Target/Forge bike

[Slimpee]

I was browsing Target.com the other day and ran across this bike. The specs seem pretty good for $319 (RS, Deore, Hayes, Trutativ, WTB...). I would imagine that corners were cut with the frame but i'd be interested in how this thing performs and holds up to abuse. Any opinions?


http://www.forgebikes.com/saw5blu.asp

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=cm_reviews_dp_seemore/601-7946721-6648911?ie=UTF8&coliid=&frombrowse=1&alt%5Fview=custReviews&asin=B000LWH8KC#R185C1IEDEMM78

[stoneage]

$320 isn't bad, but the review page is a bunch of comatose drivel. Read them and tell me those aren't ad department reviews. Sounds like the 'Manchurian Candidate'.
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...R185C1IEDEMM78

[Poke-em]

Strip the parts, toss the frame, and it might still be worth the $320...

[Paul Swenson]

I prefer to buy my bikes at Walmart:

This bike was assembled by the hands of skilled Italian mechanics to be tuned up and ready to ride right out of the box. We worked directly with the factory in Italy to offer you a premium ride at everyday low prices. Minimal assembly is required for this premium bicycle.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5751045

[ebrandel]

I prefer to buy my bikes at Walmart:

This bike was assembled by the hands of skilled Italian mechanics to be tuned up and ready to ride right out of the box. We worked directly with the factory in Italy to offer you a premium ride at everyday low prices. Minimal assembly is required for this premium bicycle.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5751045

Well, it is possible, I guess. They are selling that for $1,376.

[Paul Swenson]

Well, it is possible, I guess. They are selling that for $1,376.

Eveyone knows Italians are the most skilled, best mechanics. They also make a spicy meatball mama mia. ;)

[stoneage]

Well, it is possible, I guess. They are selling that for $1,376.
And a full carbon (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5751048) with Ultegra for under 1900.

[Slimpee]

Why on earth is walmart getting into the high-end road bike market?

[Thewavebb]

because they want to try and kill another local business market off.

[Homegrown]

I would imagine that corners were cut with the frame but i'd be interested in how this thing performs and holds up to abuse.

Forge is actually a subsidiary of Giant…so that is probably a Giant frame.

[Homegrown]

because they want to try and kill another local business market off.

or because they are in business to make money.?.!

[Paul Swenson]

Why on earth is walmart getting into the high-end road bike market?

I can't imagine they're stocking them in the stores but I may be wrong. The big boxes will sell stuff on their websites to test market it. It doesn't cost them anything since they can drop ship from the manufacture and they don't have to stock it.

[MisterClaw]

Why on earth is walmart getting into the high-end road bike market?

Ever seen the margins on bikes? They are huge compared to just about anything else Walmart sells, outside of maybe candy bars.

[jlk_250]

I was browsing Target.com the other day and ran across this bike. The specs seem pretty good for $319 (RS, Deore, Hayes, Trutativ, WTB...). I would imagine that corners were cut with the frame but i'd be interested in how this thing performs and holds up to abuse. Any opinions?


I have one of these bikes and am happy with it. Then again, I'm a newbie. No doubt it totally sucks compared to the $1000+ bikes many of you ride but it is definitely not a "department store" bike. It's the real deal, comparable to a $550 LBS bike. You can get 10% off coupon codes and from time to time they offer free shipping. For more info, check out the Forge thread on www.mtbr.com (http://www.mtbr.com) in the "what bike to buy" forum. Tons of info there.

Jon

[Danimal]

I am hoping to maybe pick one up for the wifey. Just to see how it compares to the Specialized Hardrock sitting in my son's quiver.

[bikeoutback]

I can't imagine they're stocking them in the stores but I may be wrong. The big boxes will sell stuff on their websites to test market it. It doesn't cost them anything since they can drop ship from the manufacture and they don't have to stock it.

Target and I'm sure Walmart and all the other big box stores carry all kinds of stuff online like that. Ever seen a big screen tv in a target store, not usually but they sell them online:
http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_r_2_1/601-4062968-5866536?node=14071091

Now if they list one of them Forge bikes with 29" wheels I might just consider one at that price to try out.

[Slimpee]

One reviewer said that his LBS said that his Forge is identical to a Giant bike. I was skeptical at first but someone else here said the same thing.

So, decent components and a Giant frame for $320? That's not bad!

How much does one of those things weigh?

[Slimpee]

Ever seen the margins on bikes? They are huge compared to just about anything else Walmart sells, outside of maybe candy bars.

I don't know about that. I worked at a golf course for 6 summers and would constantly hear customers complain about the "markup" on name-brand clubs. To tell you the truth you don't make a ton on clubs but you do make a killing on clothes and accessories. Our markup on Oakleys was something like 100-125%...

I wouldn't be surprised if bikes were the same way.

[jlk_250]

So, decent components and a Giant frame for $320? That's not bad!

How much does one of those things weigh?

