Category Archives: bikes

Ebay and bike prices

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I subscribe to an RSS feed for a search for “Schwinn World Voyageur” in ebay.   I don’t really need a new bike, but I’m simply curious as to what prices things fetch.     And, if I can ever get a really good deal on something, you never know.   Unfortunately, I have yet to define to myself what “really good deal” actually is.     Below is an example of a single frame that sold for almost as much as a complete bike.   The two are different sizes, with the frame being the 21″ version of the bike, and and the complete bike being the same 23 inch size that I own.

ebaybikes

The complete bike was in decent shape, with very little surface rust on the chrome, brakes, or other parts. The frame had a few dings where the chrome plating showed through the orange paint.   The frame-only was in much better shape.   Still, it’s hard to believe that the frame fetched almost as much as the bike.   I wonder what the other parts will fetch, assuming the owner parted the bike out and will auction the other parts as well. Regardless, it is amazing how auctions can cause prices to fluctuate so much.

So my bike shop called me fat

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Well, not in so many words.   But still.

Thing is, I’ve broken two spokes on my rear wheels in the past six weeks.   One was on my road bike, 6 weeks ago, and the other on my mountain bike on Monday. I also broke another spoke on my road bike toward the end of last summer.   When I inquired what I could do to prevent further spokes from breaking, my bike shop owner, whom I know pretty well, made a circular motion around his waist with his hands.   He also suggested that we could build some stronger wheels, but apparently watching my calories would be a bit cheaper.

I weigh 210 now, and I got as low as 198 last summer.   So more riding, less eating, should save me money on spokes over the long haul.

Oh, and just so you know, my bike shop owner was just joking.   My self-esteem is mostly still intact.   Now to find more time to ride.

The ultimate long distance bike

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Bicycle Quarterly has a great article on what makes a good randonneuring bike (pdf).   What you’ll find there is not a description of a race bike, but a bike that is good for long days in the saddle.   I’ve recently subscribed to Bicycle Quarterly and received the first issue last week.   The publication is a lot different that other bike mags, but thus far I’m really enjoying the read.   It’s got practical articles about bicycle weight and tire width.   Lance Armstrong wouldn’t be riding the bikes in the pages of BQ, but then again, I’m not Lance.