Wal-Mart has a test lab for bikes?

[Jeff Barber]

Just read this article about Wal-Mart’s new (third party) test lab for bikes & accessories:
http://www.sportsonesource.com/news/spo … 1&id=41657

This allows suppliers of bicycles, helmets, scooters, and specific sporting goods, toys and accessories destined for Walmart USA retails stores, Walmart.com and Sam’s Club to contract Act Lab as an independent third-party test lab to confirm their products meet the necessary safety and compliance requirements and test protocols set by the mass-merchant, as well as those mandated by the federal government.

My question is, does such a test lab exist for companies like REI that sell higher-end bikes? And what about the bikes that end up in the LBS, anyone know if these go through an independent test lab? As far as I can tell, the big bike companies rely on the magazines (and blogs like this one) to put their gear to the (un-scientific) test. Or maybe product liability insurance is enough?

[Bonsai-CP]

So this means that they will finally get some more educated builders/assemblers in their stores, and parts will stop breaking/falling apart or will work right…. 😆 😆 😆 😆

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

I watched a documentary once about Specialized and their factory frame testing. It was very high tech and abusive. I assume that Giant and Trek have similar setups, but with the really small builders…who knows?

[Jeff Barber]

So this means that they will finally get some more educated builders/assemblers in their stores, and parts will stop breaking/falling apart or will work right….

Ummmm no. I’m pretty sure this is just to make sure that a properly built bike won’t break when you ride it under normal conditions. 😀

[Jeff Barber]

"maddslacker" wrote

I watched a documentary once about Specialized and their factory frame testing. It was very high tech and abusive. I assume that Giant and Trek have similar setups, but with the really small builders…who knows?

Right, I’m sure each manufacturer has its own testing protocol but I’m wondering about an independent third party to test all the brands.

Testing all those brands would mean a huge amount of real estate and capital. I’m sure there are multiple 3rd party testing facilities/companies out there. But who’s to say that themagazine companies aren’t contracted for testing?

[CraigCreekRider]

Interesting point. In my business we do a lot of internal testing. The threat of a claim or lawsuit is always huge so you know the design parameters that work for your product and stay within them. We normally don’t use outside testing unless the customer requests it ($), which they are always welcome to do.

I would guess with bikes they may do the same thing. When something really new comes along is when it gets interesting.

[1sikkHucker]

I’m pretty sure that with wal-mart they "test" they’re bikes by sitting them down with a #2 pencil and explain that the bubble has to be filled in completly or it will not count 😆 😆

[Bonsai-CP]

"1sikkHucker" wrote

I’m pretty sure that with wal-mart they "test" they’re bikes by sitting them down with a #2 pencil and explain that the bubble has to be filled in completly or it will not count 😆 😆

Bahahahahahahaha…. 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

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