Mo'Phat

Sunday, November 5th.

If anybody here hasn't gone, you owe it to yourself to go. I got pretty much my entire bike there last year: NOS Litespeed Orion frame that was never built up: $250. Ultegra group w/ about 100 miles on it: $175. Shimano wheelset w/ skewers, tires, tubes and cassette from the Beyond Bikes booth: $200. All the little bits and pieces came in at under $10 each: seatpost, stem, bars.

You can find clothes for cheap. Frames, bikes (all kinds...not just roadies or tracks), cycling miscellani, and all the hard to find components you want.

Just an FYI, incase this is news to some people.

mateo44

Wow, this sounds really fun. Would be great to put together an OC contingent and head down there (after a morning ride, of course). Kinda like a BF field trip, but without the parents' note and crummy sack lunch. I'll check with Mel and see if our schedule is clear that day.

Mo'Phat

I'll edit mine...if you edit yours.

Mo'Phat

Oh! Also, this isn't all just boxes of used gear. Much of it is brand new overstock from bike shops. Or old stock that just didn't move out of the store.

mateo44

Edited.

Mo'Phat

NO.no.no...edit the Quote, so I don't look like a schmo.

mateo44

LOL. Sorry, not enough caffeine yet. It's done.

urbanknight

Last time I went there was in 1995, and I recall picking up some lightly used carbon sole shoes for like $70 ($300 new). My wife wants to go to San Diego to visit her brother and get her favorite chinese food, maybe she'll be ok with a bike swapmeet in exchange!

Mo'Phat

Where?

jschen

Interesting. I may have to check it out.

urbanknight

I can't remember the name, but when she reminds me I'll post it. It's some family resturant that's only open from like noon to 5 or something.

jsigone

if I have $$$ I will go

mateo44

I'll have $$$ until I go....

GP

You might want to bring your bike rack. Just in case.

chimivee

Interesting. Interestingly interested.

blue_nose

I am looking for a new set of brake calipers, so I will probably check it out.

Thanks for the reminder.

mateo44

hmmmm. just in case....

I like the sound of that....

mateo44

In the morning ride, the field trip, or both?

chimivee

Was referring to the field trip... but a ride would be a welcome bonus.

mateo44

I figured!

One option might be to blow off the ride and get to the swap meet early. I don't know if it's picked-over by the afternoon....

chimivee

Good point.

Mo'Phat

The screaming deals will be gone...but if you're looking for something specific, you will probably find it. My buddy got a brand new Campy Record rear brake and front derailleur, from two different merchants, in the bottom of a box. It took him awhile to pick through it all, but they were there.

Also, jerseys are cheeeeeep.



But, you should go with something specific in mind. I went this past spring 'just to go', and walked away with nothing.

urbanknight

I do remember the jerseys being cheap. When I went 10 years ago, I needed more clothes to train in and walked away with a jersey and a skinsuit for $5 each. Since it was for training, I didn't care which washed up team it was from. Oh and the last time I went just to go, I ended up spending $200. Too many good deals.

I'd love to sell some of my leftover stuff, but it's just not enough to justify buying a spot. Too bad it can't be like the car swapmeets where people walk around with a wagoin and a sign (have..... want.....)

mateo44

I dont mind walking away with nothing. I just go with an open mind and look for deals. If the shopping gods frown upon me, so be it.

That said, I may prefer to go in the morning for the deals and best selection.

Breaking news: Melissa just confirmed that our schedule is free that day. So if one or more of you OC slobs wanna come along, let me know.

Mo'Phat

BTW: all the above deals I got were found and purchased within the first 30 minutes. I was about the 10th guy through the gate. I bought the frame first...and had to carry it around 'til I found the wheels/tires...then had to push the bike around holding on to the unsecured steerer tube. Most inconvenient, but had people gawking at me. Too bad I was 30 lbs heavier with unshaven legs (still unshaven...), I'm sure some of the looks were unkind.

The thing about Swap Meet sellers is that NOBODY wants to pack all their stuff up and put it in storage again, so near the end of the day, prices plummet. Arguments can also be made to stick it out 'til the end and offer an insanely low price for something...the seller might just go for it.