We're into a debate over what we all interpret differently. I would under no circumstances buy or recommend a bike like the Tesco "Rockface Vertigo". It purports to be something that it isn't, ie a dual suspension bike that will be capable of riding of-road. (I sincerely hope no-one would ever attempt to ride it anywhere near a rockface....)
Yes, some people will put it to use as a fun bike, as it will be capable of riding round a park or garden, even some short trips, but any owner will quickly realise that its components are shoddy, and will go out of adjustment never to return to a sweet-spot.
For that reason I for one am perfectly happy to use the term BSO. I have made it clear that this differs hugely from the term "cheap bike". I have seen many cheap bikes that are perfectly fit for purpose as a utility bike, using components that are perfectly good and work well, keeping their shape and adjustment for reasonable periods.
My kids had cheap bikes when they were little just to ride round parks, gardens, campsites etc. Cubette once persuaded her mum to buy a cheap dual suspension thing (BSO) from JJB sports, and that was a nightmare to keep the brakes and gears working. I was extremely glad to get rid of it, but she loved it.
Cubester was a bit more discerning, and we accidentally bought him a Kobe hardtail with bouncy forks and shimano gears. It was awesome to ride,and apart from the gripshift gears was OK to maintain. That was a cheap bike and still gives good service today in the hands of its new owner.
Both my kids have friends who appear on cheap bikes and BSOs. A common theme is that very few people out there know how to repair, service or adjust bikes(BSO or otherwise)so if they buy bikes that won't stay in tune the problem of kids riding round on brakeless deathtraps is compounded. We live at the top of a big hill, and so I always have a sneaky look at their friends' bikes to make sure they will survive the ride home. I therefore consider myself to be qualified in adjusting brakes and gears in all their forms. My point here is that the cheap bikes rarely need adjusting more than once, but the BSOs need fettling every time I see them.
Am I a snob? No. Would I pay less than £500 for a bike? Completely different argument due to available income.
Would I recommend a cheap bike? Yes of course, as long as it is what it claims to be, ie a budget utility entry level starter beginner to improver rig that works properly more times than it goes out of adjustment.
Would I recommend a £70 supermarket "MTB" to anybody? No of course I wouldn't, that would be irresponsible.
