Advice - Buying a used bike
01-16-06, 09:56 PM
#1
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Advice - Buying a used bike
Hello everyone,
Longtime lurker, first time poster.
I am just getting into doing triathlons. I am going to get a road bike, instead of a tri specific since I want to have the most versatility for the least amount of dollars. I had pretty much had my mind made up about which bike to get. Cannondale R700.
Today I discover that one of the people I work with is selling his bike. It is a 2001 Giant TCR 0, bought as a frameset and built with the Campy Veloce grouppo. He is asking less than the cost of the Cannondale.
I have yet to see the Giant, but I am looking for a little guidance. Do I:
Go with the plan to get a new Cannondale (and therefore build some rapport with the LBS) ?
or
Pick up what looks like a sweet deal (then deal with any fitment issues there may be (frame looks about right size)) ?
Longtime lurker, first time poster.
I am just getting into doing triathlons. I am going to get a road bike, instead of a tri specific since I want to have the most versatility for the least amount of dollars. I had pretty much had my mind made up about which bike to get. Cannondale R700.
Today I discover that one of the people I work with is selling his bike. It is a 2001 Giant TCR 0, bought as a frameset and built with the Campy Veloce grouppo. He is asking less than the cost of the Cannondale.
I have yet to see the Giant, but I am looking for a little guidance. Do I:
Go with the plan to get a new Cannondale (and therefore build some rapport with the LBS) ?
or
Pick up what looks like a sweet deal (then deal with any fitment issues there may be (frame looks about right size)) ?
01-16-06, 10:09 PM
#2
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It's your cash, so you get to make the call. 
Figure what seems the best choice for you, and go with it.
If you do go with the Giant, you will still have plenty of opportunity to build rapport with the LBS. Upgrades, service, consumables, accessories - all chances to help them there.
Figure what seems the best choice for you, and go with it.If you do go with the Giant, you will still have plenty of opportunity to build rapport with the LBS. Upgrades, service, consumables, accessories - all chances to help them there.
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01-16-06, 11:02 PM
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I am not sure how many miles are on the bike. I also have not seen the bike yet, so I do not know what type of shape it is in.
damn choices.
damn choices.
01-16-06, 11:04 PM
#5
Senior Member
Make sure the frame is a good size for you. If it isn't, FORGET it, there's no reason to put down money for a bike that doesn't fit. If it does fit, however, go for it! Bikes don't have many wear parts on them; a used bike can get you 95% of a new bike at less that 95% of the cost.
