Is the Huffy Savannah a Good Bike for the Price?
Most people would describe the Huffy line as 'bicycle shaped objects' rather than bicycles. Bicycles sold in department stores tend to be very low quality and poorly assembled. While these bikes may suffice for casual, local riding, they lack the durability and performance necessary for more serious riding needs. A decent entry-level bike, such as a Trek FX, starts around $350. Local bike shops often offer additional perks like lifetime tune-ups.
Why Not Buy a Huffy?
It's a waste of money to buy a Huffy. For a comparable price, you can find a true bicycle from a reputable bike store that will last you a lifetime. Don't be timid or afraid to make this purchase.
Many people mistakenly believe that buying a bike from a real bike store means spending thousands of dollars. However, there are excellent deals out there. Alternatively, consider purchasing from a mail-order service like Performance Bicycles or Bike Nashbar.
Is it a Good Price or a Good Value?
The Huffy Savannah typically sells for around $150. Since these bikes are sold in stores that also sell a wide range of goods, the price is usually good. However, the quality of the bike may not be what you expect. The same bike is usually assembled by a person who is paid about $3 per hour and may rush the process to assemble as many bikes as possible in the shortest time. Shortcuts are often taken, and little attention is paid to proper assembly. Moreover, the store does not offer any service, leaving you with limited options if you need repairs.
A similar but better built bike from a bike shop will cost about double the price of the Savannah. This price includes a proper fitting (just like pants), professional building, and a good amount of after-sale service. This extra work will make the bike much more pleasurable to ride and significantly longer lasting—perhaps by a factor of 10 or more.
Consider that $150 is about two weeks' groceries for two people, or about 30 hours of eating time. This same amount of money will get you a bike that will last about 30 riding hours before any additional work is needed, possibly equal to a large percentage of the original sale price.
Spending $300, which is equivalent to four weeks' groceries or about 60 hours of eating time, will get you a bike that will last hundreds or thousands of hours, with much of the service being free.
Moral of the Story
Dont buy a bicycle in the same place where you buy pickles. Investing in a quality bike from a reputable bike shop can significantly improve your riding experience and provide better value for your money, making it a worthwhile purchase.