We're all feeling the pinch. Whether it's a looming layoff or a job in jeopardy, there's certainly no hurry to rush out and finance a new bike. After all, who knows if we'll even be able to make the payments in a few months. Hell, there're more important things like groceries and phone bills to pay for.
That's what got us thinking about ways to beat the system. And by Jove, we've done it. The scene is the same regardless of the bike, and we've all been there. What was once new and pristine has slowly faded into an eyesore that doesn't make sense to even spray off with the hose anymore--forget a wax and polish because some of the bodywork or decals might simply fall off.
These slightly beaten bikes don't get that one last look before bed and certainly don't appear in as many cell phone snaps or MySpace galleries as they once did. But there's hope.
Nobody wants to ride a crashed, rashed and bruised bike, but modding it out and freshening it up would cost the moon and then some, right? Nope.
If you were to roll into your local bike shop and order new bodywork and a custom paint job they'd be licking their chops in anticipation of the invoice. But with proper planning and smart mods there's a way to get that bike you've always wanted without paying for someone else's kid to go to college.