Are you looking for a good bike cheap? Then get thee to Pilsen. The Working Bikes Co-Op has an extensive assortment of used bikes in good condition, with most costing between $100 and $200. The staff knows bikes well, so they can fit you with one that is the right size and the right type for you. If you are doing a triathalon, commuting to work, or just looking for something to take to the lakefront on a nice day, they can set you up.
Working Bikes is a non-profit corporation that collects donations of used bikes. (I first found out about when a friend’s church was collecting bicycles for a mission project in Peru.) Some bikes are sent overseas, where local mechanics will repair and distribute them. Others are fixed up and given to local organizations that have clients who need basic transportation. Working Bikes volunteers work with different youth organizations to train kids on bicycle mechanics. And, many of the bikes are fixed up and sold at the store on Western. The bikes come with a 30-day limited warranty, too.
Bikes that are too far gone for repair are taken apart, and any parts in good condition are used in repairs or made available for sale. Anything left over is sold for scrap. Working Bikes’ mechanics can do repairs for you, or you can borrow some of the shop’s tools to do your own repairs.
And, Working Bikes sells some new parts and accessories, if appropriate used parts aren’t available.
This is a great resource whether your interests are hard-core cycling, saving money, or being good to the environment.
Working Bikes
2434 S. Western
Chicago
