Originally Posted by
Chris_F
What are the thoughts about buying used bikes? I know of a lot of guys who seem to want the latest and greatest and end up dumping their perfectly good bikes on the used market. I'd suspect there are some okay $800 or so used FS bikes in your area. Budget the remaining $200 to replace worn out stuff. I think $1k would go farther used then it would new, just get something with a quality frame in good condition and have a bike mechanic give it a good look over before you buy.
The bike shopes in my area sell bikes that have been traded in as well as left overs. I am hoping to pick one up some time next season. My bike is 15 years old and the used bikes that they have have to be in better shape. I would say that it would be the best way to stretch your dollar(sssss) at the local LBS