buying used derailleurs- ok or beware?
03-12-08, 08:15 PM
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buying used derailleurs- ok or beware?
I am accumulating parts to upgrade my Sora equipped bike to a 9-speed double with bar end shifters...and am wondering you experts' thoughts on buying used derailleurs from Ebay?
Assuming all the parts play nice together, is there anything to be wary about? FD's seem simple enough; I am less sure about rear ders?
Assuming all the parts play nice together, is there anything to be wary about? FD's seem simple enough; I am less sure about rear ders?
03-12-08, 08:23 PM
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) all over it.
03-12-08, 08:33 PM
#3
Call me The Breeze
Used is Ok in person where you can check it out for yourself. I'd be more cautious online.
03-12-08, 08:53 PM
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I would say that if you know the seller it is safe enough to get a used rd. In my case i take care of my stuff so usually when i sell something it is used but working perfectly.
03-12-08, 08:58 PM
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Data point: I bought a Campy Veloce 9sp RD (pre-2001) off ebay for a setup I was going to use. It came to me in good condition, very shiny, with smooth action. It did have a stripped (head only) adjustment screw. I had to drill it and ez-out it, turned out somebody had loctited it in! I replaced the screw and all has been well since then.
I think it's mostly fine but I would try to buy from somebody who seems like they know what they are talking about, not some used parts clearinghouse.
I think it's mostly fine but I would try to buy from somebody who seems like they know what they are talking about, not some used parts clearinghouse.
03-12-08, 11:26 PM
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You're probably not going to notice any diff in performance by changing dérailleurs, just save a couple grams. Most of the "feel" comes from going to better brifters. I'd only change if going to a double from a triple. Even then, with friction shifting you can use practically any FD.
03-13-08, 06:23 AM
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I've bought used off eBay a couple of times no problem. That being said, deraillers are relatively cheap so unless you get a smokin' deal on a used one I'd go new.
03-13-08, 07:11 AM
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E-bay is always a crap shoot and used components are even more so. The only time I'd consider buying used, particularly if I couldn't check it out in person, would be if I wanted a particularly rare or obsolete item unavailable anywhere else.
Check out Nashbar, Jenson and the other on-line retailers for specials, closeouts and bargains. That way you will get a known item that's brand new from a reliable source and probably save money too.
Check out Nashbar, Jenson and the other on-line retailers for specials, closeouts and bargains. That way you will get a known item that's brand new from a reliable source and probably save money too.
