I just wanted to thank everyone for this thread, and whoever posted the negative review on the googlemaps result for Re-Cycle (which led me here). I'm completely ignorant about bikes and haven't had one for years, but bought one from Re-Cycle a few days ago for commuting to school and for exercise. Got it for $150, which seemed like a good deal, right? Wrong.
After riding it home I noticed that the seat kept going crooked (which I'd noticed when I took it for a test drive around the block before buying, and was told it was fixed) and it was making some very ominous noises whenever I pedaled. Took it in the next day and the problems were 'fixed' for free because of their 30 day guarantee, but now, a day later, the seat is still going crooked and it's making DIFFERENT awful noises, and I really doubt it is safe to ride.
I'm not going to put up with bringing it in for something different every day until the 30 days run out, so I'm going tomorrow to see if they will give me a refund -- though I doubt they will, and if they do it will only be store credit, which I obviously don't want. What a waste of money.

In the meantime, does anyone have recommendations for HONEST places to buy SAFE used bikes? I really need a new one, and soon, but I don't think I can afford one over $200, especially now that I've wasted $150.

Mr Michael Recycles Bicycles - technically doesn't sell complete bicycles, or service them. So they might not be a great place.

I was an avid fan of Sunrise Cyclery before I worked there, and I feel like being behind the counter and in the shop makes me appreciate the way Jamie runs his business all the more. he has lives in South all his life, and the shop (in the old Phoenix games building on Bryant and Lake) is really one of a kind. Reasonable prices, effective staff, and an owner who is a multiple year ragbrai veteran, do yourself a favor and go to the place that Re-Cycle AWOL mechanics call home, Sunrise Cyclery.

They did to my friend, who scored a nice Kabuki road bike for $75. I think it just depends on what they have on hand.

You are bagging on Re-cycle I like that part.

Also, I don't know about you but I don't consider Uptown nor Lyn-Lake part of South Minneapolis. Yes it is south of downtown.

Screw it, the whole city's tilted cause they built it along the Mississippi.

There have been some mixed feelings about this shop in the cycling community. Most of them are bad though.
They sell bikes that are often in poor condition. Generally from the prices I've seen there you can get a lower to mid ranged priced bike that is brand new at a reputable shop. The life of that new bike will be much longer and it will also provide a better riding experience. This will in my opinion do more in keeping people on bicycles. There are a number of other shops in the area that sell used bicycles. I would visit those shops first.


Consider these things-

At recycle on craigslist-
Old crappy Rock Hopper for $375

At Eriks Now -

Brand new 2009 Hard Rock Mountain bike for $359 and that bike is a MUCH better bike than that old Rock Hopper.

At Freewheel now
Brand new 2009 Gary Fisher Mako for $360. It is also a much better bicycle by far.

On Craigslist now by private party.

2008 Rock Hopper for $375. That one is also a much better bike by far.


So the point is... I could do this all day long but I don't have the time You should get the point by now.

Also, I don't know about you but I don't consider Uptown nor Lyn-Lake part of South Minneapolis. Yes it is south of downtown.

I was an avid fan of Sunrise Cyclery before I worked there, and I feel like being behind the counter and in the shop makes me appreciate the way Jamie runs his business all the more. he has lives in South all his life, and the shop (in the old Phoenix games building on Bryant and Lake) is really one of a kind. Reasonable prices, effective staff, and an owner who is a multiple year ragbrai veteran, do yourself a favor and go to the place that Re-Cycle AWOL mechanics call home, Sunrise Cyclery.