Needing help with kid's bike purchase

[duane041]

Well, that may be a bit misleading. What I am planning to do is repair and repaint a few bikes for some kids that I know that don't have anything to ride. I can get bikes at a nearby Community thrift store, but my problem is that I know less than nothing about these types of bikes. Today, I saw 11 bikes there, in various sizes and colors. The manufacturers were Schwinn, Magna (lots of those), Kent, Z-something or other, and a Trek. I thought I saw one that ended in "-and" or "-ant" also. Yeah, that's helping :rolleyes: :)

My question is, which brands are at least adequate for what I'd like to do? These bikes range from $10-$20. By the way, the ages of the kids are between 6 and 9.

Thanks for any help or advice, it's greatly appreciated.

Duane

[DiRt DeViL]

Congratulations on getting involved on your community by helping out.

Let me see if I understand correctly, you're going to purchase some bikes at the thrift store in order to repair them and give them away? If so why are you bothering with brand names?

From the info you posted most of them are department store brands that have cheap components and weight a ton, are you sure you want to go ahead? You'll be spending some money for repair/replacement of parts plus paint and materials like sanding paper, primer, etc plus your time, have you even considered purchasing a couple of those same bikes new and give them as a donation instead?

[duane041]

Well, sort of.....
The bikes I am looking at are all in working order, may need new tires, etc. My idea was twofold-get some bike sout there for the kiddies, and practice my painting skills at the same time. I work doing light resto on collectible cars, so I have mucho prep/paint materials at hand, and many colors that will just go bad in the cans. I am pplanning on doing some experimental graphics and such, just to see what can and can't be done on a bike frame.

As long as the bikes are of decent quality, I'm OK. I would figure that at this age group, kids outgrow bikes fairly quickly, so they'd only ride it for a few years, if that. So I'd like to at least get something above the 'bottom feeders', if you get my drift ;)

[DiRt DeViL]

If that's the case go for it, the kids will really appreciate it.

Show pics of the process, so we can enjoy them.

[dragonflybikes]

I agree that they all sound like Target or Walmart type brands. Obviously the Trek is probably the best one, but other than that I would just say take a look at them and pic whichever ones are in the best condition

[Marylandnewbie]

Duane041 -- what a great idea -- you get to practice your painting skills and a bunch of kids get rideable bikes. I have nothing to offer but my congratulations on a great idea. Good luck with it.

[duane041]

I'll head back over tomorrow and see what's around. The fun (?) part is that their inventory changes about every three days :(