Cheap Bikes in Chicago

It seems that quite a few people are googling "cheap bikes". In my humble opinion, bicycles, even pricier ones, are one of the most affordable transportation choices around. However, I can also appreciate the fact that there are a lot of folks out there who find it difficult to fork over a few hundred dollars to purchase a new bicycle (please see below for Rapid Transit bike prices).
If you are in the market for a bargain, please remember that you will not get one at Walmart, or another large-box retailer. For a good discussion on the bike-shaped objects these retailers carry, please click here.
A better choice would be to find a decent second-hand bicycle from a reputable source. What is a reputable source? That's a hard question. The last thing you want to do is inadvertently end up with a stolen bike. However,  there is certainly a lot to be said for re-using existing resources. Here are a few places you may want to try for used bikes:

• Working Bikes Cooperative
• Uptown Bikes at 4653 N. Broadway in Chicago
• A local garage sale, where you can be pretty sure the bike being sold belonged to the person selling it.

Here is a list of things you might want to think about before purchasing a used bike:

1. Are you compromising on fit, because it appears to be such a great deal?
2. There may be substantial wear on the hidden bearing assemblies, that may translate into a fairly high repair bill down the line.
3. Once the bicycle changes hands, original manufacturers warranty no longer applies (this is obviously less relevant if you are buying an older three-speed or cruiser, but could be important if you are buying a newish road or mountain bike).
4. A private seller will rarely offer any satisfaction guarantee.
5. It may take a lot of time and searching to locate the right used bike for you.
6. After you have paid for any repairs or modifications on the used bike, are you still getting a bargain? For example, even if the bike is in decent riding condition, you may still want:

• different (better, smoother, puncture resistant) tires
• more comfortable saddle
• taller stem, or seatpost, or both
• different handlebars

People can and do find great deals on used bikes. I bought a terrific single-speed Schwinn Breeze several years ago for $30. But make sure you expectations and budget are realistic. You may find that you can get an affordable new bike that fits you and your purpose better. Rapid Transit (as well as other retailers who sell new bikes) carries bikes at a range of different price points that may fit your budget. True, our multi-speed street bikes we stock tend to start around $350 or even $400. But there is a reason for that. Cheaper hybrids and mountain are certainly available form  various manufacturers, but for urban commuters, they simply do not offer dependable quality. We do offer simpler, single and three-speed bikes in the $200-300 range.
Whatever bike you decide to buy, used or new, you can always visit us for recommendations, advice and mechanical evaluation  of any used bike you  may be considering.