Where to look for a used bike?

[Livin the Dream]

I can't believe I'm asking this question...... My new Trek Pilot is about 3 weeks old and was getting plenty of riding time until this awful heat & humidity hit this week. When I got the Pilot, I gave DD my Trek hybrid. She's a single Mom and her budget just doesn't allow for a decent bike. But, she's ridden my bike a few times -- enough to know that she doesn't want a Huffy. My beautiful grandkids are 6 & 5 and love riding their bikes, so DD is very excited that she now has a bike and they can take family bike rides. I'm so glad that I could help give them this opportunity!

I'm loving the Pilot and didn't even miss the hybrid until we went camping for a few days last week. I don't like leaving it outside and I'd like something that I can ride on trails, etc. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to spend much time on the Pilot outside this winter. I'm really thinking that I need another hybrid or maybe a low-end mountain bike, but I really don't want to buy new. The LBS where I bought the Pilot had some used, but mostly high-end road bikes and a couple of kid's bikes. I've checked Craig's list for my area and local classified ads, and nothing! I don't want to go the Ebay route because I want to ride it first! So, I'm looking for suggestions of some places I haven't thought of. I'm not in a huge hurry, but I'd like to have something before our camping vacation in the Smokies this fall.

Of course, DH will have a fit. Although it is perfectly logical (to him) that we have two campers (and a tent), three cars for two people, plus a motorcycle, he can't understand what a person would want with two bikes:rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

See if your area has a "Bike Works" or other charitable bike re-use organization. (google "used bikes" and "fundraising" and see if you get anything near you)

Also try police departments in your area, ours often has an auction of impounded stolen/unclaimed/abandoned bikes.

Perhaps look into St. Vincent de Paul's or Salvation Army or Goodwill? I'd be leary of pawnshops, out of fear the bikes were stolen.

When you do find another utility bike, register it with National Bike Registry like you did your nice new Trek Pilot. Even a utility bike is worth getting back if it gets stolen!

[Zen]

Kalidurga might have one to sell soon, Take a look down in the mid-Atlantic section, she's been talking about her cross bike there

[Jolt]

One word: Craigslist. I found a decent hybrid (Giant) there for $80, and it has served me well so far as a utility/recreational bike.

[Livin the Dream]

Thanks, Zen, for the suggestions. Called the Police Dept. -- they just had their auction a couple of weeks ago:( I may spend a Saturday one day soon in Dayton looking at LBS's, Goodwill, etc.

Jolt -- I'm going to keep checking Craigslist. I did see a new listing for a MTN bike today, but I think it will be too small. I'm 5'8" and it's a 16" frame. My hybrid was 17.5, my Pilot is 54 cm.