New or Used Touring Gear
#26
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
Check out amazon warehouse deals, if it says used like new or even used very good with damaged packaging often it means packaging was damaged and they don't feel they can sell as new. I've bought a 700 diamondback road for my kid and it was new and undamaged for 150.00. Park repair pro stand, box had a hole in it and was missing the park sticker they toss in the box to stick on your tool box, paid 100 less then wholesale cost and it didn't have a scratch. They've got a camping section as well that'll be worth looking at. I buy a lot of stuff that way, probably 60% of my Amazon purchases come from there and only 3 items have had to be returned, used good or used acceptable is a real crap shoot and was what the returns I've had to do were listed as, course it's also where some of the best bargains have come from as well.
It's a small thing but I'm a bit of a Leftist. I don't hold a persons choices against them so if shopping there is working for you then continue by all means. It's just not for me.
#27
Senior Member
Hi!
I'm located in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. I've been doing some research before I buy and think I know what I need. I have bought, so far, a Kuwahara Caravan, a Brooks B17 saddle, Arkel handlebar bag, Tubus rack (can't remember the model) to name a few.
I'm looking for panniers now and have my eyes on a set on Pinkbike; they're Arkel as well. I'm trying to get good used equipment and save money so I can travel longer once travel is allowed in Ontario.
I'm located in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. I've been doing some research before I buy and think I know what I need. I have bought, so far, a Kuwahara Caravan, a Brooks B17 saddle, Arkel handlebar bag, Tubus rack (can't remember the model) to name a few.
I'm looking for panniers now and have my eyes on a set on Pinkbike; they're Arkel as well. I'm trying to get good used equipment and save money so I can travel longer once travel is allowed in Ontario.
what colour is yours? That will show its year. , 7 speed ? Show a photo when you can.
re used stuff, you know the deal, you have to be informed about products and technology and changes to evaluate cost value, and then obviously have the mechanical skills to evaluate stuff, whether its a used bike or a car.
just be aware of new product prices for panniers and use proper judgement, and yes of course luck comes into play big time.
good luck finding stuff and trying touring.
oh, it's easy to change the granny gear on the crankset, stock is 50/40/28. You can put a 24, if an established bike store has one in a drawer. But we don't know what tools you have or mechanical knowledge.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,208
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3461 Post(s)
Liked 1,467 Times
in
1,144 Posts
I suspect you have see frequent references to Ortliebs on this forum.
I am aware that you are looking for used to save the money. But if you are ever in USA and wanted to order a pair of Ortliebs, Sierra Trading Post has them at a good price. They are mostly mail order but they have some physical stores and can ship a mail order order to a store for pickup.
They do not always have them, it is hit and miss. And right now they appear to be temporarily shut down.
I bought my Raleigh Grand Prix from Amazon. It was listed as used, very good condition. And was selling for less than half of the sale prices elsewhere. I assumed it was a customer return for bad fit or something like that. But it was new in new Raleigh box, but the box had been badly damaged. Before I opened the box, I called Amazon and said I had not opened the box yet, but the box was damaged, if I opened the box and the bike was damaged could I return it? They said yes, that was when I opened it and found NO damage to bike. Much more detail to my story here:
A new credit-card rig? Raleigh Grand Prix
I am aware that you are looking for used to save the money. But if you are ever in USA and wanted to order a pair of Ortliebs, Sierra Trading Post has them at a good price. They are mostly mail order but they have some physical stores and can ship a mail order order to a store for pickup.
They do not always have them, it is hit and miss. And right now they appear to be temporarily shut down.
Check out amazon warehouse deals, if it says used like new or even used very good with damaged packaging often it means packaging was damaged and they don't feel they can sell as new. I've bought a 700 diamondback road for my kid and it was new and undamaged for 150.00. Park repair pro stand, box had a hole in it and was missing the park sticker they toss in the box to stick on your tool box, paid 100 less then wholesale cost and it didn't have a scratch. They've got a camping section as well that'll be worth looking at. I buy a lot of stuff that way, probably 60% of my Amazon purchases come from there and only 3 items have had to be returned, used good or used acceptable is a real crap shoot and was what the returns I've had to do were listed as, course it's also where some of the best bargains have come from as well.
A new credit-card rig? Raleigh Grand Prix
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: South Shore of Long Island
Posts: 2,799
Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 1,025 Times
in
723 Posts
I bought my Raleigh Grand Prix from Amazon. It was listed as used, very good condition. And was selling for less than half of the sale prices elsewhere. I assumed it was a customer return for bad fit or something like that. But it was new in new Raleigh box, but the box had been badly damaged. Before I opened the box, I called Amazon and said I had not opened the box yet, but the box was damaged, if I opened the box and the bike was damaged could I return it? They said yes, that was when I opened it and found NO damage to bike. Much more detail to my story here:
A new credit-card rig? Raleigh Grand Prix
A new credit-card rig? Raleigh Grand Prix
Hi Russ Roth...It sounds like you can get some pretty good deals by shopping at Amazon warehouse deals. I'm personally trying to steer clear of Jeff Bezos until he starts to treat his employees better. He doesn't need my money and I try to keep shopping local as much as possible or at least help out Canadian businesses.
