Advice- Value Of A 2006 7300 Trek
 

Hello all,

I'm really new to bike riding, and I've been doing research to find a bike that would work for me. My main reasons for seeking a bike is to commute to work and school. Since I am a college student I'm looking for the best deal possible. I've settled on finding a hybrid and after looking around, my managers husband had a bike that would fit me perfectly. Its a 2006 7300 Trek. She has shown me a few pictures and it looks like its in great conditions but I have yet to ride it or see it in person. She hadn't got a price form her husband yet but will soon and I may test ride it this weekend. I just wanted to know depending on its condition what would be a good price range for this bike?

See what you can find for comparisons online, ebay, craigslist, etc. There is also Bicycle Blue Book - Used Bikes

New it was $400 msrp, I would say $150 or less in very good condition.

See if you like it first. The fit. The feel of the controls. The color. The style. Then check out condition. A 7300 that was stored in doors and used only lightly, and well maintained, is worth a lot more to you than one that was rode hard and put away wet, so to speak.

Second, you could consider what a quality new bicycle would cost you. Something like the FX 7.2 would cost you around $550. A 7.3, about $650. On the other hand, an entry level Giant Escape 3 goes for $330, the next step up Escape 2, for a little over $400. So, figure between $330 and $600 for a quality new bicycle of comparable or better quality to the 7300.

Bikepedia shows the 2006 7300 model selling for $440 new.

Blue book on bikes is just a rule of thumb guide, as local markets will vary. That said, Bicycle Blue book lists the value of a 2006 Trek 7300 bike as between $88 and $138. That said, I would pay a little more if I knew the seller, and was confident he or she could vouch for the maintenance history, or if the seller could show key wear items, like tires, chain, cables and brake pads were very recently replaced and the bike is tuned up and ready to go. If those things have not been recently done, plan on replacing some of all of those items very soon and factor that into the asking price for the bike.

Also, if I were in your situation, the fact that the seller is my manager's husband could possibly add a few dollars to what I was willing to pay. :)

Many will assume that if they paid $400+ for a bike and only rode it once or twice, that they should get $350 for it. I have seen bikes on Craigslist several years old where the user is asking retail value new because of the extras (usually a $29 computer, a $3 bottle cage, and a different saddle)... They ignore the issue of new technology on newer bikes, and no warranty. So, if this seller is in that boat, you may need to explain the fact that most bicycles don't hold their value very well.

I understand what your saying. I was hoping that because they did know me they might drop the price some, but my plan is to inspect it to the best of my abilities and ask as much about the history to find what problems might arise from it. I figured I would take it to my local bike shop just to have them do a good look over if I bought it. From the picture I saw, there didn't seem to be any extra saddles or bottle cage's as compared to what I saw on the trek website.

Something else to consider, this bike came with a low buck suspension fork that is now 8 years old, it may not function properly or if it does, how long will it continue to, and if needed, are repair parts available.

If i do need to replace it or any other part can't I just use a new one or do I have to find that part specifically for that model?

A new suspension fork or solid fork is always an option, but if you have to buy one and pay a LBS to install it, you might as well just go new. But let us not get ahead of ourselves. While I personally hate suspension forks, it could still be perfectly serviceable for you.

As for the seller giving you the friend discount, IDK. They might expect you to throw them a few extra bucks. Tread lightly here. People get insulted if you slap them in the face with reality when they want 80 or 90% what they paid for the bicycle 8 years ago. It is a lot easier to have that conversation with a stranger than with someone you know.

So much about a used bicycle is about how much work you might need to put into it, and whether you have the time, skills and inclination to do your own work, or do you plan to pay a bike shop.

If everything is ready to go, I would pay more for a used bicycle; in some cases, at or near the price of an entry level new bike if it is a model I especially like that is no longer available new. But, bicycle repairs can add up quickly. Basic tuneup will run $50 or so, complete overhaul, over $100, plus the cost of any worn parts need to be replaced. (hence my earlier point about condition) A new set of tires can run $60 to $90. Chain, cassette or freewheel, brake pads, cables, shifters, derailleurs. None of these things is extremely expensive, but any of them can wear out over time with regular use. If the seller used the bike occasionally and/or maintained the bicycle, then it might be worth $150 to $200. If it needs a lot of work, then $100 might be too much.

Thanks everyone for the advice. You've given me a pretty decent ideal price range and a lot of things to consider. Thanks for the advice.

How is suggesting checking the condition/function of the suspension fork "getting ahead of ourselves"? It is not any more so than suggesting tires, chain, cassette, brake pads, cables, shifters, derailleurs, etc. could be worn and may need service.

Getting ahead of ourselves planning to replace the suspension fork before even inspecting it. I think we agree more than we disagree. It is just one more part to consider when buying a used bicycle. I think this is why older hybrids like the 7300 go for so little. Though they are fine bicycles, they are too old to be almost new or like new and too new for any collector or C & V to lust after them. And, if you have to pay $200 to a bike shop to tune it up and replace worn parts, you are only saving a few hundred bucks off the cost of a new hybrid.

This was said where?

No where in the suggestion to check the fork, did I say to replace it.