Hi guys, I'm looking to purchase my first road bike and am looking at used bikes. I found a guy who has a 2002 Bianchi Brava, has been "gently used", looks good, all parts are stock except for the crankset has been changed to Ultegra triple. He's asking $400 for it and won't dicker on the price. I like the bike, I think it's beautiful but I also don't have the money to overpay for something that's just not worth that much. Can anyone tell me if $400 is a good price for this bike? A steal? Highway robbery? THANK YOU!

That bike retailed for $749 in 2002.

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...rava&Type=bike

Hello welcome to the forums. this bike might be a tad new for the C&V forum but, this forum is much more active and friendlier than most of the others. the '02 Brava looks like a nice bike. did the seller say why he changed the cranks?

as to the value that is very subjective. 400 would be good if the bike is a ' garage queen' and saw little use. if the bike was used alot, commuter, training (esp on a indoor trainer) and parts are wearing it it isn't a deal. have you seen the bike? can you get some good pics? the BB area, rear derailleur, and dropouts, plus the rims. that way we can get an idea of what kind of use it and care it had.

edit
$750? well the bike had better be pristine to asking 400 for it, it is 8+ years old. are there any accesories? real nice computer, pump, bottlecages?

Moving to valuation subforum.

Depends where you live. Realize that a brand new bike comparable to that one would cost you close to $850. If it is pristine, ready to ride, and does not have any signs of wear or defects, price is about right. Any defects would knock the price down of course.

So it really depends on the definition of "gently used". And of course, it needs to fit. One nice thing is that a lot of bikes spend their lives hanging in the garage, rarely if ever ridden. I picked up a 1986 bike last week with less than 10 miles on it.

Hi everyone, thanks for the welcome and for your comments. The guy won't send me any pics of it and has yet to answer my question about why he changed the cranks. Red flags. He's refusing to budge on his price of $400 and the bike is a good couple of hours from where I live, so I was thinking that if $400 was a steal for it, that I'd take the drive but there seem to be too many red flags and the price seems too high so I'm going to let it go and continue my search. Thank you again for all of your help!

Amazing that some sellers aren't a little more cooperative. Its the way of Craigs List I guess. I just drove 2 1/2 hours each way to look at a bike that I could not get good pictures of either. Fortunately it worked out.

missysue, where do you live? I would imagine that somewhere near you is a BFr who would love to assist you and maybe he is even a 'flipper' and will help you get a good deal.

I think you'll find that the most consistent piece of advice in these forums to a new rider is to make sure you get a bike that fits you.

You indicate that you haven't seen this bike much less ridden it. I would suggest trying to find an experienced rider to help you make your purchasing decision if possible. If not read up on bike fit on-line or at a library.

A well fitting bike is pleasure to ride even if it's less than top of the line. A poorly fitting expensive bike is a waste of money.

I'm in Chicago. I actually have a couple of friends who are into and helping me look. One of them was one who suggested I post here and see what you guys thought about that bike. I am continuing my search for a bike that I love that fits well. Thank you for all of your help!

No more than 40% of MSRP. Period.

Well, with all due respect to those that have posted on this subject, if missysue is looking for a brifter equipped steel bike, There's not a whole helluvalot out there. As in, the Brava in question is probably IT! I had the exact same bike being discussed here and sold it a year ago for $300. It never made it to CL. Word of mouth was all it took and the bike was gone, no questions, no dickering. That means I probably sold it too low. My guess is the bike should have gone for around $350-$375. So I would say if missysue has decided on a steel frame with brifters, take the ride and look at the bike. It sure beats passing then wondering if you should have looked at it. Is $400 top dollar? Yes, but it's not crazy high. If you understand that you're paying top dollar, then go look at it and see if the fit is good and if it's in good condition.

I'm with Roccobike. If its super clean and the right size, $400 is on the strong side price wise, but not out of line. In a good market, come riding season, he can get it.

One alternative if you are looking for steel frame bike with brifters and want to spend a little less is to look at some of the mid to late 90 models out there. I have a 1995 Giant Kronos. Its the last year for a lugged steel frame which I am partial to, came with 7 speed RSX brifters. Trek made a model 470, 1997 and older was steel (1998 was aluminum frame), 7 speed RSX brifter bike. Schwinn and Specialized also made cromoly brifter bikes in the 1990s.

The bike might be 8 years old (or in the case of my Kronos 15 years old), but most bikes are rarely ridden. If that is the case, it will need some basic maintenance due to sitting idle, but most of the parts will be in almost brand new condition once cleaned up. Now if the bike has been flogged for 8 years, it will show it and I would pass.