It's a small thing but I'm a bit of a Leftist. I don't hold a persons choices against them so if shopping there is working for you then continue by all means. It's just not for me.
It's a small thing but I'm a bit of a Leftist. I don't hold a persons choices against them so if shopping there is working for you then continue by all means. It's just not for me.
Likes For Russ Roth:
#30
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
I remember seeing that one, it was just before I bought my Blue and I really wanted one but I needed the next size down; I was really wanting that with the break-apart function and the color is really nice.
I get it, its why I don't shop walmart. Amazon can be bad though the stories around here is that they've stepped up a lot with higher wages, face masks and slower packing/shipping rates; the workers have a situation they can take advantage of by being "essential" and good for them for pushing for all they can it is what allowed unions to make advances too.
I get it, its why I don't shop walmart. Amazon can be bad though the stories around here is that they've stepped up a lot with higher wages, face masks and slower packing/shipping rates; the workers have a situation they can take advantage of by being "essential" and good for them for pushing for all they can it is what allowed unions to make advances too.
I've bought many bikes in the past, mostly used and mostly through online classifieds. I don't have the storage space now that I'm living in an apartment so it's only three bikes now. I'm enjoying fixing one bike up at a time now and I really want to cycle and camp. This forum has been a blessing now that I've found it. So much info!
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
SAIL is another good store for camping gear.
I bought a rectangular dome tent at Canadian Tire. It was on sale. It's a 3-person tent and has enough room in it that I can bring the bicycle inside at night if I'm in a public campground or at a conservation area.
I have an old Blackburn low-rider front rack on it as well as the regular rear rack. With the front low-rider rack I can remove the front wheel and the bike rests on the low-rider rack when in the tent. Heck, I don't even have to remove the panniers to do it.
Tent and sleeping bag are the two items I'd be most likely to buy new if starting out touring. Too many used sleeping bags have filling that's bunched up or otherwise not optimal. A tent can be weak and you don't fing out until camped and a strong wind comes along. Not the time to have your tent tear.
Cheers
I bought a rectangular dome tent at Canadian Tire. It was on sale. It's a 3-person tent and has enough room in it that I can bring the bicycle inside at night if I'm in a public campground or at a conservation area.
I have an old Blackburn low-rider front rack on it as well as the regular rear rack. With the front low-rider rack I can remove the front wheel and the bike rests on the low-rider rack when in the tent. Heck, I don't even have to remove the panniers to do it.
Tent and sleeping bag are the two items I'd be most likely to buy new if starting out touring. Too many used sleeping bags have filling that's bunched up or otherwise not optimal. A tent can be weak and you don't fing out until camped and a strong wind comes along. Not the time to have your tent tear.
Cheers
#32
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
SAIL is another good store for camping gear.
I bought a rectangular dome tent at Canadian Tire. It was on sale. It's a 3-person tent and has enough room in it that I can bring the bicycle inside at night if I'm in a public campground or at a conservation area.
I have an old Blackburn low-rider front rack on it as well as the regular rear rack. With the front low-rider rack I can remove the front wheel and the bike rests on the low-rider rack when in the tent. Heck, I don't even have to remove the panniers to do it.
Tent and sleeping bag are the two items I'd be most likely to buy new if starting out touring. Too many used sleeping bags have filling that's bunched up or otherwise not optimal. A tent can be weak and you don't fing out until camped and a strong wind comes along. Not the time to have your tent tear.
Cheers
I bought a rectangular dome tent at Canadian Tire. It was on sale. It's a 3-person tent and has enough room in it that I can bring the bicycle inside at night if I'm in a public campground or at a conservation area.
I have an old Blackburn low-rider front rack on it as well as the regular rear rack. With the front low-rider rack I can remove the front wheel and the bike rests on the low-rider rack when in the tent. Heck, I don't even have to remove the panniers to do it.
Tent and sleeping bag are the two items I'd be most likely to buy new if starting out touring. Too many used sleeping bags have filling that's bunched up or otherwise not optimal. A tent can be weak and you don't fing out until camped and a strong wind comes along. Not the time to have your tent tear.
Cheers
Thankfully I have a sleeping bag that I use that's been with me for decades. Bought that at MEC.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Miele Man...I like SAIL and they're a Canadian company. I plan on buying my fuel for my stove there as it's the cheapest price I could find. Canadian Tire is an all right place for things but other than fishing gear I haven't bought much from them for cycling or camping. MEC has got some good product and I've shopped there in the past; REI too but then you have to consider the exchange rate. For classifieds I like Kijiji and Pinkbike. I'm sourcing a 36 hole rear hub to build a solid wheel.
Thankfully I have a sleeping bag that I use that's been with me for decades. Bought that at MEC.
Thankfully I have a sleeping bag that I use that's been with me for decades. Bought that at MEC.
