How accurate is bicyclebluebook?
02-15-17 | 04:42 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,931
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From: Hollister, CA (not the surf town)
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp Di2, 2009 Roubaix, early 90's Giant Iguana
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
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
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From: New Rochelle, NY
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
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.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“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
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
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From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
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.
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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
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,655
Likes: 2,253
From: Montreal, Quebec
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
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 18,752
Likes: 10,314
From: Des Moines, IA
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
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.
