So I have this idea...

Tyler Ives said:

I'm into music. So when I want to buy a new guitar or what not, I write, record and sell albums. I sell a bunch and make enough money for my new guitar.

Does this work with bikes? Like, can you buy used bikes, tune them up, upgrade parts and sell them for profit? I mean... it's obviously possible because people do it, but is it realistic for a guy like me to pull it off?

A better analogy to your first statement would be: when I want a new bike (or an upgrade), I win a bunch of races with my current bike and take the prize money to buy the new bike (or upgrade).

As far as buying and upgrading used bikes, that would depend on how good the used bike market is in your area.

The used bike market in my area rocks. I just picked up a Univega activa se for 3 dollars. Good condition. I'm going to upgrade the shifters, true the wheels and replace the clipless pedals. Pretty light steel bike... anywho. My point:

Yeah, tons of great used bikes in this city of Spokane, and dang cheap to buy.

Tyler Ives said:

Yeah, tons of great used bikes in this city of Spokane, and dang cheap to buy.

If they're cheap to buy and there are tons of them, then that doesn't mean the market is good, it means that people prefer to buy new and hardly ever buy used (same as here and hence the point of my comment).

When you want to sell your upgraded bikes, you're going to have to compete with the $3 bikes that are already out there on the market. Think about that.

Excellent point. You're absolutely right, it'd be pretty tough to sell a used bike. So.... I'm gonna fix one up anyways and see how it goes. If it flops, I'll have a nice bike. And if it works... maybe I'll do it again.

Thanks for the input!

Tyler Ives said:

I'm into music. So when I want to buy a new guitar or what not, I write, record and sell albums. I sell a bunch and make enough money for my new guitar.

Does this work with bikes? Like, can you buy used bikes, tune them up, upgrade parts and sell them for profit? I mean... it's obviously possible because people do it, but is it realistic for a guy like me to pull it off?

Or would just offering tune ups be more realistic? Any feedback, it totally welcome.

So if Spokane is full of good cheap bikes, maybe ebay would be a better marketplace for your fixed-up rides. Just a thought.

Tommy66 said:

So if Spokane is full of good cheap bikes, maybe ebay would be a better marketplace for your fixed-up rides. Just a thought.

A good one. I see throw away bikes at every garage sale around here, so I'm guessing that Spokane isn't the only city with that problem, however.

Another thought is to create a business where the OP finds people who are in the used/cheap bike market first, and offers to find and fix up a bike at a cost of materials + labor. That's not a big change from the original idea, but the difference is that OP doesn't end up with a garage full of $3 bikes of different shapes and sizes, where he's had to outlay ~$200 in new components from his pocket for each one. Find the customer first and then find/build a bike to suit -- there's much less risk that way. I talk to lots of people who would like to try road biking, but are intimidated by the entry cost, so maybe that's a better market.

Dude, that's a crazy good idea frenchy. Thanks, I just might pursue that. I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out. Thanks guys.

Gotta love this forum.