dangerous.
Just last night, I stopped by a local big-box store for some random errand and stumbled upon a Schwinn mountain bike with its front fork installed backward. If someone were to take it for a spin—or, heaven forbid, off a “sweet jump”—the results could be disastrous.
- Start at your local bike shop. You might be surprised by the range of prices, even on their lower-end models. These bikes are typically better quality than what you’ll find at big-box stores, and they come properly assembled. Plus, the staff can answer your questions about maintenance and proper use, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable experience.
- If you buy from a big-box store, get it checked. If you’ve already purchased a bike elsewhere or feel the need to buy from a big-box retailer, take it to a local bike shop for a professional tune-up. While some shops may not offer this service due to liability concerns, some will. Even if the bike looks fine, it’s worth ensuring that everything is securely assembled—loose parts, misaligned brakes, or improperly installed drive trains can be harder to spot but pose significant risks. (#protip – after the cost of this service, it may be cheaper just to buy the bike from the local bike shop)
- Brush up on safety. For new riders, check out the Arkansas Bicycle Safety Manual for essential rules of the road and safety tips tailored to our state.
Enjoy the holidays and happy riding! A little extra effort now can ensure a fun and safe cycling experience for everyone.
Here are our bike shop partners, any of these shops can help you find a safe, affordable, fun bicycle for the riding you want.
- Angry Dave’s Bicycles (North Little Rock)
- Arkansas Cycling and Fitness (Little Rock and Sherwood)
- The Community Bicyclist (Little Rock)
- Jackalope Cycling (Russellville)
- Shift Modern Cyclery (Little Rock)
