I need a superawesome deal on a bike for my 6-year-old

[annettemarie]

He REALLY wants a bike for his birthday, but money is tight, tight, tight with the babies coming. Anyone know where to point me for a great deal on a kid bike? It doesn't need to be a name brand or anything. Online is best, because I'm on self-imposed semi-bedrest right now.

[Dandelionkid]

The bike shop in our city sells used bikes sometimes. Like new for 40$ and free tune-ups.

[34me]

Check the police dept. No really. A lot of people don't check back with the police dept if their/their child's bike is stolen and later recovered

[lotusdebi]

Are you keeping your eyes on Freecycle and Craigslist? My kids haven't had any complaints about getting previously-used things for birthdays and holiday gift occasions.

[luv-my-boys]

I would second craigslist as well or maybe any yard sales. If not walmart has some good deals on bikes even some with free home shipping.

[cornflake girl]

We just got DD a bike for her bday off Craigslist for $20. It was in amazing shape to begin with and DH polished it up even more. It looked so nice after he finished that she didn't even know it was pre-loved.

[Drummer's Wife]

I was going to suggest Craigslist, too. We got a decent bike off there for $20 for one of our DS's a couple years ago. It's held up well, and passed down to a younger DS.

[zebra15]

walmart.....
http://www.walmart.com/ip/18-Boy-s-N...ndingMethod=rr

[Ornery]

Craiglist is perfect if you know how big of a bike you need. Just watch out for non nice people who have stolen bikes and are reselling.

[LaughingHyena]

We got DDs from ebay. I have to admit I was a bit worried about buying without being able to see it first but the one we bought had plenty of pictures.

Do you have a school notice board or somewhere that you could put a wanted add, there must be lots of people looking to sell outgrown bikes.

[VisionaryMom]

Google bike collectives for your city. They're becoming increasingly popular. They offer bikes for free. We are part of one here, and we don't require anything from the people who receive bikes.

[mommy2maya]

Put the word out to neighbors friends and family also. I find that most people know of someone giving one away or have just the right size sitting in their garage. We have only bought one bike, on a whim at toys r us. Of course as soon as we came home no less than three people said oh I didn't know you were looking for a bike. Lol. Now our kids have three sets of really nice bikes that we paid nothing for- one set at home, one set at my moms and one set at our beach house. Some were hand me downs some were saved from the landfill. The most we've had to do is replace tubes in one bike or add grease to squeaky pedals.

[sewaneecook]

Check out garage sales. I got a bike for DS1 at one for $6! It was dirty, but other than that in perfectly fine shape.

[lyterae]

We got dd a bike at a garage sale for $5.00, we're planning on cleaning it up and it will be her Christmas gift (as well as helmet,etc..)

[Ellien C]

for a 6 yo? I would post on Craigs List or free cycle and tell the story of the birthday I bet someone would give you one.

I was also going to ask if your partner or a friend at any kind of company might have a source for selling/trading. We have a very active electronic bulletin board at my work where people are always posting kid things for sale. In my case, I think most people just want to get rid of stuff and aren't looking to make much (if any) money.

Another suggestion I have is to go to the "rich" part of town/swanky supermarket and put a posting there - something catchy - Low Income, bed ridden mom seeks to give 6 yo son the birthday present of his dreams - anyone got a bike for sale cheap? Will trade for muffins or cookies!

Would that be like totally out of your comfort zone to do? Because I would totally respond to a post like that.

[mumm]

Our dump has a place to put decent items you no longer want. That is where most of our bikes have come from, actually all but one of the bikes my kids have needed the past 10 years. Many are in great condition and ready to ride. Some have needed a bit of work. None have needed more work than I was capable of providing.

Does your town or a neighboring one have such a thing? I wish you lived near me- I could get you one!

Also, I *wouldn't* respond to a posting of "Low income, bed ridden, etc" because I don't trust someone who would try to play on my emotions. But that is just me!

[annettemarie]

What I might do is just get him the bike and have that be it. We were originally going to do a party, but I honestly don't think I can handle that right now. Maybe I can bribe him out of the party with a trip to Toys R Us or some other store that will assemble the bike for us.

[mumm]

I did that with my son the year after the twins were born. "Wouldn't you rather have a big present than have a birthday party?" We skipped the hassle of an at home party and instead bought him a wii and had a small family party with dinner, cake and an hour of playing basketball, tennis and water skiing in the living room. Personally, I think I was very smart!

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by mumm

I did that with my son the year after the twins were born. "Wouldn't you rather have a big present than have a birthday party?" We skipped the hassle of an at home party and instead bought him a wii and had a small family party with dinner, cake and an hour of playing basketball, tennis and water skiing in the living room. Personally, I think I was very smart!

I love you. You just made all my guilt go away.

[allborntogrow]

THRIFT! We have gotten EVERY single bike for my 7.5 year old (4 bikes total now) from thrift stores for a fraction of the price. The most we ever paid was 25 dollars for a nearly 200 dollar bike in pristine condition.

Check it out! You might have to look a little longer but you will find one.

Good luck!