This is something I wish I understood better too. Someone has to end up buying the parts for some reason other than drugs for it not to be a closed system. I read this article a while back:
It points out a shady bike shop and Craigslist sellers, but not much beyond that.
I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the economy doesn't function. Thieves sell bikes to others who think they'll be able to resell them or trade them for drugs, eventually find out they can't and trash them.
On the other hand, I've seen RVs with dozens of bike frames leaning against them. I assume they wouldn't work at that scale if it wasn't worth it.
https://www.seattlemet.com/articles/2014/10/1/this-is-what-h...
It points out a shady bike shop and Craigslist sellers, but not much beyond that.
I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the economy doesn't function. Thieves sell bikes to others who think they'll be able to resell them or trade them for drugs, eventually find out they can't and trash them.
On the other hand, I've seen RVs with dozens of bike frames leaning against them. I assume they wouldn't work at that scale if it wasn't worth it.