Originally Posted by
Yo Spiff
I did understand that. He can't right now, but I also suggested he might be better off to save up until he can.
All the time, and I live in the same area as he does. I see good deals like that come up every week. Patience pays off. Haven't checked it yet this morning, though.
I also see you are on L.I. I grew up there in the 60's & 70's. Expensive place to live. That could be the difference in what kind of value the used market offers.
I agree a $40, 30 year old, steel rimmed mart bike is better than nothing, but he is desiring to keep up on club rides. I really don't think that bike will cut it. Even a casual, beginners oriented club ride is going to be 10-20 miles at a 12mph pace.
My main point, is that if he needs a bike now to go ahead, if the bike is functional and fits. No reason why you can't keep saving for a new bike and sell this one when the time is right and recover most if not all what you put into it. My own perspective on this is that its better to get on a bike now rather than sit around waiting for the perfect deal. Spending 40 now isn't necessarily money down the drain. Also I think this bike, properly tuned, is more than capable of 10-20 miles at a 12mph pace.
Also, keep in mind that older x-mart bikes tended to be higher quality then newer ones.