Discounted bikes

[betagirl]

Ok ladies, I need to pick your brains.

My professor at school is looking to buy 18 mountain bikes as part of an award she received for kids living in group homes in the chicago area. I came back with a price of $250 for a low end mtn bike (Trek 820 for example). I'm trying to avoid getting Target or Walmart bikes if possible. She's looking to spend closer to $100 per bike, and they should be new. I was like alrighty then.

I contacted my old LBS that I rode with to see what he could do. But I thought I'd see if you guys knew of places that sell decent mtn bikes, preferably at a discount for bulk orders or because they're for a good cause.

I appreciate any help you can offer!

[Bad JuJu]

I don't have a specific place to offer, but she might begin by contacting a few bike manufacturers--I'm sure the big ones have public relations departments--to see what they'd be willing to donate. She could offer to write a short proposal and description of the program, so they could maybe use it in a press release or even for advertising. Heck, she might even get a few free bikes, if she makes it sound good enough.

[yellow]

What about Bicycling magazine's Bike Town "contest" (http://www.bicycling.com/biketown2006/essay.html)? I think you can still apply! Maybe you could work out a deal with them?

[SalsaMTB]

I would definitely look into bike manufacturers or lbs. The bike manufacturers may have some '05s they are already blowing out, and if you're going to purchase 18, they may give you an even better deal, especially if you tell them the cause. I really think a bike shop would work with you, if not though, just start contacting the bike makers.

[Brina]

Have you checked the big shops - Village Cycles or Kozy? They usually have last year's models at steep discount, plus throw in a a package of helmet/water bottle/someothersillything. Between the discount and the stuff they can't be clearing much more than $100 per bike, so if you then threw in some free publicity for them, it could turn out to be a wash and they might go for it.

[light_sabe_r]

I don't have a specific place to offer, but she might begin by contacting a few bike manufacturers--I'm sure the big ones have public relations departments--to see what they'd be willing to donate. She could offer to write a short proposal and description of the program, so they could maybe use it in a press release or even for advertising. Heck, she might even get a few free bikes, if she makes it sound good enough.

I agree with Bad Juju. Heck If one of the bigger bike companies got on board it'd look great for them... and your school too!

And as a Professor they'd have plenty of experience writing grants and proposals so it shouldn't relly be a problem. ^_^ Maybe some promotion here or there as well.

[hsmpcycle]

I worked 8 years for a non-profit, so I understand the situation. Try Trek headquarters in Wisconsin and see if they would be willing to assist. Worse case, they say no and they will lose future customers because they didn't help create new potential riders.

[Jones]

I would try REI.

[KnottedYet]

Mark Peterson, Advocacy Director at Kona. (360) 366-0951 for the main office, and they can pass you to him. He just did a program with 8th graders at my old middle school, so Kona does have an interest in kids. Plus Kona does the Bikes For Africa program.

Kona is based right here in my neck of the woods, but even if they can't help from a distance, Mark Peterson might be able to help you find someone in your area.

Edit: Kona specializes in mtb's, and they make small and medium kid's sizes. (Hula has 24 inch wheels, Makena has 20 inch wheels)

[betagirl]

Thanks everyone! I'll let you know how it goes.