Commuting - Frustration in my quest for THE bike.

So, after much running around town, and pouring thru site after site online, I am still left with no bike. I have become desperate. So desperate, in fact, that one of those Target bikes have become awful tempting. I just want to RIDE! So, I am standing in the bike section at Target, and they have all these Schwinn bikes. The only thing is, they all have dual suspension and I was not going to cop out THAT much. So I finally just walked away and sustained myself by purchasing a helmet.

I am still looking online. Hopefully, something will turn up soon that I can A.) afford, B.) use, and C.) like.

(sigh)

emiliB

What are you looking for?

What is so elusive in your quest?

Does your local bike shop not have what you need or is a budget concern?

What are you looking for?

What is so elusive in your quest?

Does your local bike shop not have what you need or is a budget concern?


I am looking for a MTB, per the advice of people on this forum. Need to put a rack on it. I am student and am going to use the bike mainly for on-campus commuting. I live in Tyler, TX and there are only two LBS here. Neither one has a very large used selection, and yes the new ones are out of my price range. I wouldn't mind spending a bit more on a good, new bike, but since I will be leaving it unattended for a least an hour at a time on a college campus, I don't want anything that is shiny and tempting.

I really want a used bike. I have only tried one thrift shop here, and they did not have anything. We don't have too many others. Tyler is not too bike friendly, there aren't even sidewalks in most neighborhoods. My mom suggested pawn shops, but I am concerned I would be purchasing something stolen.

emilib

Your pals are bound to go on a road trip (in a car) one of these weekends to a bigger city. Make a daytime plan to use the sun-up hours to find a bike for yourself - or maybe for you and your friends too.

Check out the local bike shops, the thrift shops, and maybe some garage sales.

What a ball. Use the money you save for partying at night.

Also, don't forget the police auctions in the medium-to-large sized towns. Generally, they will have a decent bike or two available which won't be bid up to an unreasonable price. I plan to buy my winter commuter some time this fall (after the first rains) at a police auction. I'm planning my timing such that there should be fewer buyers at that time, and my chances of getting the bike cheaply increase.

Actually, any college town will probably have a significant number of bikes at its police auction. Also, check the campus newspapers and flyers in campus buildings and near-campus businesses. College towns are good places to buy used bikes; students buy them with their parents' money and get rid of them for a song when it's time to graduate, transfer, drop out, go home for the summer, etc. Maybe even put up "Bike wanted" posters on and around campus.

I suggest you call Richardson Bike Mart in Dallas and ask them if they have any used MTBs in your price range. They are a large LBS and may be able to help you out. If they have something that's promising, make a trip up there.

You could also check some Salvation Army thrift stores if you go up to Dallas. Sometimes they have a good selection of bikes, but it's hit or miss. Unfortunately, it's a long trip if you strike out.