bengit

I have been going back and forth between buying used and from my lbs. There are a lot of great deals on used bikes right now in my area, and my plan would be to purchase used and take it to my lbs to get a fit and get the bike tuned. I've test rode a lot of bikes and I'm confident that I need a 58cm.

The reason I'm leaning towards used is because I've been to a lot of different stores and it seems like all they do when you buy from them is put the seat at the correct level. One store told me they would do a fit, but it only meant adjusting the seat and putting me on the right size frame.

So, I feel like if I know my frame size I could get a better deal purchasing used and then having the full-fit, and tuneup, while still spending less than a new bike.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

canam73

Buying new should get you: good advice on what is the right bike for you, a basic fit, discount on accessories bought with bike, free brake/derailleur adjustments for some length of time, somebody to back you in case of a warranty claim. Some places have stem & saddle swap programs for a discount, too.

If you can not get that from one of your LBSs then yes, the value is lacking.

But when considering a used bike you must take in to account everything it might need to get it right for you. If it needs a tune up, tires, cables and housing, bartape or a stem or saddle change you be paying full price for the parts and labor so you must add any that into the cost. And obviously you won't have a warranty.

bengit

Thanks. I feel like the way name brand bikes today appear to be build that there are probably few times the warranty comes into play. Am I correct in thinking this?

10 Wheels

Warranty are a good thing.

Wheel problems and 2 crack frames for me.

bbbean 

If you have a GOOD LBS, you're buying a relationship that will include advice, coaching, fitting, quick repairs when necessary, occasional tuning, opportunities for group rides, racing, etc., and discounts on future purchases. You just need to weigh that against whatever discount you're getting by buying used. We all have our own ideas, but I'm willing to pay a 10-20% premium to support my LBS (for the nefits above and just to have one available). at a 25% discount for similar bikes, I'd look tp the used model and then take it to the LBS for fitting/service/etc.

BB

WestPablo

The bottom line is cash. If you have the extra cash to spend, then buying from your LBS is usually the best way to go because of all the reasons already stated above.

OTOH, if you're strapped for cash, but have an unquenchable thirst to just get out and ride, then it's hard to beat the savings that can be had on a good used bike deal. The problem though, is the fact that you have to know something about bikes, before you venture into the used market. Otherwise, you could get scalped.

I would suggest that you first join a bicycle co-op, so that you can learn how to do your own wrenching. Get to know someone who can help you locate a good bicycle prospect.

I've seen people start with practically nothing but a "free" bicycle frame, but at the end of their co-op experience, they wind up with a vintage road bike worth well over a thousand dollars.

gsa103

Some shops will include a full fit but only with higher end bikes.

If you're concerned about the fit ask the shop what is involved in a typical fitting session. You should expect a quality fit to take 1-2 hrs.

If you want a real fit, buying used may not be a good idea. A good fit will typically run $100-200. Add the maintenance & fitting items that a used bike usually needs and you're looking at an extra $200-300 (total) expense to get a used bike setup.

CommuteCommando

I think it depend a lot on the buyer. If you are a newb. and need lots of help, a good LBS is probably your best bet. A total gear head will know all the alternates, and not need them. I am somewhere in between, and owe a lot of the knowledge I have to a good LBS, which I still frequent.

topflightpro

You know, one of the bike shops I visit specializes in repairs. They sell some new bikes and some used bikes, but most of their focus is just repairs.

Anyway, I have seen on many occasions someone walk in with a bike they just bought used, thinking they got a great deal and wanting the shop to check it over and fix a flat. Nine times out of ten, the cost of repairs ends up being a few hundred dollars - new tubes, new tires, wheels needing to be trued, cables and housing needing to be replaced...

Granted, a lot of those bikes are entry level bikes that college kids plan to ride around town and they didn't pay much for them to begin with, But it's something to consider when trying to decide whether to go new or used.

Proxer

Exactly this. I received 15% off bike-related purchases for the first month, bike fit, fully tuned and a second free tuning after a couple months, advice on lowering stem and checking the fit as I lower it, group rides, saddle testing programs, excellent advice, and 10 hours free on their KICKR. I ride once a week there on the KICKR, and can't tell you how much I've benefited from staying and talking with the owner and their athlete employees after every ride for advice on training, nutrition, basically everything. I've been talked out of making unnecessary purchases for the sake of buying new things. I honestly can't explain how much I've enjoyed buying from my LBS. I guess customer experience can vary from place to place, but my LBS clearly takes an interest in every single customer.

I'd be more than happy to pay a fair price (not the distorted prices from massive online retailers) to support my LBS and keep them in business. Having them help me make smart purchases and giving me advice has paid off big time.

Nachoman

I totally agree with that. I just bought my daughter a very used bicycle and the cost of new tyres, tyre liners, tubes, brake pads and cables and truing wheels can add up.

pgjackson

Around here the LBS's are pretty much ignorant regarding road bikes. I've never seen a local shop that had more than 2-3 low-end road bikes and virtually no road accessories (seats, shoes, tires, clothing...nothing). I think if I need any work done I am going to have to travel and if I need parts, it will be online.

Unlike San Diego where there are almost as many nice bike shops as there are Starbucks. One of the few things I miss about SoCal.