Hello All,

 

I hope this isn't off topic, but here is some advice and caveats about UF Auction bikes.

 

If you get a chance, go and inspect the bikes.  They are auctioned in groups of seven bikes.

 

The first thing I always remind people is that these are abandoned bikes

and in general they were abandoned because of a minor or major mechanical problem.

So inspect these bikes well.

 

Also, most of these bikes have been sitting outside in the weather for a minimum of 6 months,  most for a year.  Chains, freewheels and other parts sometimes rust solid.

Inspect these bikes well.

 

If you have a low level for frustration,  don't try to repair these bikes, they will drive you crazy.

 

If you are looking for an educational project, these bikes are great.  You will have bikes to take apart, that you won't have to worry about reassembling.  Most of the mechanisms on cheap bikes are similar to quality bikes,  just a lot cheaper and cruder, so don't worry about breaking things.

 

If you are into "canibalizing"   you will proabably have several bikes that are similar, so you can take parts from several bikes to create a "Frankenbike."

 

If you are looking to get a cheap bike that works without much work,  that is very hit or miss.  You might find a bike that just needs one or both tires replaced.  But more likely, any nice bikes will have major mechanical problems.  Inspect carefully before buying these bikes.

 

In a typical lot of seven bikes,  5 or 6 will be department store brands, such as Huffy or Roadmaster.  Most likely, several of the bikes' rear wheels are bent or damaged, 4 damaged  out of 7 would be typical.  All the bikes will have rusty chains and other parts may by rusted together.

 

Once again, if you want to learn about bike mechanics,  working on cheap abandoned bikes is a great educational project (how do you think most bike mechanics started learning their trade).  But be careful and inspect if you are looking for a good bike for cheap.