Inpd

Hi,

I not talking about big ticket items like grupos or wheel sets. Rather I'm referring to bolts, cones, bearings, skewers all those small things you need from time to time.

So where do you get yours from and why?

Thanks.

1nterceptor

Local bike coop/kitchen(Recycle a Bicycle), or local bike shop.
Can get the part right away and start riding.

fietsbob

my L.B.S.. they're only 0.5 miles from my house.

Andrew R Stewart 

Agreed. The LBS relationship is foremost the best one to cultivate. Andy

rmfnla

So true!

The occasional six-pack really makes them glad to see you as well...

MMLC

Loose Screws Bicycle Small Parts Classic Cycling with Confidence

CliffordK

I'm frequently browsing for stuff at the local co-op, and sometimes have some specific nuts or bolts in mind. I now try to check that any item I buy has all the little pieces attached, and if not, hunt for those before leaving.

I do try to stock up at home, and hate to make 20+ mile round trip to buy a single nut.

Phil_gretz

I've been scrounging and saving odd parts for ~40 years. Most things I need are in boxes; baggies or bins in my basement. For projects that require something modern or unique (an Alivio left shifter), I use (1) eBay, (2) coop bins, or (3) Craigslist. I would only use the LBS fir something that must be new, and for which there is no substitute.

GravelMN

- Bearings and small hardware can be purchased at most home and hardware stores. Fastenal, Motion Industries, and US Bearings all have a good selection of things the regular hardware store might not have.
- The bike co-op is a good place for obsolete parts and for assorted bits and pieces.
- I get a lot of frequently used small parts, tools, and consumables as add-ons when I need to meet Amazon's minimum for Prime free shipping.
- I do shop at my LBSs but none of them are truly "local" as the nearest one is 45 miles away. I try to stock up when I'm there.

Gresp15C

There's a co-op near my workplace. Actually, it's run as a store, but provides training and employment for teenagers from the nearby neighborhood. They're always nice, and have bins of used parts.

Consumables, I purchase online in bulk if possible. It's easier to find just what I need, particularly for older bikes, and I can shop when I have time, e.g., outside of normal business hours.

Tools, I'm already pretty well equipped.

There are pro's and con's to living in an affluent town. The schools are great, there's lots of cycling infrastructure, but everything is expensive. Retailers compete to see who can be the most upscale. There are several bike shops, that all seem to be quite successful without my help. The gentrification of these shops has happened gradually over the years since I moved here. At one time, I could go to the local shop, talk to the guy at the service desk, and he'd know exactly where to find some obscure Sturmey Archer part in his bins. Today, "maybe we have one in our warehouse, I can check for you next week."

I get that they're doing what makes perfect business sense, and I'm glad to see it, even if it doesn't serve my own peculiar needs. I'd rather see these shops supporting a growing interest in cycling amongst the local population than waste their time with a tightwad geezer trying to maintain an old bike.

Now my other avocation, playing music... in that case the economics are much different and I definitely have relationships with local dealers.

Leebo

As well as smoked pork products. Most wrenches have bins of take off parts, people upgrade, just one piece missing, minor ding kind of stuff. Great resource for what you might need.

ramzilla

Niagra & ebay

rmfnla

So true, and often as not they will just give that stuff to you since there's no real way to price it...