It's an old school hardtail with basic RST suspension forks. their assembly standard is abysmill the brakes dont work properly(levers come back to the bars) and the gears arent checked and set up properly :-). Considering how old this article is, it is still getting its fair share of comments. Well written definitive article on the topic. Only advice would be to take out a service-plan if you do get a BSO from the likes of Halfords, regular checks and maintenance is the key to keeping these cheap beasts in good and safe condition (had new tyres and a new back wheel in 3 years - which I dont think is too shabby for a 100 odd quid bike!). So really cheap bikes are a waste of money but don't diss the lower mid-range stuff. I have noticed an almost inverse relationship, that is, the older the bike the smoother it rides. People, don't kick someone for riding a cheaper bike than you because they're biking and having fun. I also have a Scott Sportster 40 2012 model that cost me 600.00 pounds, and this has had it's problems but you need to maintain all your bikes which I do and it rides very well. Another bike 5X the cost. The tour was awesome, the bike, wasn't. Interesting article, I've just purchased one of those BSOs with an aluminium frame and have every intention to do a few upgrades as and when I can afford them as I realise the standard components are'nt going to be upto much. Many people want to buy a bike and the 100 - 150 mark is enough for them, but they also want it to be new. I would be pleased to receive any ideas for my "Recycle Rental" scheme which takes in klunkers and BSOs and turns out rideable bikes. A few days later I noticed what I believe to be the same bike on the back of a rag and bone man's flatbed lorry. This Bike has been doing this journey daily for over 5 years and has been overseas. One the guarantee expired and it continued to fall apart I threw it away. Nice article! I couldn't agree more. Xylonbikes. Safety first not profit, some of these BSO's are ridden by kids as well as adults. It's hard for beginners to know which bikes are BSOs and which are real bikes, how about keeping a list of inexpensive but "real" bikes to help people choose? But the biggest problem is that a lot of people who buy cheap expect skilled mechanics to fix them for a cost relative to the cost of the bike. That said, I have just bought a Carrera Zeus 2014 for the occasional sprint commute to work (mainly because I am trying to get into the top 10 on a number of segments in Strava), but I will continue to ride the Jumpro as well, and looking at it, I am pretty sure it will last another 20 years, although new bikes will probably hover by then! Nice article making some great points. Owning a good quality, well built bike is the only way to enjoy and get the most out of this brilliant sport. Look at some of the TOP cars and how many problems they have. Basically quality lasts and works out cheaper long term for person & planet BSOs use cheap, poorly made versions; they seize or snap at the first sign of trouble. My one piece of advice, spend the extra money and invest in a proper bike. Great article.May I make a very small argument in favour of a BSO? Hand on heart I've never slung a leg over one (nor would I). I joined my employers cycle to work scheme, however I was limited to one place to purchase from- Halfords. oh.. and derailleurs. Now, when we went to pick up my wife's bike, the queue was long, so inevitably I got bored. I'm now thinking about getting a carrera hybrid. Perhaps I should feel guilty? My older brothers helped me build my first bike from dead bikes in the basement that had accumulated over the years I was 10 and ever since i have built and serviced my own bikes. If you can't afford a new bike that works, buy a second hand one. Pay 50 for a bike from a supermarket, and you might as well throw your money away. The last time that I had ridden a bike was some 20 years ago so I was very impressed with the 700c wheels and V brakes. Lasted for two miles before the crankshaft died. If they were trying to start up in any other sport, say golf; would they be happy with Fisher Price clubs? Wish I had read this before buying a Claud Butler last week for 310 pounds. All Apollos and some of the Raleigh's are not fit to be called bicycles. I work for Halfords and yes admittedly they do sell some cheap stuff which does often come back but you cannot fault the Carrera or boardman bikes for the kind of components that you get for the money, once set up correctly they can more than compete with an equivilant raleigh or claud butler. The Kalkhoff was expensive but worth it. Plastic. BSOs exist because of what the average people are prepared to pay for a bike. The gear system is efficient. My advice is to spend 20 on MB magazines and look through the buying guides. They can be used on cars, truck, motorcycles, buses, trains, planes, caravans, etc. Our