| To lots of people, money is know object and | | | | do is shop online. Online stores have more |
| they can afford to pay for the top-of-the-line | | | | inventory than do most brick-and-mortar stores, |
| gear they want. Other people need to be more | | | | and they are able to sell the equipment at such a |
| cost conscience and look for bargains. | | | | discount that even after paying for shipping, you |
| There are as many brand-new bikes sitting | | | | still save money. |
| unused in people's garages as there are in bike | | | | The drawback here is that you want to ensure |
| stores. | | | | that you're dealing with a reputable store - if you |
| Well, that is perhaps an exaggeration, but it's | | | | send money to a fly-by-night outfit you might live |
| certainly true that a great many people who take | | | | to regret it. |
| up a new hobby have a tendency to lose interest | | | | Seats (or saddles - whatever terminology you |
| after a week or a month. Either they find they | | | | use!), handlebar stems, brakes, and tires can all |
| don't have time for it or they find they just don't | | | | make a big difference in the quality of your bike |
| enjoy it. But, when they first started out they | | | | ride. If you're looking to upgrade your ride, by all |
| were full of enthusiasm so they bought all sorts | | | | means do some comparison shopping. Check out |
| of expensive gear that they now no longer use. | | | | the prices in your local bike store, and then check |
| So they sell it - at garage sales, on Ebay, or in | | | | online. |
| those special newspapers designed for the | | | | If at all possible, of course, you should support |
| purpose of selling unwanted material. | | | | your local bike store, just because they employ |
| The careful buyer can pick up quite a few | | | | knowledgeable people who will be there when you |
| bargains this way. | | | | need them. But if you find an item at a bargain |
| Used Bikes and Bike Gear | | | | price online, it would be foolish not to take |
| If you're buying from a garage sale, you'll be able | | | | advantage of it. |
| to test out the bike or the gear and make sure | | | | Local Bike Shop |
| that it works properly. You don't have that luxury | | | | It's always a good idea to have a good |
| with Ebay, but the seller has various ratings boxes | | | | relationship with your local bike shop. Always |
| you can check to make sure they're legitimate. | | | | assuming that the people who work there know |
| How else can you save money while putting | | | | their business. But if that's the case - you can get |
| together your own biking ensemble? | | | | a lot of good information from t hem, and you'll |
| Shopping Online | | | | be able to learn of any upcoming sales where |
| Well, although I hate to say it, the best thing to | | | | you'll be able to pick up any bargains. |