How to stop buying low-end bikes

[attorneydad]

Guys, I need some help.

I'm new here. I listen to the good advice and then don't follow it. Please help.

We all believe in the n +1 rule around here. Right? And we all like cheap stuff. Right?

I have a hard time seeing past the cheap. Without regard for cosmetic quality, rust, fit, style, or marketability, I just go chasing after anything less than $30. Just last night I bought a Schwinn Sprint, a Roadmaster "Cape Cod," a Huffy banana-seat something or other, and an unnamed small BMX-looking-bike which still bears its label warning me that it's not for off-road use or stunting.

All had been sitting out in the weather. (We don't really get rain here. So I guess it's snow. Or overspray from someone's lawn sprinkler)

I paid $2 each. I figured it was worth it if I could use one component off of each (e.g. the wheels from the Sprint will fit my other 27" bike. Knobbies!) But then I have to let go of the rest of the bike, and I'm just not sure I have the strength of character to do that. And who's going to buy a Schwinn Sprint frame with no handlebars or wheels?

Looking forward to your advice,

-Matthew. A novice.

 

[yoothgeye]

I know of no cure.

 

[Rat Rod]

Ride a really nice comfortable expensive bike for a week....that'll cure it...ha ha. :lol:

 

[yoothgeye]

Ride a really nice comfortable expensive bike for a week....that'll cure it...ha ha. :lol:

How can you get one of those for really... umm... cheap?

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

I'm just learning how to say "NO" to every bike I see and I've been into this for a little over a year now. It might help when all your storage space, garage, basement, mini barn, etc is so full that you can't get in it anymore. Then, and only then, you might have a little voice in your head tell you to slow down. But, if youre anything like me, you'll argue with that little voice for awhile. You'll bring home a few more and will eventually be TOLD to stop by a spouse or significant other. (But I keep getting more and store them elsewhere......... :wink: )

 

[Rat Rod]

How can you get one of those for really... umm... cheap?

You either wait a long time until one pops up on the CL or you bite the bullet and spend the dough.

Once you've ridden a few Electras or Felts with large frames and comfortable geometry, you'll have a hard time getting back on a single speed middleweight bike.

Not saying that you can't ever enjoy riding them, it's just that the newer larger cruisers have a way of spoiling your thriftiness. :lol:

 

[user 135]

I would never buy a cheap bike for a easily found part. I am a big believer in quality over quantity. At the Boise Bike Project, what we can't use, we send to Africa. What can't be used in Africa, is stripped of seats,cables, grips and then sent to the scrapper. Most of these bikes are multi speed Wally World bikes.

 

[scrumblero]

I was doing good there for awhile with about the same number going out as coming in, they are starting to back up now tho, I need to "GET TA BUILDIN!" as Jake would say :mrgreen:

 

[user 135]

I was doing good there for awhile with about the same number going out as coming in, they are starting to back up now tho, I need to "GET TA BUILDIN!" as Jake would say :mrgreen:

That is a great rule'- 1 Bike in, 1 bike out.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

That is a great rule'-

Rules are made to be broken. If not, then modified to your personal preference.

 

[kingfish254]

Ride a really nice comfortable expensive bike for a week....that'll cure it...ha ha. :lol:

How can you get one of those for really... umm... cheap?

You flip cheaper bikes and set aside the profits to pay for the more expensive bike. Once you do the conversion to FSD (Fred Sanford Dollars), you end up getting the $$$$$$$$ bike for cheap.

 

[dogdart]

Just look at your collection , and envision what you want it to be , If you want a yard full of rusty Wal Mart bikes , then keep buying the junk . Get yourself a pick up and cruise trash night . But , if you want a little more substance in your stash , then , just say NO . you'll find the hunt for better bikes becomes more satisfying , and soon , you'll even be passing on 50 dollar vintage bikes , unless they have something substantial to offer .

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

You flip cheaper bikes and set aside the profits to pay for the more expensive bike.

I believe that defines any kind of addiction to something.

 

[CRASH]

So lets see a picture of that Huffy muscle bike!!

 

[yoothgeye]

I just pick up the junk bikes because I don't even have a LBS within 50 miles of here.

 

[dragnusa]

Im alot like Yoothgeye the closest LBS is over an hour away so low end bikes are either cheap flip bikes or parts bikes then once their stripped of usable parts the frame just goes in the recycle pile

 

[beatcad]

maybe just doin bikes long enough will make ya walk away.
heck! i dont even have to pay for junk/parts bikes anymore. friends and neighbors give 'en to me :lol:

 

[yoothgeye]

Im alot like Yoothgeye the closest LBS is over an hour away so low end bikes are either cheap flip bikes or parts bikes then once their stripped of usable parts the frame just goes in the recycle pile

Can't sell a decent bike for cheap around here.

maybe just doin bikes long enough will make ya walk away.
heck! i dont even have to pay for junk/parts bikes anymore. friends and neighbors give 'en to me :lol:

I don't look a gift horse in the mouth, 95% of the bikes I get are free, possibly more.

 

[dragnusa]

Im alot like Yoothgeye the closest LBS is over an hour away so low end bikes are either cheap flip bikes or parts bikes then once their stripped of usable parts the frame just goes in the recycle pile

Can't sell a decent bike for cheap around here.

maybe just doin bikes long enough will make ya walk away.
heck! i dont even have to pay for junk/parts bikes anymore. friends and neighbors give 'en to me :lol:

I don't look a gift horse in the mouth, 95% of the bikes I get are free, possibly more.

I think ive sold maybe 10 since I started in the spring and none for more then 40 each. Im doing more repairs then anything now and having a good stock of used parts has helped keep the cost down and now people have started bringing junk bikes with them when they drop off bikes to be repaired

 

[kngtmat]

Please don't start on this because I have had enough of this subject, no to the bmx bikes and the suspension mountain bikes but the other types of bikes that are cheap are good bikes.