Dump hunting help
10-31-08 | 10:35 PM
#2
I've never been to Rochester (or NY even), but I'd look in the phone book yellow pages for establishments like those.
11-02-08 | 09:43 PM
#3
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
1. Google it. According to google, there are about a dozen thrift stores in Rochester. For example, according to Google, you have two Salvation Army thrift stores in Rochester. There are probably more in surrounding cities.
2. Visit each of the dozen or more stores, and get a feel for who usually gets bikes.
3. Build short stops at the target stores into your routine. For example, I pass two of my favorites on the way to Walmart. I usually stop on the way.
4. Be prepared for long dry spells, and occasional bike finds.
5. Be ready to buy on the spot, good deals will not last long, and definitely not long enough for you to go home and do research. So develop a simple mental checklist: rims, frame type, wheels, components, etc. When the bike is $10, you really should not have to do a very thorough inspection.
6. Remember, even a trashed out bike can be a deal depending on the components. For example, my last thrift store bike buy had extensive rust, and a long gash (split) on one of the chain stays. The frame was toast. But it also had Deore LX components, nice wheels and tires. And it was $5. You have to look past the obvious to see the value that others pass up.
7. And if you travel, try to stop at a few stores along the way.
2. Visit each of the dozen or more stores, and get a feel for who usually gets bikes.
3. Build short stops at the target stores into your routine. For example, I pass two of my favorites on the way to Walmart. I usually stop on the way.
4. Be prepared for long dry spells, and occasional bike finds.
5. Be ready to buy on the spot, good deals will not last long, and definitely not long enough for you to go home and do research. So develop a simple mental checklist: rims, frame type, wheels, components, etc. When the bike is $10, you really should not have to do a very thorough inspection.
6. Remember, even a trashed out bike can be a deal depending on the components. For example, my last thrift store bike buy had extensive rust, and a long gash (split) on one of the chain stays. The frame was toast. But it also had Deore LX components, nice wheels and tires. And it was $5. You have to look past the obvious to see the value that others pass up.
7. And if you travel, try to stop at a few stores along the way.
11-02-08 | 10:04 PM
#4
N+1
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 8
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: A few
+1 on #6 above. A straight set of aluminum rimmed 27" wheels is easily worth $20-40 alone. I went to one of my local thrifts and noticed a Bianchi. I ran over to it only to notice the worst rust I have ever seen on a steel frame. I started to walk away because of the condition until I noticed it said Campagnolo on the Brake lever. Upon further inspection it has a full Campy Mirage 8 speed group with Ergo levers. Parted out on Ebay and the local CL list I made $200+ on that find alone.
11-02-08 | 10:41 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of the info. i stopped by two thrift stores and didnt find any bikes. might go looking a little next weekend. I picked up an '85 Schwinn Traveler which has a 4130 Cro-Moly frame alloy wheels (back one is bent) and dia compe brakes for $30
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