Need a bike for 2 weeks in NYC - rent or buy?

May 6, 2015 6:17 AM

I'm going to NYC June 23 to July 7 and need a bicycle for that period. Last time I rented one on Spinlister, which worked great, but still cost $250-ish. I wonder if it's worth buying a 2nd hand ride and reselling it on the last day. If so, where?

I vaguely remember a market somewhere on the Williamsburg waterfront that had a bike stall, but this was on a weekend (also 8 years ago!) and I arrive on Tuesday evening. Does anyone have recommendations for stores (I'm staying near the Williamsburg bridge, but can travel) that might both sell me a bike and buy it back within a ~ $150 margin? Or are there cheaper long term rental alternatives to Spinlister? I don't think I wanna deal with the hassle of Craigslist, I am after all on holiday.

Any suggestions welcome - including "Spinlister sounds like your best bet". (Not Citi Bike tho. I will be doing long trips, not half hour hops, on this bike.) Thank you!

posted by ClarissaWAM to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (10 answers total)

Do buy! If you can't resale it, donate it. You can order one online and have it delivered to where you are staying.
posted by myselfasme at 6:46 AM on May 6, 2015

You can order one online and have it delivered to where you are staying.

Keep it mind it's still going to have to be assembled. spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints has a really great Bikes Direct assembly checklist. His shop charges $125 for assembly. You can do it yourself, but where are you going to get all the tools? Just something to think about.
posted by Juliet Banana at 6:59 AM on May 6, 2015

Best answer: B's Bikes is in Williamsburg and has a great selection of used bikes.
posted by functionequalsform at 7:02 AM on May 6, 2015 [1 favorite]

(That is to say, if you do decide to buy one. I got a nice used cruiser there for $250.)
posted by functionequalsform at 7:10 AM on May 6, 2015

Do you know anyone in the city? This is the sort of thing where I would put out a general call on Facebook or Twitter and see if anyone knew anyone who had a bike to spare/rent. Seems a lot easier than trying to buy/sell for just two weeks and dealing with friends and acquaintances would be simpler than Craigslist.
posted by yeahlikethat at 9:24 AM on May 6, 2015

Response by poster: Ha, I think I actually went to B's Bikes last time to have a screw replaced! They were indeed lovely.

I don't know anyone with a spare bike in NYC unfortunately. I don't really know many people in NYC full stop. Tho I can ask those if they know someone...

Ordering a bike for self-assembly is probably not the way I want to go.

Thanks all for your suggestions! I'll have another poke around.
posted by ClarissaWAM at 11:44 AM on May 6, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Time's Up has a variety of cruiser bikes for sale at their repair shop in Williamsburg. Perfect for a two week purchase/rental, priced at $160-200. Note: I am citing their website, and do not have personal experience with these bikes. Time's Up Bikes for Sale
posted by stachemaster at 12:03 PM on May 6, 2015

Best answer: Try asking the same question on the Message Board of the New York Cycle Club, nycc.org.

You can also try the NYCC's Facebook page.
posted by JimN2TAW at 12:22 PM on May 6, 2015

Best answer: If the Time's Up suggestion sounds like it might work, you can also try Recycle a Bicycle. Locations in Dumbo and the East Village.
posted by amicus at 6:37 AM on May 7, 2015

Response by poster: Missed all these great suggestions - NYCC is a great idea actually, also just for joining rides, maybe. Thank you!
posted by ClarissaWAM at 2:17 PM on May 18, 2015