Touring - Depreciation of new bike after tour

I am looking at purchasing a 2007 bike that was recently used on a trans-continental tour. The owner is asking about 25% off of what the retail price of this bike is. Is this a deal worth pursuing? I would think that after a long tour like that, many of the components would be worn out? It's a Novara Randonee.

Cheers!
Dukester

Any new bike is going to be worth at least 25% less than retail the minute you leave the shop with it. If you're an REI member you can get 10% of the purchase price back in the form of a year end dividend on any bicycle (or other item) that you buy from REI, so I think the seller is getting a little greedy.

If it was me, and assuming it's in very good condition as far as I could tell, I'd offer him ~45% below retail and be willing to pay around 35% off.

If he wants to run it to REI and get a wrench there to check it out and sign off on it as being in great shape, that might add some value.

Still, the bike is worth what the market will pay.

If the bike was maintained properly not that much should be worn out. After replacing tires and brake pads I consider the bike I used on my recent Transamerica ride to be in very good condition.

That said I wouldn't personally pay 75% of retail for any used bike. I personally would value it at closer to 50 or 60 percent of current retail if in good shape, but pricing of used stuff can be fickle. I can't blame someone for asking whatever he can get, but I would buy new before paying 75% of retail especially since an REI member gets a 10% dividend on purchases at the end of the year.

OTOH: I might ask that price if I were selling and not in a hurry to move it.

BTW: Did he upgrade the bike in any way? If so that might be a factor.

I think only an addition of a front rack.

Not worth it at 25% off IMHO
Bicycle components wear down over time, and especially over many miles

touring is very hard on a bike, its a matter of the sheer amount of use. Derailer wear (rear) is big, as well if it has sti shifters, these have a much shorter life than frame mount or bar end, as well the bearings, unless the rims are cartridge style bearings, you should be aware that a hubs race can only handle so much, bottom brackets although relatively cheap only last so long, as well pedals if they are not replacable cartridge style. offer 50%

Does it come with any accessories like quality racks or panniers? If so it could be a good deal.

If you want to wait, you can also get the bike new at 20% off sale. Thats 27% off or so with dividend. Plus, REI will most likely help you with set-up and tune ups if you buy it from them. Plus, it's new.

If you want to wait, you can also get the bike new at 20% off sale. Thats 27% off or so with dividend. Plus, REI will most likely help you with set-up and tune ups if you buy it from them. Plus, it's new.

Anyone know when the REI bike sale is? I've heard Feb./march thrown around.
Thanks,
Chris

The novara is one of the most frequently discounted bikes out there. If it was a Bruce Gordon and fit me perfectly, that would be one thing, but the Novara often seems to go for 25% off, end of season and so forth.

I sure don't think a bike is 25% used up after being run 3-4 thousand miles, but that is another mater.