The Chainlink

Bike TRADE shops

Know of any Chicago bike shops that do trades?

I have a Giant Seek 2 (2011) in excellent condition.  Unfortunately, it's a men's Large (21") and I am a small woman.

I can sell it on Craigslist and buy a new one that better fits my stature... but I'd prefer to find a bike shop to
be the middleman.  Does anyone know of any Chicago bike shops that will entertain a trade?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4402051030.html

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/seek.2/7342/44058/

Thanks for your help!
Steph

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on April 1, 2014 at 3:48pm

It's not a store...but maybe http://www.localbiketrader.com/ is what you're looking for.

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 1, 2014 at 5:31pm

It's a good question, I don't know.  Maybe one of the community bike shops like Recyclery, West Town, Working Bikes or Blackstone? (that's a mouth full, but its frickin awesome we have so many of them).

Permalink Reply by Paul Fitz, Scrabblor on April 1, 2014 at 6:40pm

The answer is definitely a big no at working bikes.  I hesitate to speak for the others, but I'm pretty sure (like 95%) that its the same there.

There's 2 main reasons we do not buy (or trade) bikes:

1. We're a 501c3.  It's like asking salvation army for a trade in on some designer clothes.

More importantly...

2.  We do not wish to participate in or promote the economy of stolen bikes.  While you may have a notarized receipt for your purchase it's a slippery slope that (from my perspective) is not worth going down, at all, even a little bit.  It is much easier to have a simple and equitable policy then to play detective.

I'd suggest craig's list.   

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 1, 2014 at 6:59pm
I was actually just thinking.... well than how to the shops Make any money? i.e. what's the point unless there as a fee to cover your costs.

Also thought about the stolen thing.
Permalink Reply by Hey! Bike Shop Guy on April 1, 2014 at 8:32pm

Reputable shops don't buy or trade bikes because of the high chances of them buying a stolen bike and because, in most cases, after you put the parts and labor into them it takes fo make them a bike you can sell and stand behind there is little to no profit in it.

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Betts on April 2, 2014 at 8:58am

Thanks to each of your for your insight and feedback.  The issue of stolen bikes hadn't crossed my mind - but it certainly makes sense. 

Thanks again, all.

Steph

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