How accurate is bicyclebluebook?
02-15-17, 04:42 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Hollister, CA (not the surf town)
Posts: 1,604
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp Di2, 2009 Roubaix, early 90's Giant Iguana
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 592 Post(s)
Liked 1,178 Times
in
466 Posts
How accurate is bicyclebluebook?
I started cycling about 8 months ago using an early 90's Giant MTB that I did some work on to make more comfortable and roadworthy. As I get in better shape and do longer rides, I'm considering an upgrade to an endurance road bike; something like a Giant Defy or similar.
I've been shopping on craigslist but don't have a good idea of value. I've discovered the bicyclebluebook.com website but most bikes I see are priced above the highest values and some well above.
Is bicyclebluebook not all that accurate or am I seeing adds from people that don't have a realistic idea as to what their bike is worth?
I'm not looking to get the deal of a lifetime but would like to pay a fair price.
I've been shopping on craigslist but don't have a good idea of value. I've discovered the bicyclebluebook.com website but most bikes I see are priced above the highest values and some well above.
Is bicyclebluebook not all that accurate or am I seeing adds from people that don't have a realistic idea as to what their bike is worth?
I'm not looking to get the deal of a lifetime but would like to pay a fair price.
02-15-17, 04:47 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 36,928
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4882 Post(s)
Liked 920 Times
in
552 Posts
The bluebook is a loose guideline at best.
Prices vary by location, season, and condition. The variance is tremendous, probably 3:1 between a good condition bike in Spring, and a fixer upper in November.
If you're near a college, prices, both buy and sell are highest in September, and lowest at the end of May as incoming students buy and sell their transport.
If you're able to accurately estimate condition and do your own work fixing or adjusting, but not replacing many parts, you can get great deals on bikes in sub prime condition. Otherwise, be careful because just a few basic replacement part needs can turn the best deal into a dog.
Prices vary by location, season, and condition. The variance is tremendous, probably 3:1 between a good condition bike in Spring, and a fixer upper in November.
If you're near a college, prices, both buy and sell are highest in September, and lowest at the end of May as incoming students buy and sell their transport.
If you're able to accurately estimate condition and do your own work fixing or adjusting, but not replacing many parts, you can get great deals on bikes in sub prime condition. Otherwise, be careful because just a few basic replacement part needs can turn the best deal into a dog.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
02-15-17, 07:15 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Liked 639 Times
in
360 Posts
In the end a bicycle is worth whatever a buyer and seller agree upon. Regardless of what any guide book says, if you can't find a seller who is willing to sell for that price, it's a no deal.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
02-15-17, 08:44 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 5,434
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 1,316 Times
in
773 Posts
Asking price and selling price for second hand bikes are two different things. A seller may ask but unless the buyer agrees there will be no sale. As a buyer, you can quote the bluebook value if you think the asking price is too high. nobody can force you to pay what the seller is asking.
If a bike has been for sale for an extended period of time the asking price was too high and your negotiating position is better
If a bike has been for sale for an extended period of time the asking price was too high and your negotiating position is better
02-15-17, 11:49 PM
#5
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 15,284
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 120 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9629 Post(s)
Liked 6,015 Times
in
3,461 Posts
Bicycle blue book is about the worst thing to happen to the used bike market in a decade.
Its pricing is completely arbitrary and has little bearing on reality.
Its pricing is completely arbitrary and has little bearing on reality.
