After driving around town for half a day ($10 in gas) to various flea markets, pawnshops, bike shops, and swap meets I found a nice mountain bike at play it again sports for $40 plus tax. I was initially skeptical because it was much cheaper than the other bikes. I asked the sales person and he assured me that their bike guy had given it a vigorous inspection and proclaimed it fit for sale. The bike looked clean and had a nice padded seat which I felt would be vital since I have not owned a bike for 10 or so years. The frame was also a little small too but the idea of getting a great deal clouded my judgement.
A couple of nights ago I became ambitious. Why drive my car to the gym when I could ride my bike? Exercise was the whole point right? I put my favorite bright red shorts on and started on my way. I work out at planet fitness which is only about 2 miles from my apartment. About half way I decided to change gears and the chain decided to snap off. I do not mean that the chain came off the gear, I mean one of the links snapped and the entire chain fell on the ground. I had left my phone at home so I walked the remaining mile, worked out and then walked home. My brother drove back with me later that night to pick it up.
The next day I returned to Play it again sports to see if they could/would fix it. When I asked the new sales person to have their bike mechanic take a look at it he told me they do not employ a bike mechanic. They put the bikes out in the same condition they arrive in, counter to what the other sales person had told me before purchase. Fair enough, then I asked what he could do for me. He advised me to check the bike repair shop across the highway and bid me good day by walking into the back.
The bike shop said they could make the necessary repairs for $58. This included a tune up, fixing the brakes, chain repair, and putting the derailer back into position. I told him the entire bike was only $43 and after a bit of negotiation bought the bare bones repair package for $32. I had thoughts of just donating the bike to the shop and cutting my losses but it was psychologically hard to admit I might not have obtained as good a deal as I thought.
When it breaks agin I'll be sure to leave it by the side of the road instead of going through all the trouble of getting it fixed again.
Too good to be true = deep searing pain in the ass.
