Who's going to the Minneapolis Swap on the 12th?
 

I plan on going, but interested in who goes and is the swap a popular one, what is it like compared to the Madison one, etc.
-Tom

Its been my delight to find some of the best bike shops and sales and advice and deals and good reading from the "Star Times" newspaper from the St' Paul / Minneapolis area. Go..Just "Go". You won't be disappointed...Jim.

Loose spoke, where in Northern MN are you from? I'm in Grand Rapids myself. I've been to the swap twice, loved it both times. pretty packed at times, lots of vendors, Bring cash that is the preferred method of payment. I've thought of getting a table there, pretty cheap if I remember right, but don't want to be stuck there the whole time. Some guys are looking just to get rid of stuff, and others are trying to get rich, overall I thought the prices were quite reasonable. It doesn't look like I will make it this year though :-(

I'm also from Grand Rapids. We live South on the River Road. If you ride to Jacobson, you pass right by me.
I'll be going down to buy for a couple of projects... just bought an 83-84 Colnago and need some bits, and I'm having some frame mods done by Erik at Peacock Groove and hoping he has it done so I can pick it up.

I go every year.

Every year I end up with another frameset, which I don't really need at the moment.

I won't go over all the goodies I find, but I do recommend this swap for sure.

This is an important fundraiser for the Velodrome, so it helps to have big numbers there.

Last year I sold three bicycles in the parking lot as I was unloading for the swap.

I sold two more in the bike corral.

This year I am sharing a table with JAG410, as well as a riding/racing buddy.

I have six very nice bicycles for sale, including certain racers from Italian builders such as De Rosa, Tommasini, and Casati.

Probably a Merckx or two, and a bunch of Campy wheelsets.

If you go, try to donate a few bucks to the Velodrome and an amateur racing team of your choice.

gomango, I'll try to look for you. Should be easy to find with that stable of bikes for sale!
I am looking for the right buy on a set of wheels for the Colnago I just bought, so for sure will stop by to see what you have.
-Tom

Hi Tom,

I'd love to meet you and have a cup of coffee!

Pm me if you'd like a pre-sale list of wheels, frames, bicycles, or various doo dads.

I'm going with my son, I might try to get a bike or two together to sell but between the cold and my screwed up shoulder I don't know if I will.

It would be great to see both of you.

You are certainly invited for a cup of coffee as well!

... Maybe. don't know for sure.

Hopefully you'll make it.

Some years are better than others, but I know they have additional floor space this year with extra small table space.

I'll have a bike or two at the table with me. Probably a few frames as well. I'll put the rest in the corral, which seems to work great in the past.

These will be the biggest ticket items I've ever brought though, so we'll have to see how it goes.

I really under priced some items last year, and I ended up seeing them on the local CL the same day.

I'm planning on it. Always fun to look and think a little about spring. I'll look for your table Grady.

Yep, stop by.

It would be fun to see the folks that did the ride last fall.

Here's a link with info.

http://www.twincitiesbikeswap.com/

..and start thinking about a ride this spring and early summer.

I'm hoping to pull lots of folks in from out of town in the early part of summer!

Should be a hoot.

I'll be there with gomango selling cheap stuff to draw attention to his nice stuff! As long as I sell my Crosscheck, score the parts I need for my Romic, and have enough money left over for coffee, it'll be a successful event!

Then again, if I left with another bike, that would be ok too.

I'll be there to put my '78 Motobecane Team Champion in the corral. Unless I sell it in the parking lot :-)

I got more than a little worried walking around with a wad of cash.

I sold bikes in the lot and felt a little awkward about this.

Nothing to worry about when you convert cash into a bike.

It will be super tough to walk out of there without buying if there is one particular vendor there.

He has at least one cool bauble every year.

I must have will power. :)

I may take you up on that bike rack idea.

Should be a great day, or at least morning. If I remember, it is not wise to show up late, and having a table means we can wander a little early and see the action. :)

You know we'll be up for the spring ride, With any luck I'll have my other bike done by then. :)

We wouldn't go without your family.

You are all on the "A" squad as far as I am concerned. :)

I go every year, have a great time and always find several things I didn't know I needed. It's killing me, but I will have to miss it this year.

i went last year. i didnt buy much but it was still a great time. if i had gone with a wad of cash i could have left it all. there were lots of great parts (both modern and vintage)

i wish i could be there to enjoy coffee with you guys but i dont think i will make it this year, poor timing...

The more I think about it the more I think I'm going to try to make it. I've got to try to divest myself of some of my obscure French stuff.

You said the magic words: "obscure French stuff" PM a list if you have one..

Same here...spring is much too far away!

I hope to see you all at the swap....I need a couple "doodads" too.

Someone grab me a 57-58 MXL or MAX Corsa...

Thanx.