Bikes

My mention in the previous posting about needing a lighter bike prompted me to write about the second-hand bike market here.

There is a strong market for "classic" bikes, which would be written off as junk in SA. For example, there is a 1970's Fuji bike (the one in the picture) for sale now for $300 (approx. R2400) and an old Schwinn going for $499 (R4000). Back home there is almost no market at all for older second-hand bikes and they certainly wouldn't be commanding prices like that.

That's a little frustrating when you're looking out for a cheap, but reasonably good condition second-hand bike, but much better than the throw-away mentality that says old bikes are worthless.

Anyway, it was a rather surprising and interesting observation for me.

There is also an amazing range of different bikes available (not just "mountain or road" — there are hybrids, cruisers, commuters, tourers and fixed-gear bikes, and that's before you get into the really way-out things like recumbents and tricycles!). There is a notably strong contingent of believers in single- and fixed-gear bikes (a more palatable option in the flat terrain here, I guess!). If you're interested, take a look at the range offered by Ken's Bike and Ski Shop (a local bike store in Davis) — just browse the menus (and sub-menus!) down the left side.