imported Welsh mechanic introduced the term to us and it's stuck. Oh yes and a new chain as the other one had some *very* stiff links in it (and a bit of corrosion) *blush*. make them work efficiently & safely. A couple of years ago, I did carry out a complete overhaul on it. For that sort of use it's OK and I don't have to worry about it being stolen - I could leave it unlocked and nobody would nick it. When I need to go somewhere I go on this - I don't race. Steering broke off. Great to see. In 1999, living in a remote part of Wales, we ordered an MTB-style bike for my wife from a well-known UK high street catalogue store. After making sure he knew what a new one costs(with a $50 proper-assembly fee) he said "NO, I've tried $600 bike-shop-bikes and none FEEL like this one,..I know it's a tank, but it is bullet-proof, and I just want this-one to be retro-fitted with newer/better gears & brakes". Go out and enjoy the freedom! It's a pity that they don't make Raleighs any more. I'm now investing in a quality used hybrid! As everyday cyclists / mechanics we have a duty to educate people new to this hobby, but this doesn't necessarily mean stopping people only spending 100 on their new wheels, but giving them advice about their choices, suggesting other places to look for a bike, but most importantly not bullying them into making their purchases because you are a brand snob or wouldn't dream of buying second hand. And buying BSO does not only mean monetary loss but also loss of a ride and health for the time period. Its hard to explain how horrible it was, and of course I lasted only about 3 months before giving up. Although I get the idea of burning more calories riding a tank, given my semi-infrequent riding, I'd rather enjoy my rides feeling able to go that extra mile with the confidence that the next time I go to ride my bike it will work for me first time without wasting half the day sorting out issues that a couple of quid (or dollars for me now) spent earlier would have avoided. if you want a bike to last make sure it's steel. My wifes bike is completely original (she doesn't put the miles in I do), and there is no rust or play in the brakes or problem with the handlebars or wheels. My favorite story is of a Certified Toyota mechanic who came to me with his BSO. (Haven't been on a bike since I was eight.) Thanks very much for an excellent article. Hi Paul. All bikes will need maintenance. And they have their place on school campuses or around town where theft is a problem. There is a bike on the market now days for every one, the cheap out of a box units that come in at around 100, to multi thousand pound bikes and everything in between. I have friends who have bought such 'BSO's and they've pretty much experienced the same value for money as described. A couple of months ago I got a 1998 Specialised Crossroads, again off eBay, for my 18 year old daughter to take off to uni in Brighton with her. I ride a 10-year-old Halfords Apollo BSO, the cheapest bike they were selling at the time - under 100. 400 is still excellent value. A succinct attempt by someone passionate about bikes to do those people thinking about buying a bike for pennies a favour. So much so that its just received new brakes, brake levers, cable, saddle, seat post and grips, Also a used sprocket, crank and chain ring with better gearing for the ramp parks. Got a decent aluminum MTB frame and building it up as a commuting bike, leaving the old 'Herc' as backup. It has now become a restoration project given it was/is in a sorry state. - A 100 pound bike that lasts two years fits your price per year rate perfectly well. I would like to know more about the product and prices. They were both literally falling apart within three months. My colleague for 15 yrs more. We are training the young ones and we provide cheap, safe, worthwhile transport for the less well-heeled in Coventry. These are only a little better, the bikes themselves are a notch better but they don't employ really skilled mechanics like the best shops do. Radiator yoke, fender & bumper shield retainer. But you can get a very good quailty second hand bike very cheap if you look for a week or so. INQUIRY ABOUT Auto Plastic Bumper Clips Plastic Rivets Halfords 8mm Plastic Rivets. It makes no sense to me when you can get an entry level hardtail from most of the big brands for the same money?? I read the off hand comments about buying a 1000 pound bike and weep. But I know a few that rides them and they are doing just fine, some a year old and being rode every day. we know they won't last, but actually we count ourselves lucky if they don't get kicked in or nicked. It is getting some rave reviews, although the folks who like it buy it at $379 US for the frame; they upgrade the suspension components and wheels shortly after buying. The only shortcoming as far as I'm concerned, is the height of the bottom bracket (11 inches), for