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Looking for a bicycle distributer for kids bikes



 
 
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  #1  
Old January 26th 06, 07:57 AM posted to rec.bicycles.rides
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Default Looking for a bicycle distributer for kids bikes

Hey Guys,

I work for a nonprofit charity that is looking to purchase as many bikes as
possible for children this holiday season. We are trying to find a line to a
manufacture in China or other inexpensive bicycle manufacturer that we could
purchase 1000+ bike around September, October 2006. Any and all suggestions
would be amazing, we are trying to get as many bikes as we can this
Christmas to give to kids.

Thanks,

Derek
http://www.turningwheelsforkids.org/


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  #2  
Old January 26th 06, 04:24 PM posted to rec.bicycles.rides
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Default Looking for a bicycle distributer for kids bikes

We are trying to find a line to a manufacture in China or other
inexpensive bicycle manufacturer that we could purchase 1000+ bike


Nice idea, Derek. As a former bike recycler myself (I ran a program in
which teenagers restored used bikes and assembled surplus bikes for
disadvantaged children) I can tell you that the joy of giving bikes away can
be very rewarding. However, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. When you purchase bikes directly from a manufacturer, they will arrive
unassembled. Building bikes, especially those with hand brakes and gears,
is not as easy as you might think. It's definitely doable, though. We held
an event in which we created a production line using more than 300
inexperienced volunteers to build 225 BMX's in one afternoon. If you have
the right tools and you break down the various jobs, you can not only get
the job done, but you can create a great memory for a lot of volunteers.
2. Be careful with the bikes you accept. We had a very large batch donated
to us that were from a Chinese manufacturer, but not a name brand sold in
the US. These were 20" BMX style bikes with caliper (hand) brakes on the
front and rear, but no coaster (back pedal)brake on the rear wheel. This
meant that the hand brakes had to be 110% reliable. Unfortunately, not only
were the rubber pads insufficient to stop the weight of the bikes, but the
cables that controlled them were too thin to support the pressure put on
them. (Snap! Snap! Boing!) Fortunately, the Royce Union Bicycle Company
stepped in to save us by donating hundreds of better quality cables and
brake pads. In the end, everything worked out great, but I spent
approximately seven weeks disassembling all the bikes by myself and
replacing these parts before we could give the bikes away.

This isn't meant to discourage you. I just thought I'd give you a heads up
about cheap bikes before you have to go through the headaches. My
recommendation? Set up a collection day for used bicycles in your
neighborhood. You will probably be amazed at what's out there that people
are ready to throw away. Then ask bike manufacturers for spare parts that
can be used to restore these bikes. Once again, you will be amazed at how
much stuff bike companies throw away.

I strongly recommend that you stick to one type of bike, preferably
single-speed bikes with coaster brakes. These are much easier to
build/restore and they will provide many more years of service, as the rider
will never have to worry about replacing cables or other brake parts. Also,
by streamlining your choice of bikes, you can also keep the cost of "tooling
up" down significantly.

Finally, by recycling used bikes, you will be providing a service to the
environment, rather than putting out new "junk" that will end up in
landfills before long. Go for it.

Good luck, and have fun!

"Derek" wrote in message
. com...
Hey Guys,

I work for a nonprofit charity that is looking to purchase as many bikes
as
possible for children this holiday season. We are trying to find a line to
a
manufacture in China or other inexpensive bicycle manufacturer that we
could
purchase 1000+ bike around September, October 2006. Any and all
suggestions
would be amazing, we are trying to get as many bikes as we can this
Christmas to give to kids.

Thanks,

Derek
http://www.turningwheelsforkids.org/



 




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