Steel Charlie

You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to find a proper well these days

rdf37

I have always found that they are hit and miss, all of them. However, early in the spring and late in the fall is when I find more consistent better deals with those places. People are cleaning out their garages, basement, and attics during those times. To add to that, there is a nationwide garage sale called Rt 40 garage sale weekend. The whole highway as long as it is is lined with yard sales. It covers several states and another one called 127 that covers the whole highway nation wide. It just so happened that I used to live on 127 in my home town and I was only 6 miles from route 40. Killer deals during those times. If you live in America, you have to check them out. Unbelievable deals when you find bikes and parts.
rfd37

curbtender

If you enjoy telling stories and hearing them, it's a good pastime. I know the cookie jar, doll ladies, vintage stereo, computer, records, musical instruments, camera guys. I see them and they give me leads. Not that I need more bikes...

50PlusCycling

I once got a minty Schwinn 5 speed cruiser at a garage sale. The bike wasn’t even in the garage, I just randomly asked the homeowner if he had any bikes, and the Schwinn was in the back yard. He let me have it for $100.

bblair

We have had success finding kids bikes, or old adult bikes that we fix up and donate.

But I am still looking for that elusive "Cinelli with a flat tire" and will continue to do so.

CrimsonEclipse

The best deals are at Divorce Sales.

I get the BEST deals through others' intense emotions.

Brocephus

I rarely stop at garage sales or flea markets, but I do have a favorite thrift store that I frequently hit (honestly, the place is a friggin' gold mine!) I've gotten several lower end OEM saddles (Bontrager, etc) that have come in handy, and I recently got a nice set of Giro gloves, new with tags, for 1.99 !! There was a Specialized floor pump recently for about $8, but I figured I didn't need a third pump,and passed (and now regret it). Also snagged a couple water bottles, just as spares, and about 4 decent helmets, in new,or near new condition. Now that I think back, I've also gotten about 5 pair of good cycling shorts, both road and mountain (everything from Canari up to Pearl Izumi), but I haven't seen any shorts in a couple years now. There was a brand new pair of high end SIDI road shoes few months ago, but about a size too small, and like an idiot, I passed, when I could have put them on ebay for a slam-dunk $100.

RoadWearier

...and I thought I was the cheapest one on this board, but geez! Used water bottles and used bike shorts? I have bought used blazers and jeans but bike shorts are just a little too close to other people's sweaty privates for me. Same with water bottles.

Brocephus

the water bottles appeared new and unused, and as i said, i just picked them up for spares, and still haven't used them.The shorts were clean and low miles, and after a run through the washing machine and an afternoon hanging on the line in the sun and the breeze.......who cares ? After that, it's all about ego and psychological hang-ups, doesn't phase me at all.
BTW, just shooting the breeze here, no offense intended, not looking for a flame war.

Chuck M 

My water bottles never get anywhere near my sweaty privates.

curbtender

Got me thinking someone might be using the seat post/saddle rail mount.

soyabean

There's nothing wrong with properly washed water bottles.

I disasemble them as much as I can, then overnite soak them with some bleach and dish soap.

What do you think goes in your mouths when you are using fancy utensils having that complimentary breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express?

Steel Charlie

++1 Really! Have you ever eaten in a restaurant or slept in a motel bed? Used a public restroom? HAHAHAHA

RoadWearier

Hey that's fine. I've got some used condoms and some used underwear you can buy from me cheap. They'll be just fine if you wash'em real good.

RoadWearier

You can share the used condoms and used undies with the other guy. Just wash em. They'll be fine.
Hahahahahaha hahahahahahahaha.
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curbtender

Really not a big deal. You'd probably have more coodies on a used Brooks saddle.