JFlurett

OK, first this is not me trying to get around advertising my bike for sale without an upgraded membership. I will not even say what the bike is....

I commuted on a SS for a year and a half. It was the first time in quite a while that I had used a bike so consistently since childhood. I didn't know about basic maintenance so the chain and tires need to be replaced but still function.

My question is, when selling a bike, what is best to do?

Replace parts so it looks nice? Cheap parts? Consistent with the quality parts?

or

Leave as-is with an obviously lower price than replaced.


It would seem to me that people do their own customization so leaving it alone might be best. However, people buy bikes all the time and don't mess with them (me in this example) and might just want a clean running bike.

Edit: Since it's not clear, I'm not giving up on commuting. Actually, I just did my first rides in snow yesterday and today. I just use my Salsa now.

teamontherun

I would replace broken parts so that the bike is 100% ride able. When someone can buy a bike and ride it, it tends to sell faster and easier.

Replacing parts is a touchy subject... If the bike is a $5000 machine, replace with oem or better parts. If the bike is a cheaper product, get it in good running order with decent parts.

RonH

+1 on replacing worn parts. Also clean up the bike (mud, dirt, grime, etc.) so it looks as good as possible.

AdamDZ

I also think you're more likely to sell it and get good price it if it's in 100% working order and clean. However, it depends what bike it is, what shape it's in and what parts need to be replaced. If you're going to spend a lot on new parts it may make more sense to sell it as-is or for parts. Do the math.

Adam