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