The first book I really enjoyed. The second was good. It started sliding downhill quickly from there… So much stuff needed to be either cut or at least re-written! His wife was his editor. She was a professional, but I feel like she didn’t have the heart to be tough on him. Or possibly he felt he didn’t have listen to her like he would an editor he wasnt married to… Could have been a great series with another draft or two. One of the rare instances of the movie versions being better than the books.

There’s an official conspracy theory?

Low end bikes like that just don’t have much value used. They are generally considered disposable. Still if it is in good ridable shape you might get $50. Some times you cant give them away… Used helmets are iffy to the buyer. You never can be certain they are in good safe condition, even if they look nice. A nice camelback might be worth more than the bike and helmet!