Those of you who advised me on whether or not I should buy a bike (and what kind) will be happy to know that I bought one! I answered a listing on the Facebook Marketplace about a bike for sale, and paid $20 for a women’s bike with a bent wheel. I’m going to have to replace the wheel, which will be another $30, but I’m content with that.
I looked several places, including Craigslist, and made plans to visit some bike stores and ask questions. But then the listing for a $20 broken bike popped up on my Facebook page, so I made an appointment to check it out. I took my boyfriend, who very un-helpfully shrugged at me most of the time (even though he supposedly knows more about bikes that I do).
But the bike is in good shape (aside from the back wheel!) and looks good for what I need, so I bought it. Hopefully we’ll get it in working order before summer “vacation” hits, so that I can take advantage of a more lax schedule.
I absolutely recommend, if you’re a Facebook user already, that you use the Marketplace feature for both your “wanted” and “for sale” classifieds. I’ve bought and sold textbooks on there before, and it works pretty well. The nice thing is that it puts the listings in your area, and it pops up on your friends’ pages, so you might just be able to make a transaction with someone you already know!
I’ve got a bike! 
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14 responses to “Update: Bought a Bike” 
I got a new bike too
But not for $20 lol
I’m going to have to check out Facebook Marketplace. I’m kind of new to Facebook in general and haven’t really found the value there. This is finally something of definable value.
Hey congratulations on the new wheels! I got my bike for $5 at a yard sale. All it needed was air in the tires: It’s great. I never suspected when I bought it that it would become my main means of transportation though. Good thing I sneaked in before the crowd, huh? Enjoy!
I got my bike at a “recovered bike” sale at a local university, where they sell the bikes that people abandon/forget on campus. Excellent deals.
Congrats on getting the bike. It’s a bit of a lifestyle change to ride the bike, however it’s a lot more cost effective.
My lease ran out on my car, and I said that I’m not getting another car until I lose 85 lbs. I’ve been bicycling since March 1st and am getting into pretty good shape.
Riding a bike is not as convenient as driving a car, however, I’m saving lots of money, and losing my 85 lbs!!
Congrats on the new ride!
get that wheel fixed (definitely), and get out there!
Oh, and I second the Facebook marketplace. Not as dependable as craigslist or ebay, but when something comes through, it’s usually good (and convenient).
Biking is my main mode of transportation in the summer/spring/fall. With the gas prices increasing, I don’t think I can afford to drive anyway!
Congrats! I have always wanted to get a bike. they make for great exercise.
useful post. thanks
That was a bargain if you asked me
Hopefully you fixed it for a change.
You inpired me to check my facebook marketplace right now, so see ya and best regards
Sweet deal! Thanks for the tip, it’s time to go to the Facebook marketplace and see what deals I can find
Make sure you have someone with you who knows bikes! Check the brakes, the wheels, the tires, the cables… all of it! If someone’s selling their bike, there’s a reason. You want a bike that’s being sold because the owner has no time for it, not a bike that’s beyond repair in some way!
I have been both selling and buying on ebay, but I never tried to do something like this on Facebook. I guess I just don’t trust Facebook as much as ebay or Craigslist. Recently, I started using Facebook a lot and your post makes me think about giving the marketplace app a try. Thanks!