question on used vs new bike purchase.
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
question on used vs new bike purchase.
Better to but new or used? Found a used garmin felt, not sure what year. Is this a good bike it seems to be in good shape? Also found a kestrel 200 sci, not sure what year but also in good shape. each selling for $400. Or should I buy a new windsor royal Windsor triathlon bike for $795?
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I whole heartedly believe in used bikes. The bike in question should always be tuned up properly before sale. I would think however that lugged frames have a longer life than welded frames.
#4
Banned
It depends on your locale, and what's available for sale in the used dept. I buy new at the LBS since our local used bike choices are very limited for the type of bike I prefer, plus I no longer make online bike purchases since I now want to be able to do a test ride before I buy.
#5
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Depends...I buy both depending on what it is and how much work the used bike needs. Most of my used bike purchases are for bikes that have been out of production for years and there aren't really any modern equivalents available. Also how handy are you with a wrench? A $400 used bike can quickly match the price of a $700 new bike if you have to pay someone to make repairs or replace worn components.
There are plenty of good deals on used bikes out there, but you have to know what you are getting. My LBS sells used bikes and they come with a 90 day warranty.
Aaron
There are plenty of good deals on used bikes out there, but you have to know what you are getting. My LBS sells used bikes and they come with a 90 day warranty.
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#6
Banned.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Southern california
Posts: 3,498
Bikes: Lapierre CF Sensium 400. Jamis Ventura Sport. Trek 800. Giant Cypress.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It depends on your level of experience and mechanical ability. If you can't tell a worn out chainring, cassette, or chain you might want to consider a LBS and a new bike. Shifters, bearings and other components can be more expensive than a new bike and depending on the age of the used bike you may not be able to easily replace the parts you are looking for. If you are considering triathlons then you might want a bike that already has 10 speeds and aero bars or your used bike could end up costing as much as a new one.
Then again if you do have access to someone that can look at the bike for you or if you feel you know what to look for then often you can get a better deal on a used bike. The best part is you will often get better wheels if you are looking at a used bike that was higher end.
Both the Felt and the Kestral should be Carbon Fiber and would be a good deal at that price if they are indeed in good shape the frame alone would be worth it. If they have at least as good of components as the Windsor they would seem like a better deal. If either is already upgraded to a 10 speed cassette rather than the 9 of the windsor that would be better still. If not the 9 speed might work just fine.
Then again if you do have access to someone that can look at the bike for you or if you feel you know what to look for then often you can get a better deal on a used bike. The best part is you will often get better wheels if you are looking at a used bike that was higher end.
Both the Felt and the Kestral should be Carbon Fiber and would be a good deal at that price if they are indeed in good shape the frame alone would be worth it. If they have at least as good of components as the Windsor they would seem like a better deal. If either is already upgraded to a 10 speed cassette rather than the 9 of the windsor that would be better still. If not the 9 speed might work just fine.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 2,794
Bikes: litespeed, cannondale
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well as said above, if you can tell by inspection that the components are good buying used can be a good deal. Also if you think the owner is honest, you can ask how many miles it has.
Really with any kind of upkeep, bikes will last quite a few thousand miles easily 30,000-50,000+. Even active cyclists rarely ride more than 2,000 miles per year. So if you get a bike that is just 2-3 years old, it probably has 90% of its life in it and for about 50% of the new price. The trouble is getting a used bike in the size and category that you desire.
Really with any kind of upkeep, bikes will last quite a few thousand miles easily 30,000-50,000+. Even active cyclists rarely ride more than 2,000 miles per year. So if you get a bike that is just 2-3 years old, it probably has 90% of its life in it and for about 50% of the new price. The trouble is getting a used bike in the size and category that you desire.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
I think that the intelligent The buying processes for new and used bikes are complete opposites.
When you're buying a new bike you can select the brand and model of bike that your budget will support. Then simply buy the size that fits you.
When you're shopping for used bikes, there's usually just one. Consequently the first cut has to be "How does it fit?" If it doesn't fit, it's not a good deal - period. Would you buy a pair of shoes that were too small just because they were cheap?
When you're buying a new bike you can select the brand and model of bike that your budget will support. Then simply buy the size that fits you.
When you're shopping for used bikes, there's usually just one. Consequently the first cut has to be "How does it fit?" If it doesn't fit, it's not a good deal - period. Would you buy a pair of shoes that were too small just because they were cheap?
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
Bikes: Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 7100
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought both new and used but my HUGE preference is for a nice used bike. Good bikes are built to last tens of years so unless horribly abused, a few years old bike will give a very nice bang for your buck. Between Craigslist, eBay and garage sales you can always find something nice and sometimes even nicer
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
therh
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
9
03-26-14 12:13 PM
me and my bike
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
11
05-05-12 12:25 AM