Bikes in Reno

[zorro sings]

My annual state of bike availability in Reno.

This has been the most difficult year ever to get used bikes in Reno.The explosion of awareness in this community the past few years has been mind boggling.When I first started going you really did not even mention it in some company.This awareness has led to a 5 fold increase in area theme camps and a growing demand for bikes for their camps.Throw on that 3,count 'em,three for profit and one non-profit group selling bikes to Burners and you can see why supply has dwindled.I have waited to post this as had not got the 15 bikes I needed for our camp and did not need any more competition.We have got the 15 and feel lucky to do it without paying an arm and leg.

If coming into Reno without a bike here is what to look into and what to ignore.

Kiwanis program-Sold Out The others get recognition elsewhere including JRS.

This is for the adventurer(with tickets)

Thrift Stores......Sometimes first place people look.Save the trip.They have been out of bicycles for months.

El Rancho Flea Market.......Counted 17 bikes for sale,including a BRC "Yellow Bike $20 special",there on Sunday.Not nearly as many Saturday.Be prepared to pay about $30-50 though bikes are almost always nice ones.

"Juan" on 2500 block 9th Avenue.........Had 10 bikes in different states of road worthiness and style but easily cheapest option.Ninth Avenue between Sutro(Reno)and El Rancho(Sparks).On the way to flea market so handy.$25-40

Hidden Valley Garage Sale Aug 20......Very large community sale almost always with bikes

Wal-Mart..........The decent bikes you do see for sale are usually $50.Pay a little more and buy new.Think you can order online and pick up in Reno.Keep in mind last they have sold out of cheapest models last couple of years.They also jack the prices 10% at this time.

See you on the playa

[junglesmacks]

I hate to say it, but the best functional option is to buy a new one from Wally World and donate or keep after and have it preshipped to store. $50-$60 brand new and working and your size.

Just please.. decorate that sucker and think about donating after to either Kiwanis or Reno Bike Project or that kid playing kick the can in your local Reno hood. For real.

[jobi]

Wally Worlds website's lowest prices on bikes are $79.97. If you order site-to-store you don't get it assembled. Not sure if it is assembled if you walk into the store, but you can't count on great assembled availability. The bikes shouldn't be too hard to assemble, but many of us won't have much time in Reno to do it. Assembling on the Playa can make a lot of moop from the packaging.

[junglesmacks]

Wally Worlds website's lowest prices on bikes are $79.97. If you order site-to-store you don't get it assembled. Not sure if it is assembled if you walk into the store, but you can't count on great assembled availability. The bikes shouldn't be too hard to assemble, but many of us won't have much time in Reno to do it. Assembling on the Playa can make a lot of moop from the packaging.

If you had to do it that way, I'd assemble in the WM parking lot and dispose of trash (properly) before heading out to the playa. Assembly shouldn't be more than putting the wheels on, I'm betting. YMMV