best place to find a used 24" boys bike (Columbia: how much, to buy)

[Tinabean]

Hey guys....
I called Play It Again Sports to see if they carry bicycles but there was no answer. I need to find a bike for a 10 year old boy in good shape at a good price. I was told a 24" would probably be the right size but, parents, chime in here because I want to make sure that I get the right one. I found two on CraigsList but they were already sold. Please let me know the best places in Greenville to check out for used kids bikes. I need to have this gift before December 14th. Thanks so much!

[drfranklin]

I had the same difficulty - well made (Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized, etc), gently used, kids bikes are hard to find in the Upstate

I looked for a used, 24 inch bike for my 6 year old daughter for nearly 3 months before I found an acceptable one (Gary Fisher) recently - I feel lucky and found it thru Craigslist (had to drive to Spartanburg to purchase it) - you need to search Craigslist multiple times daily (as it's updated constantly)

You may want to expand your search to other nearby Craigslist cities: Asheville, Charlotte, & Columbia

Also, call all the local bike shops (Great Escape, Sunshine, Gusto) to see if they stock any used or discounted end-of-model year bikes

[Toto7SC]

How much do you want to spend? Walmart has bikes for as low as $90. I don't know how good they are, though.

[drfranklin]

I strongly recommend against purchasing any new bikes from Wal-Mart/Target. All are made in China and the craftsman/construction/quality are terrible.

I do realize that most bikes are now made in China/Taiwan; but, those bikes of well-known brands (Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Cannondale, etc) will have a MUCH higher build quality than a generic Wal-Mart brand.

It's much better to buy a gently used, well-known brand than a new Wal-Mart bike - especially for kids.

[Tinabean]

Thanks guys. Rep to you both. I'll continue to check Craigslist and I'll call all of the bike shops. Wish me luck!

[itsallaboutyou]

Have 2 ea 24" bikes you might be interested in that my youngest son no longer rides (owns vehicle) 4 yrs ago.

Both have very little use and show like new...One Free Agent other is a Specialized (purchased at Great Escape).

Let me know through PM...Thanks

[beckycat]

Also, check local pawn shops. But, I agree check Craigslist multiple times a day. Even post a wanted ad on there. Check Freecycle.org and post on there as well.