quality of bicycle components

Quoted message said:

Just had the experience of trying to remove handle bars from a common
cheapo mountain bike, not that old, maybe 4 years. The allen bolts
where completely rotten so no chance of getting them off with an allen
key. One of the ball bearings in the wheel was shaped like a potato,
not to mention the mangled bearing cage. What a load of scrap metal.

you know i was there 20 years ago. my first bike was a cheap $100 bike
and i cannot tell you all the trouble i had. today, i rather buy a
used good quality bike. since then i have owned more than 20 different
bikes (new, old, road, mountain) and the great thing about a good
brand is that you can always swap, sell, exchange it for something
newer and better.
ebay is the perfect place for starters.
carlos
www.bikingthings.com
-ride longer, get fit, live better, be happier-

Quoted message said:

Just had the experience of trying to remove handle bars from a common
cheapo mountain bike, not that old, maybe 4 years. <SNIP>

Four years from a BSO. I'd call that a good result!

fboab