Are you broke but want to buy a bicycle related item?

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If you’re like me, you’re always broke. Wanting new parts or a new bike can almost seem impossible. So here’s a few tips that has helped me through out the years in supporting my biking habit.

1. Sell stuff.
If you want something new, then sell something old. I’ve been doing this for years. In a way I’m recycling things. All I do is sell some of my old bike stuff in order to afford newer ones. Take for example, I needed some parts for my other bikes. I gather what I don’t use anymore, bars, pedals, shoes, clothes and etc, and list them on Craigslist. The sum of all the items I sold usually can pay for the new parts.

2. Freelance.
If you’re a skilled blogger like I am, offer your services out to companies that need a blogger. Best way to do it is post an ad on CL. But it helps that you have your own blog and can provide some sort of reference. If you don’t have a blog, start one, and offer to blog for free until your portfolio is big enough to justify your services. You can make some good cash blogging!

3. Are you a Wrench?
If so, offer your services! I do, or at least I have in the past. From brake cables, to tune ups, you can make easy money. Besides, you’re doing something you love! Oh and I usually charged less than the shop and part of my service was “on site.” That meant I had my own work stand, tools and etc which would help me perform the task at their location.

4. Taste Testing.
Earn an easy $20-$75 by being a guinea pig for market research companies. Google taste testing or market research and see what you come up with for your area. I am still on the list for Peryam and Kroll. I’ve tested Mexican food, Southern Comfort, Candy, beverages and many more. It’s actually pretty fun and it doesn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time.

5. Don’t buy a new bike, powder coat your old frame!
I have a buddy that has had the same Santa Cruz frame for the last several years. What’s funny is, every time I see him I automatically think that he got a new bike since its a different color. He told me that getting his frame powder coated once every year or two, helps him feel that he has a new bike. He’s had his bike in various colors, orange, lime green, red, and white. Powder coating your bike can cost around $75-$100, that’s cheaper than a new frame!

6. Yard SALE!!!!
This has to be the easiest way to make money. Just pull out stuff you don’t use anymore and sell it! Children’s clothing sell like hot cakes, furniture, not so much. It’s a great way to clean up your garage and make money.

Last but not least…

7. Don’t buy super high end parts.
I’ve learned fairly quick that Ultegra cassettes, XTR chains and stuff like that wear out twice as fast as regular XT/LX/X7/X9 grade parts. So if you had big bucks parts, when you have to replace them, don’t splurge so much, that will leave you with more money for other items.

So that’s about it for me, do you have any suggestions on how to make money to support your bike habits, if so, leave a comment!