sloppyswish

Really interested in this 7.7 at lbs leftover. But I feel as if this bike has been used.
By looking at this bike, does this look like a new bike to you?

Dave Cutter

It looks damaged to me.

megalowmatt

You're referring to the scratches? If it's a 2013 or 2014 that has been sitting in a shop for one or two years I imagine there's a good chance it will get scratched or scuffed over time from people test riding and looking at it and other bikes.

Did you ask the shop? Are they selling it as new?

sloppyswish

They said its from other bikes leaning against it. But its the tires that seem worn to me.

sloppyswish

yes selling as new.

jyl

Well, it is a terrible picture to try and judge by.

But looks new to me, maybe some test rides and shop wear, but not more.

Brake tracks on rims look new. Tire tread looks new, except right at the center which could be test rides. No road grime collected in recessed nut for brake or anywhere else. And that is as much of the bike as the photo shows.

If you go back to inspect some more, look for rubbing where shoes might touch cranks, scratches or wear on the chainring teeth, wear on the brake pads, mold flash on tires.

Gresp15C

Importantly, does it come with the full warranty?

sloppyswish

The bikeshop is 2 hours away and is the only bike shop that has a 7.7. Its exactly what I want and unfortunately im doing much of the buying through pics and the internet.

jyl

Then if it has the full warranty, is your size, and is well priced, I'd go for it. You're going to pick it up in person, so you'll be able to look it over before paying, I assume?

TransitBiker

Looks used to me.

- Andy

modernjess

Hard to say, not enough pictorial evidence. A couple of small scratches does not mean "damaged" but perhaps demo'd. As has been said, if it's what you want, in your size, has the warranty, then go there inspect it closely, demo it, and play let's make a deal. Then you can go put your own scratches on it.

acidfast7

I agree with everything in this thread.

I was ask to see the manager and get the cash price as low as possible and then ask for some freebies.

Don't let any desperation show

spivonious

Looks new to me. Tires aren't going to be pristine from test rides.

The scratches should help you get the price down, if it's not majorly reduced already. I agree with acidfast - try to haggle, but don't be afraid to walk away if they don't budge.

blakcloud

New to me from a bike shop means never been ridden. In my eyes that bike is not new but has been test ridden and has shop wear. That doesn't mean it is not worth buying. If they give you a good price and full warranty, I would have no problem buying the bike.

From my own personal experience, my Rivendell Sam Hillborne was a demo bike. It was a size they were discontinuing, so it was for sale. The price was too good to pass up. I normally would never buy a used bike, but it was a bike I really wanted, the size I needed and as mentioned the price was great. I also bought the bike unseen and had is shipped to me. I have never regretted buying this bike.

rumrunn6

that's a long way away for warranty service, or anything else like having the wheels trued after the 1st 100-300 miles

sloppyswish

scratches disappeared with some type of scratch remover. bike has been discounted from 1850 to 1399.
not bad for a carbon bike. owner is also letting me finance interest free for 3.5 months. bike shop was completely straight up about the scratches, they claim it was from leaning against other bikes. i am giving them the benefit of the doubt. hopefully i dont regret it

sloppyswish

qclabrat

still not a great photo, did you check the crank arm and rim walls for wear as others suggested? also look at the rear derailleur pulleys, they usually pick up the most dirt after a few hundred miles.

TransitBiker

Second photo makes me feel even more confident that it was used.

- Andy

catonec 

If it doesnt make you happy, dont buy it. More bikes will come along.

Unless you can get a wicked good deal then it will always eat at you on the inside that you bought a less than perfect item for full price.

Say good bye and move on.

Also you may not want to buy from that shop if you think they are trying to pull a fast one on you.

mickey1019

it looks damage and someone have use it.

qclabrat

Good point, remember one of the most important reasons for going the LBS route is to build a relationship and to expect some support/service afterwards and will work on your behalf on warranty issues. If they are not willing to give you a full new bike warranty or free service (6 months to one year is customary), I'd presume an issue with the bike.

jyl

I really wouldn't sweat the small scratches. You'll most likely do the same to any bike, quite quickly.

Much stuff we buy new has been "used" as in tried out by prospective buyers. Cars get test driven, clothes get tried on, furniture is sat on, etc. And everything we buy new depreciates sharply the moment we take it home. I'd say you got a new, or as close to new as makes no difference, bike while avoiding the instant depreciation. Seems like a good buy to me.

sloppyswish

Virtually all of you know more about bikes than I do. The conclusion I'm drawing is that we can flip a coin on new or used. But to me, 1399.00 for a top of the line carbon hybrid bike, in very good -excellent condition seems like a very good deal. The problem with lbs is they hardly stock this type of bike and if they do they aren't budging on price. Saving 450.00 bucks on this model seems like a great investment.

sloppyswish