However, if you are more experienced or plan to use your bike for more advanced tricks and competitions, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end model that can offer better support and performance. The most noticeable advantage of Kent bike models is their price. With the lowest model costing around $100, they are among the cheapest bikes you can find on the market. Not only that, but these bikes are also durable and reliable enough for all types of riding conditions.
Your bike frame & fork are protected under our Lifetime Warranty policy. Bicycle labeling has a storied history in the U.S., with bikes being called “Made in USA” while assembled with Asia-sourced components. Or frames imported from China and painted in the U.S. being labeled “Made in USA.” Kamler was unsure if the South Carolina-assembled bikes would qualify for the new label but applied anyway. Maybe I am feeling it because I have driven the comfiest professional bikes.
Kent bikes are a good choice for riders who are looking for a basic, reliable, and affordable bike for casual use. Although the brand has tried to build bikes according to market demand, so far, I couldn’t find any model as super and great as suitable for my professional mountain biking or road racing. Their mountain bikes are sturdy and robust, perfect for beginners and hobby riders, and give affordable models to all people.
“The prices there were just so low it made no economic sense to continue, so in 1991 we stopped production, sold off the equipment, shut the doors,” Kamler recalls. “We were never, ever going to manufacture again in the U.S. That was 23 years ago, our very final decision.”And then along came… Walmart. What Kamler is doing in bicycle manufacturing exactly parallels what transplant automotive producers engineered in the 70s and 80s. Kent Bicycles made headlines with its plans to produce 500,000 bikes annually in its new South Carolina factory in Manning.
They may also not be the best choice for riders who are looking for a high-performance or competitive bike. However, we’ve also noted that the build quality of these bikes is not as high as more expensive models, and they may require more frequent maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the seating position can be uncomfortable for extended rides, and the pedals may be too close together for some riders. Despite their low cost, Kent Tandem Bikes offer good performance and handling on the road or on light trails.
The warranty period for kent bikess is typically one year for parts and six months for labor. If you are a casual or recreational rider who is looking for a basic bike that is affordable, durable, and easy to use, a Kent bike may be a good choice for you. However, if you require more advanced or specialized features, or if you are a serious or competitive rider, you may want to consider other bike brands that are more tailored to your needs. That being said, Kent bikes may not be the best choice for more experienced or serious riders who require more advanced features or specialized components.
However, if you are looking for a bike that is optimized for speed and efficiency on smooth terrain, you may want to consider a different type of bike. However, we have also noted that the weight of the oversized tires can make these bikes feel sluggish and heavy, especially on flat or smooth terrain. Additionally, the wide tires may require more effort to pedal, which can be tiring for some riders. One of the key advantages of Kent Fat bikes is their versatility. These bikes can be used in a wide range of environments, from snowy trails to sandy beaches, making them a great choice for riders who want to explore new terrain and challenge themselves. Kent has a huge bike collection for all ages and styles, including kid’s bikes, BMX freestyle bike, cruiser/comfort bikes, hybrid/trekking bike, mountain bike, road/fixie bikes, tricycles, tandem bikes, folding bikes, recumbent, and electric bikes.
We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. I am a bike aficionado who researched for you important information about the brand to help you know if Kent bikes are good bikes. Long-term, in addition to training more workers, the CEO wants to improve process efficiency. “Long-term we feel that if we do this right, we will need fewer man-hours to build a bike,” Kamler explains. “Right now, we know the process is too manual, so we’ll be looking to improve the automation level of our factory. With new machines and trained workers in place, Kamler believes that Kent’s expansion plans are not only realistic, but they fit the workplace shift he is seeing now in the U.S., in great contrast to what is happening in China. In fact, Kent’s bike factory in China has experienced the same workforce and wage shifts chronicled in the book Factory Girl.
In the end, Kent paid less than $2 million for the building, then sunk more than $3 million in renovations (to-date). “But it’s still the right building,” Kamler declares. “We love the workers in South Carolina. You know, most of our workers were already employed, but in really rough jobs. A lot of people came from a chicken kent bikes processing plant twenty miles away—48 degrees inside, brutal smells, plucking and processing chickens.” As late as 1991, only 25 years ago, when production ceased, the U.S. still had the ability to manufacture bike components. Kent tried reducing costs by 1% per year, but costs in China were dropping by 5% per year.