most bike shops are swamped right now and bike repairs are taking from 4-8 weeks. and i would bet many bike shops would not be too interested in assembling a wal-mart/academy bike...some of those dudes can be snobby like that. youre talking about buying a $200 bike and then spending money to have someone assemble it and then add upgrades...youre going to be pushing $400 when youre done and its still going to be a sub-par bike. stop being a cheap-ass and spend some money on a decent bike! that one i suggested is $400 new and its a good bike for the money. seriously though, the quality of stuff like the brakes, shifters, derailluers, pedals, chain, ect are what makes the bike and any new bike under $200 is going to be low-quailty in those departments. someone suggested a pawn shop and thats actually a good idea. or craigslist.
im 6'3'' as well and ride a 22". its the right size for me. 18'' is going to be too short. you wont have a good time.
I am mulling over all of that and there is nothing on craigslist in my area or even within 60 miles. Sorry but being a cheap ass has done me well, I take in all info and go from there. I am still considering the bike you mentioned just trying to see what I can get with an increased budget. Also I keep getting Fuji adds everywhere, thanks for that.
haha. i get you and i dont mean to come off as being anti-cheap ass. not sure where you live, but if thats the best you can get or afford then it shouldn't stop you. but just know a bike in that price range wont hold up as long as a more expensive one. things will break/wear down quicker. shifters, brakes, tires, ect. also, if you get a new bike in a bike shop it will already be tuned up and many shops offer 2-3 free tunes-ups with a new bike. but in the end, if youre set on keeping it under $200 you should get something within your budget and go ride!
I am pretty much out on the 200 dollar bike, I am just shopping on what I can get if I raise my price point. Fuji is on my list.
There is a guy on youtube he has a channel called KevCentral he reviews a lot of cheap Mountain Bikes. You might check him out and see if he gives a good review to something in your budget.
