The Chainlink

I teach diabetes education classes at several clinics on the south side, and physical activity is a big part of the curriculum. Several patients have expressed interest in getting bikes, but they need something really inexpensive. Working Bikes was the first thing that came to mind, but I am wondering if you have other ideas? Most of my clients don't have access to a computer, so Craig's List etc isn't really an option. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Shelley Scott

shelleyscott@gmail.com

Views: 85

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

This is always a tough one.  A cheap bike is often not a bike that's in condition to be ridden safely and/or enjoyably.  There pretty much needs to be an advocate with bike skill/knowledge involved in order to assure your 'students' don't end up throwing their money away.

For your particular question, I can't think of a better option than Working Bikes, as the bikes that are put out for sale are at least checked over and deemed to be safe and functional, and unless there's a crazy rush at the time the person will be assisted by someone who understands bikes.

At some point someone here will likely mention Swap O Rama at 41st and Ashland (and there's a good chance your students are already familiar with it.) The majority of nicer bikes there are freshly stolen and I would caution strongly against supporting that operation, but there's also some stock of bikes that clearly look like they've been forgotten in a garage for a few-30 years, that can be had for pocket change; but you're back to the problem of knowing whether it's an appropriate bike for the person, whether it's in safe and functional condition, etc.

The police auctions that are held at 28th/Western every 2 months are similar-- every time I've gone I've seen that the bikes are in poor condition upon close inspection, often missing brakes or cables or with a junk back wheel that obviously is not compatible with the rest of the bike-- they =always= go for more than they're worth, and if you don't know what you're doing you're going to waste your time and money.

No way to say this without sounding like a shill for the bike dealer's association-- their best bet is going to be to go to a reputable bike shop where they can get competent advice; they're probably not going to come away with a bike for much under $300 though.

Can you be more specific about which neighborhoods?  The "south side" is 2/3 of Chicago.

 

For a south side organization similar to Working Bikes, I'd recommend Blackstone Bicycle Works at 61st and Blackstone in Woodlawn.  Great place and great people who work there.  They are open from 1-5pm on Tuesday through Saturday.  (773) 241-5458

 

http://experimentalstation.org/blackstone-bikes

http://www.yelp.com/biz/blackstone-bicycle-works-chicago

Thanks Jordan. 

Yes, please check out Blackstone. Good folks doing good work. Their sales happen on Saturdays to insure a larger selection of bicycles. During the week they also sell new/used parts and offer bicycle repairs.

Backstone is the best bike shop in the city! Tey will take care of your needs and service your bikes down the road for an affordable price.

Blackstone is a wonderful operation, but I would start with Working Bikes. Volunteers there learn bike maintenance and mechanic skills on the most basic and inexpensive bikes, which then become "local donations," and are given away to various charitable and social organizations in Chicago. If you are part of some organization offering diabetes education, WB might be willing to help. If possible, I would try to talk to founding director Lee Ravenscroft. He claims to have retired, but he is frequently still in the building.

RSS

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service