my needs I would have preferred it to be nearer to 9 or 10 inches from the ground. I am sometimes left confused to how difficult it can be setting up these bikes due to there components being of the budget variety. Here in New Zealand the bicycle retail stores sell these. I made the mistake of buying a Saracen from Halfords some years ago. I wouldn't buy a BSO now, having read this. The difference is astonishing. Anything under 100 is a bargain to average joe on the street. any way the bottom line is the guy who wrote this article is so RIGHT. I chose this bike because I wanted a decent quality bike that was mechanically simple. I average 22 MPH. It always amazes me when you see a 35,000 4x4 with 4 BSO's on the back. I'm not rich and save up for my hobby. and have used it as my hack-bike almost daily since then, and it still rides perfectly! So my point is I would never buy a BSO as my main bike but a used BSO as back-up is not a bad idea. For a start, someone using it to try and get fit. We want performance and durability. In my wife's case, this is exactly what happened, but only after I had spent 300 on a reasonable bike. I'm also very tight. Wells. Grip shifts are stiff on a lot and they expect kids and women to be strong enough to turn them. I wandered into a proper independent bike shop and had a good long chat with the owner and got all the advice I needed. I fitted new, quality ball bearings (the cones and races were fine), a brand new chain which I adjusted for size, and a stem-mounted friction lever instead of the SIS indexed twistgrip. And who knows, maybe a 80 dollar department store bike is the best they can do. If you're no good with a spanner though, forget it. The frame is the most important component. This bike will freewheel on a 1 degree incline and requires little effort to ride fast. In reply to 'Aston Villa' - I used to think like that and so do the majority of people who ride a bike to the shops and that's about it. Now 2015, brought 3 bso's. A looney from my work bought it brand new n coz they released a version with disc brakes 2 wks after ojrchasin sed bike, he sold me the banshee for 80. Maybe 3-4000 kms on it. Speak to your friendly bike shop/ask around friends and family/ebay/freecycle. Very interesting and amusing read - I have been riding mountain bikes for 17 years and these BSO's are a complete pile of crap in my opinion, I'm not saying that you should go out and spend 5000 on a top of the range machine but just double that 129.99 (BSO price) and shop about a bit online with 260, maybe bump it up to 300 and you will pick up a 400 bike in last years colours.now that is a bargain, no one wants a rusty, heavy, over built full susser when the average person buys a bike just for commuting/getting fit - get a little hybrid/hardtail, it will make all the difference and you will want to ride it again and again rather than resenting that 'rusting waste of money' sat at the back of your shed. The frame is solid and the paint still looks good for it's age. Thank you. "I see these BSO things being ridden. Me and all the people I know will continue to pay peanuts in comparison and have no noticeable detrimental effect on our riding experiences and will spend the money we've saved on useful things. I have been fixing bikes since 1963. But two days ago I decided to upgrade to something a bit more comfy due to a back problem, so got an 'Original 7' for 229, which has front and rear suspension and a gel saddle. After that I decided never to buy a cheap bike again and I was serious about it. I think this is an incredibly valuable article. As for the brakes, they had been assembled completely wrongly. I always buy good used bikes with Shimano etc. (Said with tongue in cheek) Buy once, buy right I have a well used 1972 Honda C50 which is covered in surface rust, blows a bit of smoke when it gets really hot but rides nicely and works every time I choose to ride it. I just spent $140 at the local bike shop on a complete tune up including cables and brake pads and springs, and $60 on new puncture-resistant tires, tape, and heavy-duty inner tubes. Easy access into confined areas. If wheels rub on brake blocks, adjust them, or true the wheel. This is not about cheap is bad, but about cheap BSOs are bad. Think about it, some bike shops run a "Savings Club" you can purchase a cycle for summer by saving with the shop through the winter or use the Savings Club for Xmas, Easter or Birthdays, you will be supporting your cycle local shop, who in return supports you and will help you enjoy your purchase. Why should a reasonable entry-level bike cost more than double any of them? This leaves you INA different position when you want to upgrade or repair. they are only gaining a few minutes on me with the Apollo. for a cycle, it has been used for over 60 years. El-Cheapo's for 50-100 were any good i would sell You may not live to regret it. Why