I don't think it's exactly a Giant frame but it is made in the same factory as I understand it. The bike weighs about 31 lbs with pedals. My old department store bike was 41 lbs so I think the Forge is light but obviously you're not going to get a 24 lb bike for anything close to $300.

If you really want to know about the weight, one of the owners completely disassembled his Forge and weighed every single part, down to the bottom bracket. The spreadsheet is in the huge Forge thread on mtbr.com.

Jon

[Slimpee]

I don't think it's exactly a Giant frame but it is made in the same factory as I understand it. The bike weighs about 31 lbs with pedals. My old department store bike was 41 lbs so I think the Forge is light but obviously you're not going to get a 24 lb bike for anything close to $300.

If you really want to know about the weight, one of the owners completely disassembled his Forge and weighed every single part, down to the bottom bracket. The spreadsheet is in the huge Forge thread on mtbr.com.

Jon


That's still pretty heavy for a hardtail. I guess the extra $$$ can really save some lbs. My '96 Kona weighed 25.4 lbs. when new (according to specs) and cost somewhere around a grand...

EDIT: The mtbr.com forum has 648 replies in 5 months!

[jlk_250]

That's still pretty heavy for a hardtail. I guess the extra $$$ can really save some lbs. My '96 Kona weighed 25.4 lbs. when new (according to specs) and cost somewhere around a grand...


I don't think 31 lbs is unusual for a modern hardtail up to $550. Nobody likes to talk about their 31 lb bike but that's what you end up with in that price range. (Remember I'm a newbie so I may be wrong but I've done a lot of research.) I've heard of megadollar 22 lb hardtails and would love to ride one but for now I'm happy to be riding what I've got. Actually I'm spending my money on clipless pedals which are even heavier than what came on the bike.

Jon

[Slimpee]

I don't think 31 lbs is unusual for a modern hardtail up to $550. Nobody likes to talk about their 31 lb bike but that's what you end up with in that price range. (Remember I'm a newbie so I may be wrong but I've done a lot of research.) I've heard of megadollar 22 lb hardtails and would love to ride one but for now I'm happy to be riding what I've got. Actually I'm spending my money on clipless pedals which are even heavier than what came on the bike.

Jon


I haven't been into mtn. biking or mtb. bikes and equipment for several years so i figured that most hardtails were under 30 lbs.

[Lezgo Cycling]

I haven't been into mtn. biking or mtb. bikes and equipment for several years so i figured that most hardtails were under 30 lbs.

I know mine is well under 30

[bobbkr]

Hi Jon! Glad to see that you are getting into mountain biking. You know if you sold one of your moto bikes you could buy a real sweet pedal bike.;)
Lets get together for a ride sometime.

[Slimpee]

I don't think 31 lbs is unusual for a modern hardtail up to $550. Nobody likes to talk about their 31 lb bike but that's what you end up with in that price range. (Remember I'm a newbie so I may be wrong but I've done a lot of research.) I've heard of megadollar 22 lb hardtails and would love to ride one but for now I'm happy to be riding what I've got. Actually I'm spending my money on clipless pedals which are even heavier than what came on the bike.

Jon

How do you like your Forge?

[jlk_250]

How do you like your Forge?

Well, I'm new to mountain bikes so it may not mean much but I like it a lot. There are very few unhappy owners of these bikes and even those people generally still recommend the bike to other people. It's crap compared to a $2000 bike, comparable to a $550 bike, and superior to any other $300 bike.
The downsides as I see it:
1) It's mail order so you have to reassemble it yourself and do all the fine-tuning to get it shifting right, etc.
2) It's mail order so you are not supporting local businesses.
3) They have only two frame sizes.
4) You don't get a chance to try one before buying. (You can try my 19".)
5) The Dart1 fork is heavy, is underdamped, sticky, and has no lockout.
6) None of the components are particularly light. More expensive bikes are definitely lighter.
7) There is a risk of damage during shipment.
8) Resale value may be low due to unknown brand.
9) The brakes tend to squeak on my bike.
10) It's on the entry-level end of the spectrum.
The upsides as I see it:
1) There is no better value in a $300 MTB.
2) By putting it together yourself you are forced to learn how to adjust the most common parts to need adjustment.
3) There is nothing odd about the bike to explain the unusually low price.
4) Forge and Target have good customer service including dealing with shipping damage.
5) The geometry is in the same ballpark as the name brand bikes.
6) For my use there isn't a need for a better bike than this.
7) Even cheap disc brakes like these are awesome compared to what I've used before.

Bob,
I wasn't kidding when I said I always wanted to try mountain biking. It took me a (long) while to finally give it a try and I am very much enjoying the local trails. I'd be happy to ride with you but I'm not in good shape and would slow you down. It's the rider, not the bike.
Jon

[Lezgo Cycling]

Bob,
I wasn't kidding when I said I always wanted to try mountain biking. It took me a (long) while to finally give it a try and I am very much enjoying the local trails. I'd be happy to ride with you but I'm not in good shape and would slow you down. It's the rider, not the bike.
Jon


But if you ride with someone faster than you...you tend to work harder to keep up and make yourself better in the process :D

[Ymmit]

You can ride with Gus. He's pretty slow too.

