Comments on: Old bike stuff selling like hotcakes

By: Cafn8

Cafn8 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:12:17 +0000

I should probably mention that I am comfortable working on bikes myself, so I only have to pay for parts. Otherwise my cost would be higher.

By: Cafn8

Cafn8 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:14:09 +0000

Old bikes can be a great deal. My current daily commuter is a mid ’80s 12-speed, and has generally been quite reliable. In total I have just a touch over $200 into it, most of which went into a brake upgrade. There’s one thing I should mention, though. Heavy folks, as I’m finding, may not have have the best luck with old multiple speed freewheel style hubs. I weigh a bit over 200 lbs, and I’ve just bent my second rear axle so far this spring.

By: Stevep

Stevep — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:58:30 +0000

I’m a little wary of directing new riders to Craigslist, etc. Buying a used bike can save a little money, but the bike usually needs a little work and investment before it’s commuter-worthy. Most casual riders want something ridable out of the box, no up front maintenance required.
People can also be well-served by going to a shop with a variety of bikes and finding one that fits them instead of trying to fit one of the limited decent used bikes available. There are tons of no-frills urban/recreational bikes out there that are comfortable, durable and fun to ride for $500 or even less. Shops that sell refurbished bikes offer a terrific value too.

By: Jeremy Bike Reno

Jeremy Bike Reno — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:25:28 +0000

I volunteer at a bike “recyclery” where we take donated bikes and fix them up. We sell the adult bikes and give the kids bikes to kids (along with a helmet if they don’t have one). We can’t keep old 10 speeds in stock. We’re selling bikes that we haven’t even had a chance to fix yet and were considering stripping for parts. Meanwhile, tons of newer mountain-style bikes sit untouched.

By: Joel

Joel — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:30:36 +0000

I bought a Breezer Citizen (essentially identical to the Village except it’s a three speed) and I love it. I’ve not been on my road or mountain bike since I bought it. Sold, light, responsive, and comfortable for my 15-mile round trip commute into the office. Good suggestion!

By: Wes

Wes — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:45:09 +0000

My roommate managed to snag a job just 6 miles from the apartment and I’ve gotten him to ride a bike now! We got him a new old Peugeot that he seems pretty pleased with.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:35:43 +0000

Definitely being asked about bike commuting. Very simple questions too, that seem obvious. Then I realized how much knowledge bike commuters gain over time without even realizing it. The key is for us to remember what it was like to know less and hold those basic discussions that non-riders need to have. Sounds easier than it is.

By: matthew booth

matthew booth — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:42:19 +0000

for anyone interested, http://www.theloveofbike.com domain is not taken and available for purchasing

By: Angel

Angel — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:39:23 +0000

Yes, a lot of my female friends have started asking me about bikes and I have been scouring the local Craigslist for bikes that might suit them. To them I am hardcore even though I’m not by any means. I like to help them out because I’m trying to spread the Love of Bike.

By: Ted

Ted — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:36:39 +0000

Asking for bike advice? Not so much in the neighborhood but folks at work inquire.

Seems to me that local bike shops are totally missing the boat with respect to marketing to and supporting bike commuters. You can get a cruiser for putzing around the hood in the summer or drop a month’s salary on a mtn/racing/cross bike. That in-between and all the equipment/accessories/maintenance/info that support it are a big soft spot.