buy a 100 full susser if your on the footpath just going to work. Or at least be fair. To me and many others like me these bikes are truly bargains. I run a hs bike club, love all kinds of bikes, and am not a bike snob. As some were missing. your legs and fitness levels are key even though the bike is heavy, yes you go up hills a bit slower but be careful with gear changes and self service checks the bike will last. Expensive spares! You can buy a Husqvarna petrol chain saw for 130, a Hyundai petrol mower for 120, a Beko washing machine for 180, Indesit fridge for 130 and a Beko full-size dishwasher for 190. My urbanlite from buybuybikes has lasted me over 2000 miles with no issues apart from having to get a service before I used it. To put cheap suspension on the front was a waste of time, so I paid $100 for an overhauled set of Maz Bombers, and the necessary adapter bits. I love being out on a bike though and am getting rid of my car. The consumer looks at the store to provide quality Your article was spot on ref cheap bikes.Bought a cheap mountain bike for under a 100 from an online sports company,and it was exactly as you stated in your descriptions.Turned out to be a pile of rubbish and the company i bought it from isn`t interested in refunding me. This physical limitation means that, on a 17 inch frame (for example), when I have the seat at a height where I can just reach the ground with my toes, I cannot do a complete 360 degree turn of the pedals, because when the rear pedal is at 3 'clock, I can just about get my heel on the rear pedal. The cheap pot-metal would NEVER stay adjusted! The route is flat (except for one moderate bridge) and well paved. Like a disheartened guitarist with a cheap guitar gathering dust because it won't stay in tune for two minutes. So you can still sometimes get quality at a bargain price, if you're lucky, but I would never expect to get such use from a cheap and nasty catalogue bike. Glad to serve you!Please send your question! - and rubbing against the wheel. On returning for the 2nd time, I was pretty much fobbed off and managed to walk away with my money back fortunately. I'm very interested in your products; could you send me some detail reference information? I guess it might if you never ride it, but then so will a 100 pound bike. She rides it regulary, it never gets maintained, its horrible and heavy but the odd thing is, it has never failed - not even a puncture. Lots of Skoda's and Lada's were sold many years ago.I do not think I could afford a new bike, even a cheap BSO. My parents weren't particularly wealthy and bought what they thought was a good buy. as for bikes from halfords or supermarkets I saw (and actually bought) a Trax T700 hybrid for 60, thinking 'well, there's more chance of us using the bikes if we get one each'. But that's the price we pay for entrusting manufacturing to the far east and Asia. also aluminium. I'd never get my kids a bike that's heavier than mine, but halfrauds have the cheek to sell a bike aimed at 3 year olds that's over 9kg; some kids that age don't weigh much more than that. The only bike that I managed to find that had a 17 inch frame and 28 inch wheels and (most important, this), a more relaxed rear tube, was the "Real Ideal Classic" retailed by Halford's. I bought my front-suspension mt bike in 1998 for $700 US - it was last year's model but brand new, so kitted out, its full retail was $1000. Then replace all the dire and truly awful parts for better quality one's and get to work with your kids. store bike is a 500% better value, particularly if it's fitted properly and ridden often (at least weekly). Many people research buying washing machines etc but spend little or no time on purchasing a bike. OK bike but heavy, unresponsive and always needing adjustment. I squarely blame Walmart for creating this business model, everything ,must be CHEAP. Enjoy your riding if you become a regular rider get a better bike, I personally still enjoy riding this very cheap bike especially when overtaking people on very expensive Hoofin fast bicycles at times :-), The BSO is the reason why many people don't ride a bicycle. Remember what "average wage" means - it means when you account for a skewed distribution of wealth, a healthy majority of people make less! As I didn't enjoy riding the BSO, ultimately, I rarely used it and rapidly lost interest in cycling. I suspect that the bottom bracket has issues because the whole frame seems to creak and knock when ridden. However you left one important thing out; for the price of a new BSO you can get a 15 year old high quality bike, I think it's worth mentioning. I spent 300 back in 2000 on effectively a BSO and I thought that was a hell of a lot. Not a bad little bike if I don't say so myself for circa 200! The claimed retail price was about 100 quid. If you can't afford new, buy used but keep looking to find a "real" bike. The BSOs will