Used vs. New
 

My bike got stolen :(. I am in the market for the first time since 2013. Seems like some people are asking a lot for used bikes. I am assuming the pandemic had a lot to do with it all, and I bet my area of Kansas is just not a good market. What does everyone think, should I buy used or pay $100 or so more for a brand new bike?

$100 more for brand new, any day of the week.

Are they 2 bikes of equal quality?

for me it would depend on how used the used bike is. Every material has a life span, A heavily used bike could have less life left on it. I personally would spend the extra on a new bike, The benefits would be knowing the history of the bike and how well its been maintained, new componentry etc. Well worth it.

Kinda depends, really.
​​​​​​If you're talking about a $500 used bike that was $1000 when it was new, vs a brand-new $600 bike, I'd buy the used one (provided it isn't thrashed)
If you're talking about a $200 used bike, and the same bike for $300 new, I'd get the new one.

A lot depends on the price point you're looking at, and your ability to assess and maintain the needs of a used bike.

What kind of bike got stolen and what are you looking to replace it with?

There's a lot of variables to consider in your situation. Any used bike you would consider, I would buy ONLY if I could get it looked over for condition affecting use and performance with the understanding of being able to get it refunded if it's found to be completely janked up. That said, Trek make good bikes and offer a lifetime warranty. As an example, the Trek FX1 is about $700 new if you are wanting a commuter/hybrid type of bike.

Prices of older used bikes are pretty bonkers, with borderline scrap still selling for $200. But if you buy a used version of a newish (2020+) model that's actually in stock you should get a reasonable discount Vs the new one.
If there's nothing newish 2nd hand then I'd probably just go new if I could afford to.

Or you can just buy whatever the best spec you can find in budget. Use Sora is better than new Tourney, for example.

I love buying used, but you have to be patient if you want to find the right type, fit, and condition. Consider expanding your search to include Lawrence -- a college town with a robust cycling community will always be a good place to look. If time is of the essence, you're probably better off buying new. That $100 amortized over the life of the bike will quickly become insignificant. Best of luck!

I love classic steel frame sets with modern components. Since the start of the pandemic, prices have climbed considerably, that makes it s a bit harder to find what I would consider a good buy. As suggested above, if you can find one, a new bike that is a model from a previous year can be a terrific way to get a new bike less. In 2016, I purchased brand new 2014 Orbea Avant for nearly half the original MSRP, $1300 compared to $2500. To be honest, at that price, the crank set was switched to an FSA Omega and the front derailleur to 4600 Tiagra. The FSA bb was crap, so I switched the crank set and the bb. It was not necessary, but I also switched the FR to a 5700.

So much depends on your needs and your budget. Patience, if you have the time, is a real plus when looking at used. IMO, the other big thing about buying used, having or acquiring the tools and skills to do the work yourself. That is not only for cost savings, but the gratification when it is all complete and everything is operating as it should, and it looks like you had envisioned at the start, cannot be overstated.

I like steel, I like classic looks, I don't like limitations so my solution was to buy modern commodity steel.

buy your self a (preowned ) SURLY or ALL CITY or WABI ................ good steel don't wear out and you'll like it more cause it will seem like you owned it longer :)

I've not seen the term "commodity steel" before. What is it?

At this point in my life I'm all Surly all the time..If that's not commodity steel I don't what is..

I own three Surly's and have a Pacer frame on pre-order I've drunk the Surly Kool-aide

It was actually Flavor-Aid in the Jonestown Massacre not Kool-Aid.

Surly makes decent products. I do like their shirts and the Moloko bars are fantastic but yeah they make heavy stuff but it is unique-ish enough to make it useful. It is a durable kinda bombproof bike that offers a lot of go wild with it.


In terms of used bikes make sure you know what you are doing. You could easily buy a bike that is whatever amount of money but needs a lot of work and even for $50 ain't worth it. Buy a quality new bike from a shop, get all your warranties and support and just buy a good lock system and use good locking practices and learn from what happened last time and try not to repeat it if possible.

If you are leaning towards a used bike, make sure it isn't stolen.

I had a Raleigh Reveinio 2013. Man I loved that bike. Huge sentimental value. Got me back into fitness after a back injury.

​​​​​​​I have about $800 -2000 budget. Looking for a rode bike. Realistically, I probably want a cheap one because of another theft. Topeka has very high property crime rate.

If you go used buy local. Online sales are hard to return and you are pretty much stuck with what you get. I learned to love my old San Jose but used off Ebay it was a bad buy and I would not doubt that I bought it off someone who had stole it.
There is something to be said about supporting a local bike shop

I totally agree with you, bro. If you buy used, not on ebay. Only from acquaintances.

I can buy a 10-15 year old carbon frame Trek 5200 for $1100 and it compares to spending $4,100 to get anything comparable with a new road bike. The Trek has the carbon frame, 2x9 gears, brake shifters, and Shimano 105 components. I might want to change the seat or the pedals but otherwise it would be ready to ride. And the difference for me would be $3,270 as I would be paying sales tax on a new bike.