Looking for a bicycle for leisure and I don't have much money, what do you recommend?

Question

My husband is without a job right now. I am looking for ways to excersize and involve my kids, without spending to much money. I have a kids travel trailer to pull and I would like some ideas for a bike to buy that will not cost me to much money.

Answer 1

There are several programs, some of which are on Yahoo in the groups section, called Freecycle. It's where, instead of selling an item, they list it on the message board and give it away. You can also list an item you're looking for. Head over to the Groups section and run a search for Freecycle and look for one near your area. I've seen bikes several times offered on the site.

You can also check out http://www.craigslist.org

Also, you might check out this article on choosing the right bike. You may not be ready for an upgrade just yet, but it is a good article. http://bicycling.suite101.com/article.cf...

Good luck!

Answer 2

craigslist for sure

then..

target or walmart.

good luck

Answer 3

1) Call your nearest Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores. And keep trying; right now any ridable bike won't hang around long before being sold.  

2) Also ask the standard bike shops near your home.  Some take bikes in trade and either resell after minimal fixing-up, or even give them away.  

3) Another thing to check is police property sales.  You'll have to do some phoning around to find them in your city or county.

Answer 4

People throw them out all the time.  Most just need new tires (cheap).  Pick one up, re-tire it, oil it.  You might even try freecycle (the group) in your area.  No pun intended.

Answer 5

Do some research...find something used.  Most "casual" bikes (like cruisers, hybrids, and comfort bikes) don't see much use.  They tend to decorate garages until space is needed and something's gotta go.

Check the local paper daily.  Craigslist (you can place your own free wanted ad, too).  Even Goodwill stores.  Some local bike shops ("LBS") take in trades.  Visit yours to see if they have something on hand, or give them your name/# in case they come across something in the near future.  If it was a crappy product when it was new, the LBS isn't going to take it in on trade no matter what the condition.  They can also provide helpful information for your search.  And, this won't feel as risky as buying the unknown from a third party when you don't know bikes.

Don't be tempted by the "toys" at the discount store.  They're poorly assembled and poorly tuned products of the cheapest parts.  If you're pulling a trailer, you'll likely break the discount job.

FYI, you do pay a bit of a premium for a derailleur or "multispeed" bicycle.  If the trailer is heavy and you need the lower gearing for pulling it, take that into consideration.  If you're reasonably fit and your streets/paths are rather flat, a singlespeed would cost less and get the job done with very little regular maintenance.  An internal geared hub with 3 to 8 speeds has few maintenace concerns as well, but you'll have those gears available should you need them for the occasional hill or incline.

Make sure to get something that fits you comfortably.  If it doesn't fit, you may not feel safe riding it, and/or you may experience unnecessary discomfort during and after your ride.  If it means you have to spend a few more dollars to get the right fit, do so.

If you find something used from a private party, look closely at it, ride it, and ask questions.  If you see rust, look more closely.  If you see yet more rust, this might not be the bike for you.  Worn tires, grips, and seats can be replaced without significant cost.  A fractured wrist due to a rusted frame weld failing would be much worse.

There are plenty of lightly used bikes around.  Make an adventure of your search.  Have fun and don't rush yourself.  You may find the ideal bike this weekend, or it might take a month or more.

Answer 6

you can go to wal mart they sell bikes for $99-$194 they last about 10,000 (thow away bikes is what i call them) but they will do if you take it easy on it before i got reed of my bike from there i had 2,000 miles on it and it was still kicking so they will do until your husband gets a job hopes this helps

ps below is a web site for you when you get some more money

Answer 7

If you have very little money, I suggest you start hitting the rummage sales first thing either Friday or Saturday mornings. Start at 7 am and just drive around--you'll see them.  People's kids go off to college, and they just want them out of their garages and will practically give bikes away.  I bought my Schwinn Supersport that way for $35 many years ago--it was only a couple years old at the time, and the cost brand new was roughly $800!  You just have to know what you're looking at, oh, and don't buy a Huffy.

Answer 8

a car-boot  sale always has a cheap bike for about £20 so get there early and get the best deal. they will be ok, oiled and cleaned otherwise they would not sell.

Answer 9

Check out the free ads site called Craigslist - http://www.craigslist.org

Pick your City or State or Country then click under bikes in the For Sale section.

For Philadelphia, PA go here: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/