How to Sell Your Bicycle at a Garage Sale

The only valid reason to ever sell a bicycle is to make room for a new one. With that understanding, here's the best way to send your old mount to a good home and simultaneously prep the garage for a sleek new centerpiece.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know your market. If you're likely to sell to college students, don't underestimate the appeal of dorky, unique or nostalgic machines. Your Schwinn Stingray may look like, ride like and actually be junk, but lots of people like this model.
2. Check the prices at a local shop that deals in used bikes. If your bike is not too old and is in very good shape, you should be able to get a similar price.
3. Spray everything that moves with lightweight oil. Keep spraying until each part moves freely. Wipe off any excess oil with a rag. Then wipe down the entire bike, spending extra time on any parts that you can shine up nicely.
4. Pump up the tires. Repeat as needed when no one is looking.
5. If the bike has any Italian words on it, park it almost out of sight and act disinclined to sell. Buyers will find you. Otherwise, park it out front with a big sign.

What to Look For:

• Right price
• Lubricated moving parts
• Presentable appearance
• Airtight tires

Tips & Warnings

• If your bike's tires won't hold air and you know how to replace an inner tube, go ahead and do so. Tubes are cheap and the bike is more likely to sell if it can be ridden.