I could fix up downtrodden bikes I find on the cheap and re-sell them on Craigslist for a small profit. I've been working on my own bikes for years, but it wasn't until I completely disassembled, painted, and reassembled a tandem bike I found abandoned by the metro. (For the record, it in terrible shape: completely rusted, and left unlocked several feet from the bike rack. Therefore, I maintain it was abandoned). After obsessively working on it for two weeks straight, I have a glorious new bike, and ambitions to do the same with others.
Steps
1) Salvage bikes found on craigslist or elsewhere, where the owners are practically giving them away to get rid of them.
2) Fix them with new parts, maybe even paint.
3) Resell them on craigslist or elsewhere.
Originality: I would have said High a few years ago. Then bike-obsessed hipsters came along.Enthusiam: I was on a high after finishing that monster of a project with the tandem bike. Now, it just seems like a lot of unnecessary work for only a little profit.
Practicality: Depends on the bike. I'm sure there are some hipsters out there who want old bikes, right?
Difficulty: Also depends on the bike. Now that I think about it, I've only fixed up three bikes in my life. There are professionals out there who do this all time, and with good bikes.
Final Note: Know anyone in the market for a tandem bike?