[Heuy]

I don't think this is hard to believe. A dealer can buy most $550 bikes for approximately the low 300s where this bike retails. If Target can go to the manufacturer flex some volume buying muscle and own it for say $290, drop ship it and pocket $30 for handling the paper. I'd do it if i were them, sounds like a money maker.

[Lezgo Cycling]

\You can ride with Gus. He's pretty slow too.

:hit: ouch

[Lezgo Cycling]

I also ride a rigid SS ....:D

[jlk_250]

But if you ride with someone faster than you...you tend to work harder to keep up and make yourself better in the process :D

You are definitely right. On my old POS bike I was desperately trying to keep up with a faster rider and tended to ride it like a single speed rather than shift because of the crappy friction shifters. It also was 41 lbs, flexed like crazy, had terrible brakes, 20 year old street tires, and no suspension. The Forge is awesome by comparison and I figured I'd go faster on it for sure. I feel much more in control and have a much better time on it but I am actually slightly slower at Theo on the Forge! A big part of this is because I've been riding alone and don't push myself as hard trying to keep up. Having good brakes doesn't help lap times at Theo and what people say about SS forcing you to be more aggressive to keep speed up is true!

Jon

[Slimpee]

I'd like to see it! Hopefully i'll see you at Theo sometime...

[bobbkr]

Jon,
Sounds like your Forge was a good deal and it goes to show you that you don't have to spend a lot to get into the sport. I just spent $600 on at new wheel set and tires and that was after a $200 price reduction. Buying neat expensive parts becomes addictive though.
We should meet and ride Murphy sometime. It's a great trail and there are walk arounds for the technical areas. Where is your office? I'm working in Burnsville now which puts me close to all the MORC trails. Don't worry about riding slow. I'm not fast.

[jlk_250]

We should meet and ride Murphy sometime. It's a great trail and there are walk arounds for the technical areas.

Email sent.

Jon

[Primo Tiki]

Does it come with a service plan? Most bike shop bike manufactures require the bike to be assembled by a professional technician to validate the warranty. The fact that it's only available online says something about the integrity of a possible warranty. Plus you don't get free adjustments for a year or 2 years or whatever most bike shops are doing these days.

[jlk_250]

Does it come with a service plan? Most bike shop bike manufactures require the bike to be assembled by a professional technician to validate the warranty. The fact that it's only available online says something about the integrity of a possible warranty. Plus you don't get free adjustments for a year or 2 years or whatever most bike shops are doing these days.

You are exactly right. It doesn't have a service plan. I checked the warranty and it is similar to the name brand bikes. I didn't see anything about requiring professional assembly on any of the warranties I checked. Forge has been good to other owners about warranty issues. Almost all that I know about has been shipping damage. Some owners have paid a LBS to do the initial tune so that cost has to be factored in. For them buying a bike at a local shop might be a better choice.

Personally since I'm a newbie I wondered if I had done all the adjustments correctly. For example, it shifts quickly but not silently. Is that the way it's supposed to be or would a LBS be able to get it better? With experience I've learned that I've done it right.

By the way, their website is www.forgebikes.com

Jon

[Primo Tiki]

That frame looks very similar to the old Giant hard tail frames, in fact, it very well could be the same:

http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2005&model=11038

The specs are very similar, too. Either way, it's not a good idea to underestimate the importance of the initial set up. You'll probably be looking at 50$ or 60$ for a bike shop to tune it up. Most bike shops will check every nut and bolt, set up the brakes so they don't rub or squeal, true the wheels (new bikes usually don't come out of the box with true wheels), and adjust the drive train. The most common problems with bikes that are not professionally assembled include pedals and cranks falling off, brake pads rubbing, and loose stems. As well as avoiding potential catastrophic problems, you also can be sure that the bike is safe to ride. Most places will guarantee their work, also.

[Viking_Rider]

I’m very familiar with this bike, I own the 19” in blue. I first learned of Forge Bicycles on mtbr.com and decided to go for it. Considering it’s not a risk, Target backs their products:cool:. I also received an additional 10% by googling target.com coupons and applied a code. As for the bike, I have owned it for over two years; by far this is the best bike for the price I ever bought or rode…I mainly ride singletracks. The frame is excellent quality and the components speak volumes, one of the guys on mtbr did a cost breakout and the parts alone are double the cost of the bike. The assembly was easy and straightforward (I like to work on bikes) after you learn it’s simple.

[Slimpee]

I'm glad it's working out for you guys! Now I really, REALLY want to see/ride one.

[Viking_Rider]

I've been riding mine for over 2 years, great buy. The frame is solid; 6061 aluminum, fine geometry, nice welding and solid, definitely no corners cut. The components speak for themselves. Forge is real. Checkout mtbr.com.