Save Money on Kids' Bikes

NEVER, NEVER, EVER buy a new kids' bike. Kids' bikes are ubiquitous at garage sales. Since kids grow out of a bike so fast, they are usually in good condition. If you are patient, you can even be choosy. Look for a good brand in good shape (not perfect, but nice). My most recent buy was a Huffy for $5. Both tires were flat, but all they needed was a little air.

If your kids ride a lot, they may wear through a tire. In that case, it is probably cheaper (and more exciting) to get another garage sale bike than to replace the tire.

If the price is a little high, offer the owner less. Dad will probably be thrilled just to have the bike out of his garage. I would pay up to $20 for a great bike.