How to Buy Cheap Bicycle Rims

Bicycling is an expensive sport, especially if you plan on racing or doing long-term and endurance runs. An easy way to save money when taking part in the sport is to buy cheap bicycle rims. The rims are the part of the wheel that attaches the rubber tire to the frame of the bike. There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to buy cheap bicycle rims.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Determine the type of bicycle you currently own. There are several major types, including racing bikes, mountain bikes and BMX bikes. When you're buying bike rims, you want rims that fit the style of your bike rather than the best-priced ones or the cheapest you can find.

Step 2

Pick a size. Bike rims come in five sizes: 12-inch, 16-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch and 26-inch. Rims that are 20 inches or less are better suited for children and smaller adults, while the larger rims work for most adults. Mountain bikes typically come with 26-inch rims and 24-inch rims are standard on racing and BMX bikes.

Step 3

Look for used bike rims to save money. Used sporting goods shops like Play it Again Sports often stock gently used and some new bicycle parts including rims. If there's a used sporting goods shop in your area, try buying cheap bicycle rims from there.

Step 4

Buy an entire bike, but only if you find a great deal on one. Thrift stores, yard sales and even pawn shops offer bicycles for sale and there are some great deals to be found. In some cases you may discover that you can purchase an entire bike for less than the cost of a set of rims. You can even make extra money by selling the other parts on the bike.

Step 5

Wait until the winter or late fall before you start shopping. Most stores stock bicycle parts and accessories year-round, but bring in more equipment in the spring and fall because more riders are shopping. During the off-season, the stores need to get rid of the excess parts and offer discounts or clearance prices, which help you find a great deal.

Tips & Warnings

Don't buy rims that are too large for your bike, even if you do find a great deal. It will be hard to fit the rims onto the bike and you risk damaging the frame.

Always buy from a shop or dealer that offers a full refund and easy returning of products. If the rims are damaged or you have any problems, you'll need to know you can return them.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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