Summer Bicycle Shopping

By Lauren Sherman
June 11, 2010

We're in the middle of an all out bicycle boom. Chic cities like Paris, Stockholm and Helsinki have, in recent years, adopted public bike sharing programs. New York City now has its own green belt of bike lanes weaving through the five boroughs, as well as a dedicated city cycling blog and a shop opening this week that specializes in Dutch bikes. Bicycle designers are also making huge strides in form and function, garnering attention in none other than Vogue. The downside to bikes getting trendier and more tricked out is that they're also turning into major investments. There are models that will now set you back more than a sweet ride of the internal combustion engine sort. (A new Moulton can run up to $11,000.) Luckily, whether you are in the market for a back woods mountain bike or an easy two-wheeler to peddle down to the local market, eBay has a great (and affordable) selection of bikes to choose from. We've rounded up some of the top offerings currently up for bids. At the risk of sounding like your mother, just remember: Always wear a helmet!

Mountain Bikes

From left to right: NEW 2010 Kona Stinky Six Freeride Mountain Bike, Size 20 (buy it now price, $1,529.99) This lightweight, freeride bike is built to last. In fact, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Trek 4300 (buy it now price, $439) Made for the budget-minded mountaineer, this extra-small bike comes with disc brakes, which are said to hold more power than V-style breaks, typically used on lower-priced models. NEW Ferrari CX-60 26" Mountain Bike (buy it now price, $1,699) A slick cycle can help you live out your Ferrari fantasy. It's even painted the tomato red color the brand is famous for.

Cruisers

From left to right: NEW Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser (from $38.99) This incredibly comfortable, easy bike is also wildly affordable. Giant Simple 7 Women's Cruiser (starting bid, $242) Simple's neat retro styling is irresistible. You'll want to show off this 7-speed on your next holiday. NEW Schwinn Southport Men's Cruiser (buy it now price, $299) A lightweight workhorse that comes with a five-year warranty.

European Models

From left to right: NEW Original Dutch City Bike By Jorg & Olif + Wicker Basket (buy it now price, $1,888.88) Made to order in Belgium, this limited edition bike is both stylish and functional. It comes with a cute wicker basket, a Lepper of Holland seat with springs and stainless steel Dutch rims. Gazelle Tour De L'avenir Bike (buy it now price, $99) Though lightly used, this Holland-made bike is still a total steal. NEW Gitane Mach 1400 (buy it now price, $895.69) A French-manufactured bicycle that boasts eight speeds, so it's a good compromise between mountain bike and cruisers.

Vintage

From left to right: Vintage Basso Italian Road Bike Bicycle (winning bid, $450) A blood orange and brown speedster ideal for sunset cruises. We also love it in blue. Vintage 1977 Schwinn Suburban Womens Blue Bicycle Bike (starting bid, $199) Over 30-years-old and less than 20 miles clocked, this pristine artifact may transport you back to your childhood. Vintage Frisky II Bicycle (starting bid, $199) This tyke's bike comes with a glittery seat (but sadly, no training wheels).

Foldable Travel

From left to right: NEW 6 Speed Aluminum Bicycle (buy it now price, $239) A lightweight bike that adjusts to fit any height. NEW Westport Adult Folding Tricycle (buy it now price, $350) For those with little riding experience, this grown-up tricycle will keep you upright and on the road. NEW Shimano 21 Speed Folding Mountain Bike (buy it now price, $274.99) A convenient folding option that doesn't sacrifice power.

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