Originally Posted by
CardiacKid
A lot really depends on the condition of the bike. If you buy a $50 with the intention of keeping it, you are more than likely going to have to put 20 to 40 hours into cleaning and repairing it. Assuming you could have been making $8/hr. working at WalMart during that time, you have $160 to $320 in labor sunk in it. Additionally, you will probably need bar tape, cables, housing, pedals, a saddle and tires. The next thing you know, that $50 bike cost you $400.
I'm afraid you've got it all backwards. Fixing up that bike is 20 hours of fun. Just think of how much 20 hours of fun would cost at the movies ($85) or a ball game (>$100) I'm easily coming out ahead.