take over an hour of fiddling around and by the end of it, I am still not satisfied. Having said that, in late 1998, I bought a Carrera Banshee (from Halfords - sorry) for about 350. I have to say, having "been there, done that" regarding BSOs it still took me some time to really figure it out!How are you going to convince anyone to buy a 15 year old reasonable quality bike with repacked hub bearings, trued wheels, upgraded brakes, new BB, stainless cables and thoroghly tuned for the same price as an off the shelf BSO? The list goes on. No sooner than you tune it, it goes out of whack on the test ride! Excellent advice in a well written article. Both wheels were buckled out of the box so I sent it back and got another one which was exactly the same!! while i agree with your article.. but i must say not everyone can afford anything more than a cheap bike.. i have a bike that cost me 200 and i could never afford to pay out more than that. ask a friend for help if needed. One particular gentleman was pushing me to match the price on a 59.99 bike he had seen in the supermarket. For a brand name it had basic components, the cheapest components. I've just purchased 2 Ridgeback Traditional cycles and so glad I read artice..hope u can give me advice on the purchased Ridgeback (Traditional) 349 each So went for a hardtail option by kona (also not cheap At All) the frame was great the seals went on the fork in a few months and the bottom bracket was complete rubbish. I would like to purchase this item.Please contact me. Otherwise they are a complete waste of money. Automobile Plastic Fastener&Bumper Shield Retainer, Autos Car Body Door Panels Fastener Clips Plastic Fender Retainer Clips. They are known as good British designed conservative designs. That was 18 yrs ago, she's been hit by a car twice, and still rides as good as new. I repair bikes. I now also own a giant stance full suss 900 and go to trail centers every chance I get. There only seems to be junk out there for young children or the few that are decent seem to cost as much as an adult bike would with much better specs. If you're on a budget then second hand is definitely the way to go. That day (five years ago) was the last time I set foot in Halfords. I could tune it in about 20 minutes and be certain it will run as it is meant to. i love this article, i used to have like 30 cheap bikes (about 5 now, i ended up giving alot away and cutting the rest up) but i now have 2 quality bikes and its awesome!!! I didn't know better at the time (age 11) but a couple of years later I bought a proper bike from a friends older brother for 250 used and the difference in ride quality was startling. I tend to recommend that people look on the second hand market to purchase a bike on a budget, but make sure that they put some money to one side so they can have it professionally serviced. So, yeah go ahead and throw your money away if you want to keep fooling yourself and want to continue acting like an elitist snob. The front forks are a waste of time and needs regular cleaning to hold rust pitting at bay. I liked your article on cheap bikes - it put me off buying one from Sterling House. Thus the market is there for companies to exploit by producing cheap crap. into touch by Parlaiment. But then again, if you don't know any different, you're stuck with BSO's. So, while you may have some good points, there is a good niche for my style of bike. So I bought an Apollo Slant from Halfords. 20 years later I am still using it regularly - even did a sprint triathlon on it a few years back. Even if one wanted to "do it yourself" - one would have to buy tools - none of which are cheap. Bmx bottom bracket and all. Grip shifters (The gear changers you twist, similar to a motor bike throttle) are the shifter of choice on BSOs, a great invention but a lot more complicated than a standard lever. Bits and pieces keep falling off it but I just bolt them back on. Great bike. Agree with every word of it! All the parts feel very sturdy, like they'll never break! your article is spot on, well done, i am an independent cycle dealer. Thanks. Am now looking to upgrade to a hard tail with either v-brakes or discs (the raleigh has cantilevers!). Assuming I do not pop my clogs prior to riding the restoration this one will be for life. I have wanted to mtb for quite a while, and I know someone who will sell me a good quality Kona Coiler for 500euros, unfortunately my dad thinks that cheaper is better and keeps bringing me around Halfords, looking at all the sh!tty bikes for under 200euros, how would be a good way to explain to my dad that i need a good quality bike not a sh!t one, and get him to part-buy me this bike. It is a bike in the old mould and it will, already has, cost me more than a BSO to end up with a pile of bits in my bedroom and there will be more because I am salvaging its bits as much as I can rather than 'buying new'.