tedeliu

Hi Bike Forums,

My wife and I are just starting to bike again for the first time in over a decade. We really like the idea of commuting to work on occasion.

We're considering the Trek FX 7.1 or Raleigh FT0/1, but the initial investment is rather large. We're not sure whether it's worth it to drop $1,100 on a pair of new bikes when used bikes would work just fine.

We saw a listing for a 2007 Fuji Kobe 1.0 for $325. Here are the specs:

KOBE Urban Commuter Bike Aluminum.
All Shimano parts
Velo Seat 15"
Cateye computer
Add-ons: Fenders, panniers, bells

I've looked online, but I can't find much information on this bike. We were hoping some of you have had experience with this bike and can provide feedback. Would you pay $325 or even $250 for a Kobe 1.0 in good condition? Is there any advice you can give to a pair of newbies? We're looking for a quality hybrid bike that we can get our feet wet with? Would you recommend biting the bullet and get a new hybrid? If so, which one?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

-Teddie

Arrowana

Looking at the specs, seems like a great bike, assuming it rides nice, I'd definitely get it over a cheap new hybrid.

ChowChow

Buy used is a good way to save money, but with bikes you must know how to determine if the bike is in good condition for riding. Plus you'll also have to make sure that the bike fits you. As newbies, it is best to purchase from a local bike shop. Which they can get you a bike for your needs and make sure that it fits properly. They will also tune your bike for you.

The bike that you've listed has pretty good components. The most I would give for it will be $250. That's if it is in good condition. My advice is to go to a LBS or if you are mechanical enough and really want to save money, then go www.bikesdirect.com or get this bike for you https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...68_-1___400316 or better
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...27_-1___202398 and this one for your wife https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...16_-1___202398 or better https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...38_-1___202398

What kind of riding will you be doing?

tedeliu

Thanks for info Chow. We plan to do a mix of urban commuting / weekend fitness rides. Almost all of our trips will be on paved roads, with very little on trails or off-roads.

Generally speaking, do hybrid bikes lose their value quickly? It's difficult to determine how much a bike is worth as we are completely unfamiliar with the varying quality of bike components. Since the Fuji Kobe 1.0 is used, I'm going to have to figure out whether it's in good mechanical shape when I go visit the buyer. Any suggestions on what to pay special attention to?

tedeliu

Thanks for the response Arrowana? Why do you say cheap new hybrid? Do you feel that all of the entry level hybrids these days are of lower quality?

ChowChow

You can also find decent bikes at Dicks Sporting Goods and Sport Authority.

ChowChow

For mostly paved roads and very little off roads, I would suggest a bike with 28-35mm tires and no suspensions. If 100% on paved roads, then go 28mm or thinner. The Kobe has 38mm tires. It will be a bit slower on paved roads, but better on dirt. I just figure out the year of the bike and compared it to similar bikes with the same brand name to determine the value. I got my 2010 Fuji Absolute 2.0 for $399 (brand new and in the beginning of this year) at bikesdirect.com. Which is more of a road bike, than the Kobe and is about the same value when retailed new, but maybe just slightly more. Divided by the fact that the 2007 Kobe is probably at least 5 years old used.

I wouldn't recommend you buying used. Go to your local Dick's or Sports Authority is a better bet for your price range.

This is Shimano bike componets from high to low (that I know of). Top to bottom.
Mountain Bike Components:
Saint
XT
LX
Deore
Alivio
Acera
Altus
Tourney

Road Bike Components:
Dura-Ace
Ultegra
105
Tiagra
Sora
2200

Arrowana

Aside from some coming with cheap crappy gripshifters, I'd say new entry level hybrids are good enough bikes. But going up to level of components on the Fuji Kobe, and it will be a noticeably nicer bike.

b1g bleu

If you have little experience with bikes, it will be difficult to know if you are getting a good used bike let alone one that suits your needs. Bring someone with you that's knowledgeable and can tell if something is not right. Especially damage that's not visible or even concealed. Another problem is original components may have been swapped out so you won't be getting what you paid for. Of course you could bring it to an LBS to be checked out and if they say it's a good deal, they can tune it up while they have it.

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, Tedeliu!

If you are going to buy two used bikes, I'd recommend a couple of old ten speed road bikes from the 80's era. Join a bicycle co-op, if one is nearby, then upgrade your bikes, and put them in tip top condition. You could even have both bikes powdercoated the same color, prior to your upgrades.

Once your bikes are completed, you would've most likely just spent a fraction of the cost of two brand new bikes at $1,100.

Estimated costs:

Two used chromoly steel framed ten speed road bikes ~ $300
Total upgrades ~ $200
Powdercoat Paint Jobs ~ $180
Co-op membership ~ $80
Bicycle Mechanics Education ~ $0
Total estimated cost = $760

Estimated Savings ~ $340

PS.

Make certain that you have a bike "expert" accompany you, when you purchase a bike off of Craigslist. They should inspect the bike, both before and after you do your twenty-minute test ride.

If you suspect that the bike is a little too large, or a little too small, it most probably is...Don't buy it!

Arrowana

You can also follow Slim's advice and end up with something nice for much cheaper than $760. The used marked is somewhat random, so you could end up with a bike for under $150. Aside from road bikes, rigid MTBs and hybrids are also great, easier to find and cheaper. Trek Antelopes are very easy to find under $100. Also, while nice, Cro-moly is not necessary. Better made Hi-Tensile frames can make great bikes too, though trying to figure out which ones are worth it may be confusing.

Powder coating is definitely not necessary.

The co-op around here does not have any membership fee, and the charge for using their time would definitely be under $80. Upgrades will vary a lot, bike could be perfect as is, or maybe it's a nice frame with worn out junk attached. If you go the rigid MTB route, the shifters and brakes will likely need replacing.

cpt. Howdy

Keep your eye on CL and you can find great deals on old chromoly steel bikes. Same thing with thrift stores.

Never buy aluminum, carbon or tit. used though.

Arrowana

Aluminum should be fine, aside from my tank-like Panasonic ATB, I'm guessing if you torture tested all the bikes at my place, my boyfriends aluminum GT Pantera would be the strongest. Old aluminum often has a harsh ride though, so it may not be the best choice.

eddiehaskell

Does this go for modern aluminum bikes? What is the reason? Possible warped frame or something?