If you're not talking about bikes designed for bike-share operations, having operated a for-profit rental operation w/ 100+ bikes, I totally agree with flipping the bikes, regularly. Every six months is probably the minimum, but don't go longer than a couple of years as performance stars to suffer, if the bikes are getting regular use. Also at two years+ some parts may no longer compatible or easily available. Sell in the spring.

By flipping them regularly, you'll be keeping the fleet in good condition, putting out high quality bikes to the community at reasonable prices and keeping your suppliers happy.

Kevin Dwyer
The Bicycle Collective


On Mon, Nov 5, 2012 at 6:43 PM, Brian Drayton <nairb1969@gmail.com> wrote:

we just started a bike share program in Richmond California.  we started with 35 Fuji crosstown the same thing University of Wisconsin uses.  start small then get bigger as you have more customers. recycled bikes before they depreciate by selling them seasonally.  get a book deal for my bike manufacturer and sell them at your cost after about 6 months. use that revenue to buy new bikes or to buy more bikes. if you have a larger budget check out social bikes ..

On Nov 5, 2012 12:38 PM, "Ryan Feller" <ryansfeller@gmail.com> wrote:
Hey! I recently took charge of my school's Bike Share program and am working on a proposal to expand from 20 to 40ish bikes this spring (we're a small school of around 800 students). As I just took on the project, I don't have much general advice to offer, but if you have any specific questions I'd be happy to attempt to answer them!

Ryan Feller

On Mon, Nov 5, 2012 at 2:22 PM, Mike Stefanuk <trent@communitybikeshop.org> wrote:
Hello,

We are in the process of developing a bike share program on campus at Trent University for next spring. I was wondering if anyone has any insight, words of wisdom or suggestions for running such a program, especially on a university campus. Are there other similar programs that I can borrow ideas from? Links to resources on the subject would also be helpful. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

--
-----
Mike Stefanuk
Workshop Facilitator
B!KE @ TRENT
trent@communitybikeshop.org
705-775-7227

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