Where to find a cheap bike?
August 1, 2010 10:43 AM   Subscribe

How should I go about getting a sub-$100 city bike? [in Chicago.]

After getting a bike stolen, and with only about 6 months left until I go to study abroad anyways, I'd like to get a cheap replacement (preferably sub-$75, almost definitely sub-$100) to commute with. Craigslist hasn't been the best in this regard. How should I go about finding a bike at these prices?
posted by LSK to Travel & Transportation (10 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Working Bikes is a non-profit that fixes up donated bikes with volunteer labor and sells them, many for less than $100.
posted by enn at 10:55 AM on August 1, 2010 [2 favorites]


Working Bikes rocks! Great organization.

Flea market options.

Thursdays at Swap-O-Rama. 4100 S. Ashland Ave. It's a weird day to have a flea market but there are hundreds of dealers there. Many cheap (and not so cheap) bikes to be found.

Sunday
Wolff's Flea Market at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. 600 dealers. A couple specialize in bikes. Drop me a line if you're going. I know many of these guys... can get you a good deal. (email in profile)
posted by Bighappyfunhouse at 11:01 AM on August 1, 2010


garage sale
posted by canoehead at 11:01 AM on August 1, 2010


Post a "WANTED" ad on Craigslist. Make sure that you state EXACTLY what you are looking for, and frame size.

I did that, and got the bike I'm still riding 3 years later.

And believe me, making sure the frame fits you well will ensure that you actually RIDE it. That comes from personal experience.
posted by bibliogrrl at 12:42 PM on August 1, 2010


ciclo urbano is another community bike shop. I meant to visit last week but didn't get around to it. Support your community bike shops, they're rad and you can learn to fix up your new purchase, even if it's not from that shop.
posted by glip at 12:43 PM on August 1, 2010


At least here in Washington DC, many of the larger thrift stores carry servicable bicycles in the $30-60 price range. I'd call around and see if any of the ones near you carry them.
posted by drlith at 12:54 PM on August 1, 2010


Wal-Mart sells a number of new bikes in the $100 range in most stores. With a few more $s , they would give you free repair for the next one year.

Obviously, you are getting a cheap bike, but I have found these to be reasonably good for my around-the-neighborhood commuting needs and occasional recreational weekend biking trips (caveat - I am not a biking expert).
posted by justlooking at 2:01 PM on August 1, 2010


Working Bikes is an excellent source and your money would go to a good cause. Their sales are a bit of a madhouse in the summer; it's best to line up half an hour before they open. Wednesdays are probably better then Saturdays.

A lot of people believe many of the bikes for sale at Swap-o-rama have been stolen. You might even find yours!
posted by hydrophonic at 3:46 PM on August 1, 2010


I got my bike from a bike shop. The catch though is that I bought it after someone went to get it repaired and never came back for it. Only paid what it cost them to have it fixed.
posted by theichibun at 5:48 PM on August 1, 2010


Why don't you buy a more expensive one and then sell it, assuming nobody steals it in the next 6 months? It will be much easier.
posted by twblalock at 3:17 AM on August 6, 2010


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