Bikes in San Francisco

[Violet<3]

Hello Burners!

Im flying from the UK to SF for my second burn. Last year we all bought new bikes from Walmart but we found this to add extra stress due to assembly and it isn't something i wish to repeat.

Can anyone tell me or recommend some where to buy/ rent cheap bikes for the Burn in SF. I won't have the time to collect bikes from Reno as we get the RV Monday and are heading straight to the burn.

Thanks

xxx

[misfit]

craigslist.org ,,, plenty of good cheap burn bikes,,, some with fur. most have not seen the lite of day since last years burn, and may need a bath and oil.

[Eric]

WARNING: there are very very few cheap bikes to be had in SF that close to the Burn! Seriously, this area is Burner Central, and cheap bikes disappear by late July/ early Aug latest (unless you are extremely lucky).

I spent a week in 2010 to find two in my price range ($50-$75ea. tops), and ended up getting the last two available from a place on the Embarcadero that rents & restores bikes, and that was in late July, and I live in SF so getting around wasn't a problem. There were almost none on Craigslist and none in the bike-shops unless you want an actual nice bike, not a playa-bike.

Walmart will be a lot less stressful than trying to find a bike in SF right before you leave for the Burn. Unless you have lots of money to spend of course- we have plenty of bike-shops that can accommodate that at the last minute.

[theCryptofishist]

I'm wondering if there is some place that will sell cheap bike and put them together.
Or maybe there's someone who can put some together. http://www.taskrabbit.com/ might work.

[Wrath]

Don Rafa's Cyclery. 16th St. between Capp & South Van Ness. In 2008 I picked up a bike there like four days before the city opened.

Place is kinda sketchy and dude was in no mood to bargain, but it worked out last minute. Totally worth a shot if you find yourself here and without your ride.

[danibel]

Just read this in the JR today:

You might want to grab one or two of these bike deals:

There are three popular bike programs in the Reno area that sell or rent reliable and affordable bikes especially for life on the playa, that are now taking reservations:

Kiwanis Bike Program

If you are in need of a bike close to as well as great for the playa, reserving one from the Kiwanis Bike Program comes highly recommended. Kiwanis has a huge variety of bicycles ranging from $40-$50, and all purchases support the repairs and donation of bikes for at-risk kids in the Reno area. Moreover, if you return your bike to Kiwanis on your way home from the playa, they love it -- they'll refurbish and reuse it! Reserve your bike now as they go fast. The shop is open daily or by appointment during Burning Man to pick up your reserved bike, or to pick out a bike from those still available, before moving on to Black Rock City. For bike reservations and further information, or if you'd like to know more about their programs in northern Nevada, go to www.kiwanisbikes.org

Kiwanis Bike Program
2500 Valley Road, Suite A
Reno, NV 89512
775-846-7146
kiwanisbikes@att.net
www.kiwanisbikes.org


Black Rock Bicycles

Black Rock Bicycles is highly recommended as your transportation headquarters for rentals as well as sales of bikes for the playa. Having a bicycle -- especially a reliable one with comfort and style, with fat tires and a soft seat! -- is a large part of the Burning Man experience and tradition, and is pretty much an essential to your overall enjoyment in Black Rock City. Located in Reno just a few hours from the playa, they offer rentals as well as sell new/used bikes at affordable prices, which have been professionally cared for by experienced bike mechanics (and Burners). Black Rock Bikes also has everything you need to be able to set your bike apart from the rest -- lighting supplies, baskets, bells, locks, and many other items needed to have fun as well as be safe on the playa.
This year, they have plenty of rentals, extended hours, and have moved to a new location. Please check out their website for reservations, pick-up arrangements, and for other details at: www.blackrockbicycles.com


Rat's Bikes

After many years of service to our community, Rat's Bikes returns to offer great used playa bikes for rent to those of us WHO LIVE AT LEAST 1000 MILES from Black Rock City. And especially to those who live overseas, as he likes to take care of those who have to make a very long journey! Best to reserve now while you can, as his supply of bikes is likely to be gone soon. To find out further information or make reservation arrangements, send an email to Rat at: nv_desert_rat@nvbell.net

[BoyScoutGirl]

The Black Rock Bicycles rentals are almost twice as expensive as the Kiwanis rentals - is there that much of a difference in quality?

[danibel]

I have no idea. I was just passing the links along in case the OP could arrange a playa pick up, or somehow stop in Reno.

I did notice 3 reviews on the Black Rock Bike site. If I was coming from out of town, I would definitely try to give one of these places a shot. I bring my own trusty pink cruiser every year, but I am lucky. I have the space before, for transport, and for after the burn.

[theCryptofishist]

The Black Rock Bicycles rentals are almost twice as expensive as the Kiwanis rentals - is there that much of a difference in quality?

Kiwanis might be volunteer labor.

[gwillen]

Last year I bought a bike at Target for $100. More expensive than Walmart, for probably the same crappy bike, but it came preassembled -- just roll it out of the store. (I'm also local, though, so I can amortize the cost by storing the bike through the offseason and using it again.)

[Rice]

In Fernley there is a Walmart store beside the interstate that has hundreds of bikes assembled and ready for riding. (Of course there are no returns, but walking out of the store with an assembled bike is honestly stress-free!)

That is where I picked up my playa bike last year. I recall it costing about $100.

Trying to arrange for my bike to travel the 3000Km down to BRC more stress than its worth. Since I have a storage spot in Reno, it is now not a problem