Where is do you like to buy commuter parts from? Website/ shop? Different specific places for different specific parts etc?
by fiorovante
Where is do you like to buy commuter parts from? Website/ shop? Different specific places for different specific parts etc?
by fiorovante
11 Comments
I should also start reading my posts before i share them🤐
Support your local bike shop as much as possible!
Bikeimport.ch
Radbazaar dot com
Lots of major metropolitan areas have a non-profit or co-op bike kitchen. While they’re not always going to have every exact thing you want, it can be a good place for inspiration. Also, obviously local shops aren’t always going to have the best prices, but they really depend on your business to survive, especially right now.
I feel so so exposed admitting this: Amazon and Temu. I just landed a great deal on some Ritchey Coyote handlebars someone returned to Amazon.
I am a bad person.
Ali express . And not ashamed to say it .
Let me start by saying I have a problem. I’ve got far too many bikes in the basement than what is reasonable. I fix them up to turn them into rideable commuters and throw em on FB marketplace. For sourcing parts, I used to frequent the bike co-op. After a couple kids, I find it’s easier to source specific parts on eBay and swallow some cost. In regards to Amazon stuffs, I try to steer clear if I can avoid it. Last build, I challenged myself to have Zero parts from there (i’m not a huge fan of corporate overlords).Then wound up caving on a pair of mks pedals through Amazon Japan after realizing the bike bin ones weren’t sealing the grease. Smooth and about 40% off cost vs LBS (plus in the color I wanted). I like to support the local bike shops, but I’ve got too many projects and not enough people to overpay on bikes. I pursue fixing up bikes as a hobby and I’m not in it to make a buck; however, losing money on bikes that I paid myself zero dollars an hour restoring isn’t my favorite.
You mean “bike parts.”
Craigslist, eBay, Pinkbike, friends, my two fave LBS’s. Fuck Facebook
If I need to order online, Universal Cycles is my first stop. Decent prices, huge inventory, and I know I’m getting authentic parts. Next best thing to having your own QBP account.
For a commuter I like to source used parts from a community bicycle shop. In the event the bike is stolen or hit by car I don’t loose any sleep over the cost. Next I go to Universal Cycles online. This all assumes I am doing the install / maintenance myself. If I plan to have someone else install or service, I just go to the LBS and buy from them. I know everyone says support your LBS, but I don’t think that makes sense if you are installing the parts yourself.