sharp21

I've been flipping bikes these past few months to keep sane. Nothing high dollar - I'm typically tuning up budget bikes and getting people in the neighborhood back out riding.

Where does everybody get their parts from? I'm looking to get my prices down as it doesn't make much sense spending $40 on parts for a $50 bike. I like to replace the seat and grips on each one (have a local grip source for $5/pr) but items like broken shifters have been harder to source. Ideally I'd have a source for unbranded parts, but I've searched with no luck.

Any leads would be appreciated.

Dwillems26

I've been using Amazon, performance bikes, and a couple random sites for parts. Haven't bought any shifters yet, but your best bet for budget shifters from what I've gathered is Ebay or finding them locally through craigslist and such. Can try to find a donor bike. Friction shifters are the most budget friendly and they work with any combination or brand of derailleurs and gear sets.

cpach

If you can handle long lead times, for some bulk items AliExpress can make some sense--I like having a stock of cheap black foam handlebar tape onhand, and it's hard to go wrong with this so I've bought it direct from china for <$2/roll before, which is cheaper than dealer cost on any tape available through US distributors. Probably can get some gray market Shimano/Microshift 7/8sp drivetrain stuff if you go through it regularly. I wouldn't use it for anything higher end.

Bigbus

I usually use the ebay and make sure its coming from a US warehouse. But I have purchased a few items from 'The Bikesmiths' because their prices were good and they ship fast. But usually the bay if I know exactly what I need.

sharp21

Appreciate the input. I’ve been jumping between amazon, universal, Henson and chain reaction. I find eBay is a pain to search, as it all comes from China...

FastJake

You can specify location on eBay as "North America" or "US only". It's pretty useful.

Are you refurbishing x-mart bikes? Even old low-end hybrids and MTBs should be worth more than $50 ready-to-go.

sharp21

Just anything that comes my way really. Some newer stuff, some vintage. Typically lower end 26" rides, but I find the occasional gem.

dedhed

non consumables like saddles, shifters, derailleurs, wheels, often even tires the best deals are from a co-op.
Consumables (chains, cables, brake pads, wrap etc) I buy a lot when on sale from various locations

https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki..._Organizations

Amt0571

You can buy cheap parts on aliexpress if you don't mind waiting.

JoeTBM 

I usually buy most of my parts on ebay but tried AliExpress a few months ago. I am severely disappointed in their lack of customer service and lead time is worse then ebay if the product gets there at all. Needless to say I am done with them.