Longing for some new bikes to add to the shed, (preferrably a small road bike) we decided to check out the North Shore Gear Swap held on the first weekend of May in Lynn Valley. Arriving at the event about a half hour before it opened the lineup was already 100 strong. bikes and accessories were neatly hidden under a selection of tents waiting patiently for the crowds to inspect.

Two dollars is all it costs to get in, and you can wander into the tent city. Bikes are somewhat organized according to types, but having a good browse will find hidden gems in amongst expensive steeds. Examples of the big bikes included Norco Team DH's and Shores, Santa Cruz V-10's, Bullits and Super 8's, a Giant Team DH, and more.

Our search produced a $25 road bike, and others found a $75 hard tail. Make sure you know the sizes of parts, as seat posts, shocks and forks are available but of course come in a broad range of sizes, steerer tube lengths and such.

Payments are by Visa, Mastercard or Debit, and we were on our way in under 45 minutes. The line up was still around the block, even after the real bargains were snapped up.

So next year - if you're willing to take the risk and find a bargain bike, try to sell your current ride or just find some odd parts, check out the North Shore Gear Swap. http://www.nsmbfc.com/gearswap.asp