You can tell that many people consider bike riding season to be at an end - just check out your local Goodwill store.
Once in a while a bicycle will show up at Goodwill. One. Once in a while. Today I went to Goodwill and found 4 mountain bikes sitting there - waiting for good homes. Granted they all needed repair - and that's why they probably never made it to Craigslist. But I found one - a Huffy 10 speed - that I was able to ride across the parking lot and throw into the back of my Saturn Vue. The derailleurs are a little stiff. They just need some lube. I should probably replace the brake pads. So, for an investment of less than $25.00 (the bike at $14.99 and brake shoes at $4.95 a pair) I have a perfectly serviceable mountain bike that fits me and will last. Later I may even replace the saddle with something a bit more comfortable - but that will be because I WANT to - not because I HAVE to.
I like to keep my big butt comfy - no matter what I ride.
That said, now is the time to start looking for the bike you want. If you are handy, now may be the time to buy the Winter Project bike - get it in, tear it down, clean it up, fix it up, and turn around and ride in style and/or comfort this Spring. Or sell it to someone who needs a good bike and may not have the resources to spend on a 'new' bike.
That's what the name of this post is all about. S.O.B. Save Old Bikes.
That's what I do. If that's what YOU do - then you and I are on the same side.
Ndinombethe.
Out where my mom lives there's always bikes there lots of kids not much for adults but usually in good condition
ReplyDeleteGreat score!!
@tricia nightowlmama: Thanks for commenting- You are the first to comment here, on this blog. Rural kids would have a tendency to treat their bikes well - it's how they get around.
ReplyDeleteI can never find good bikes for the kids. Sent my husband to an auction last year and he got one for my son that needed a seat and other work....I bought the seat and hubs still hasn't put it on for him :(
ReplyDeleteWill you be offering online tutorials, via YouTube or some other video vehicle? I just got my hands on a 10-year-old mountain bike made in Germany. It needs some general maintenance. I'd love to DIY it rather than pay those bike shop dudes. They *tried* to fleece me a few times this summer.
ReplyDelete@Lisa Noel: I haunt Craigslist and my network of friends, looking for unwanted bikes. I haven't had a hard time finding them - at least, not yet.
ReplyDelete@Middle State: I'm not sure yet - I will direct people to my secret Internet source for bicycle knowledge, at the very least.