Old bike? New bike?





So for Burning Man one of the only loose ends I have yet to tie up is the bike situation. Not exactly an emergency, but I am indulging myself in bike fantasies, here in my 54th hour of work. (I do work hard, at times.) I have various bikes in various locations of the country, none of which are convenient to Burning Man this year. Another option: buy new bike.

New bike? Used bike? Craig's List has a plethora of old bikes. People even give them away for FREE!! Truly, I'd like a nice mountain bike to replace the one I borrowed from a friend for years through her two pregnancies but recently had to give back. It was a sweet bike, one that I'd feel guilty splurging on for myself. But, for BM this year, I decided on a crusty old cruiser that would be easy for cruising, and easy on the wallet. There are a few for under $100, and occasionally a steal for under $35. But with CL, you not only have to decide on something, but arrange a time and place to meet and get cash. All tough to do when you work 12-hour shifts and live out of town. So, I went to the Wallyworld website (BAD! I know!)and they have gorgeous beautiful bikes for $80!! Who knew?

Here's my dilemma: Get an old cruiser like the one pictured above for $50? Or, get a new one for $30 more? Hmmm.

One would support a local Portland person, and be much easier on the environment. In some ways, it would be more suitable for Burning Man, and I like the idea of not buying new stuff because it cuts down on packaging, labor, energy, etc. What a hippie I am.

Buying the other bike new would support the evil Wallyworld empire. My measly $80 would surely contribute to all the terrible things it represents... destruction of small towns, perpetuating the nasty cycle of the underpaid and working poor, environmental degradation, on and on.

But... the NEW BIKE IS ONLY $80! And loooooook how shiiiiny!

AAH! I am a terrible consumer. So broke, but so enticed by shiny bike. Must buy shiny bike.

What do I to do?

Comments

Anonymous said…
From a bike collector, 8 bikes in the garage, I suggest Salavation Army. Remember my vintage bike with a built in pedal powered light generator? $20 from the Sally.

If you don't find what you want there, then CL. The desert dirt that's gonna build up on the nooks & crannies will zap away the newness. A pro servicing afterwords will add cost onto your bill too.

You are going to have so much fun!!!!
3:52 PM
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