You don’t usually expect find a set of carbon racing wheels or a used racing bicycle at your neighborhood garage sale. But you do have opportunity to shop the used bikes and gear, including clothing, from hundreds of cycling enthusiast at central Indiana’s largest bicycle swap meet.
The Central Indiana Bicycling Association (cibaride.org) will host its annual winter swap meet at 1 PM on Sunday, February 10 (correction), at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds 4H Building, 2003 Pleasant Street, in Noblesville, IN. The event will draw hundreds of bicyclists, both sellers and buyers, from throughout central Indiana.
They will be there for bargain’s on both classic (and not-so classic items) from their basements and garages. Along a full-range of used components, frames and complete bikes you will find used clothing, shoes and helmets on sale. You may also find bicycle magazine collections, books, and other bicycle memorabilia from personal collections.
The condition of goods can vary dramatically. Area competitive cyclists will use the Swap meet to sell off last season’s prizes and used equipment. Other riders will be selling the parts left over from upgrades as they update their bikes to the latest and greatest. And some of the deals are classic bikes that are being cleared out to make room at home. The means great finds for riders on a budget, or bicycle collectors looking for components to restore their classic bikes.
Arriving late at the swap meet can be to your advantage. You may not get the best “prizes”, but you are likely to find more bargains, as many sellers will mark it down rather take it home. And if you are a seller who absolutely don't want to take home, there are sometimes opportunities to donate to local bicycle oriented charities.
The swap meet is free for CIBA members, and non-members can purchase table space at the door for $10 per table The facility opens at 11 AM for club members to set up, and at 11:15 for non-members and businesses.
The CIBA Swap meet is also social function, with many friends and familiar faces getting together after the winter layoff. And for those who don’t have a winter layoff, a 20-mile bicycle ride leaves the fairgrounds at Noon. The ride returns while the swap meet is in full swing. You can also join CIBA and find information on other local cycling organizations.
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