[PLUG-TALK] Used bicycles in Portland?

[Galen Seitz]

John Jason Jordan wrote:
> ...
> I also already have a bike that would serve my needs. However, it has
> been in the garage for at least 20 years. The tires are flat and
> probably rotten (32 x 630 ~ 27 x 1 1/4). It has the handlebars that
> curve down, and I recall how uncomfortable it was bending forward all
> the time. And it weighs at least 20 kg. And it has dual brake levers,
> but one of the levers on the right side (rear brake) is broken. It's a
> Rampar, and getting parts of one of this vintage might be difficult -
> although I do note that 27 x 1 1/4 tubes and tires are readily
> available. I could probably resuscitate it for $50-75, but I never
> liked this bike very much. I'd rather get something more recent.
> 
> There was a recent discussion here about bicycle shops in Portland, so
> I know there are some readers who know all about where to go. Does
> anyone know of a bicycle shop that might have a decent used bike for
> me? Alternatively, someplace that can find odd parts for a Rampar that
> hasn't been manufactured for decades? (It was a Japanese bicycle made
> for the American market only, for the UK firm Raleigh, in case you've
> never heard of Rampar.) And if I get a different bicycle, it would be
> good to know of someplace where I can donate my old Rampar for
> recycling.

In these days of fixie madness, you might want to consider cleaning up 
the Rampar and putting it up for sale on craigslist.  I bet you'd get 
more money for it than you think.  Alternatively, it's possible you 
could convert the Rampar into something that better suits your needs. 
  This would greatly depend on your level of interest and your 
position on the time v. money scale.  Another option would be to 
convert the Rampar to a fixie yourself, sell it, and use the sale 
proceeds to help purchase your desired bike.

Regarding a used bike, Community Cycling Center and City Bikes are the 
first two shops that come to mind.

FYA, here's a great roadie/fixie video that's been making the rounds. 
  See how many places in SE Portland you can recognize.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn29DvMITu4

-- 
Galen Seitz
galens at seitzassoc.com