Cheers
#34
Senior Member
I have had coated nylon fabrics go bad with age or with UV exposure. The worst is the ones that go bad with age. Some develop a bad smell and delaminate even if always put away dry. I'd never buy an old tent, maybe a used one that was fairly new, but probably not. I have bought used stoves and would again.
That said I tend to prefer to just buy my gear new. My gear gets a lot of use and it isn't really all that expensive when you figure how much use I get out of it. That is unless I impulse buy stuff and don't use it. I have been guilty of that at times, both with new and used stuff.
That said I tend to prefer to just buy my gear new. My gear gets a lot of use and it isn't really all that expensive when you figure how much use I get out of it. That is unless I impulse buy stuff and don't use it. I have been guilty of that at times, both with new and used stuff.
#35
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
I have had coated nylon fabrics go bad with age or with UV exposure. The worst is the ones that go bad with age. Some develop a bad smell and delaminate even if always put away dry. I'd never buy an old tent, maybe a used one that was fairly new, but probably not. I have bought used stoves and would again.
That said I tend to prefer to just buy my gear new. My gear gets a lot of use and it isn't really all that expensive when you figure how much use I get out of it. That is unless I impulse buy stuff and don't use it. I have been guilty of that at times, both with new and used stuff.
That said I tend to prefer to just buy my gear new. My gear gets a lot of use and it isn't really all that expensive when you figure how much use I get out of it. That is unless I impulse buy stuff and don't use it. I have been guilty of that at times, both with new and used stuff.
#36
Senior Member
Staehpj1...I think new would be a good idea now that almost everyone is suggesting it to me. I wanted to test things out to see if I do enjoy the combination of activities...cycling and camping. Honestly I haven't gone camping since I was in high school so it's been a while. I think I would enjoy this hobby but the proof is in the pudding.
Again, keeping a sharp eye on the used sites is key.
Likes For djb:
#37
Senior Member
On another note... If you do buy any used gear I'd advise not paying too much. I think prices can sometimes be a little inflated.for used stuff. I personally tend to try not to pay much more than half of what I could get an identical item for new. There may actually be cases where some favorite item of mine is no longer made. In that case I have bent that rule at times to get something I could no longer buy new.
One advantage of used gear is that if you pay a reasonable price you might be able to resell it for what you paid. That isn't something I typically worry about, but it may be important to you.
One advantage of used gear is that if you pay a reasonable price you might be able to resell it for what you paid. That isn't something I typically worry about, but it may be important to you.
#38
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
On another note... If you do buy any used gear I'd advise not paying too much. I think prices can sometimes be a little inflated.for used stuff. I personally tend to try not to pay much more than half of what I could get an identical item for new. There may actually be cases where some favorite item of mine is no longer made. In that case I have bent that rule at times to get something I could no longer buy new.
One advantage of used gear is that if you pay a reasonable price you might be able to resell it for what you paid. That isn't something I typically worry about, but it may be important to you.
One advantage of used gear is that if you pay a reasonable price you might be able to resell it for what you paid. That isn't something I typically worry about, but it may be important to you.
This thread has given me a lot to think about when it comes to buying new or used. I'll stop my mindless consumption from here on in and triple think about what I am wanting to buy. I've already started a list of items I need and try to work from that. I've got time in spades now so I can take my time to locate items.
#39
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 6,938
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2647 Post(s)
Liked 2,446 Times
in
1,557 Posts
You might also ask around to borrow certain pieces of equipment, or check at a local bike co-op or maybe a local outdoor group, if any. But it sounds like you're already accumulating stuff at an admirable pace.
#40
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
I think the pace I'm going may get me the results I am looking for. Who knows, I might be ready to roll once the pandemic subsides.
#41
Senior Member
I may be wrong, but given that people have more time now at home, and it's very much in spring cleaning mentality time, maybe more stuff will show up on kijiji, Craig's list and local ad services, as people start cleaning out basements and closets....
#42
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
I'll keep looking and budget accordingly. As long as I have some money to spend I'll continue within reason.
#43
Senior Member
well again, good luck with the picking through the overpriced junk for reasonable things.
Oh, and post a photo of your bike, Im curious to see which one it is colour wise and parts wise. I dont think they were sold many years.
Oh, and post a photo of your bike, Im curious to see which one it is colour wise and parts wise. I dont think they were sold many years.
#44
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
I'm not sure trusting people in the descriptions is the way to go but I'm willing to try, at least once. A purchase before the quarantine was an MSR stove; a whisperlite and it was brand new. All I have to think about now is making sure it works.
I'll describe my bike now until I can get some photos from in the parking garage...It's black and from the graphics I think it's from the late 80's early 90's. I checked it over for rust and damage and so far so good. It's got a Shimano 7sp drivetrain, and it's Deore CX for most of it's parts. I'm not one hundred percent sure of the name so I'll have to double check once I'm nearer to the bike.
#45
Senior Member
I have an ancient whisperlite that still works fine, chances are extremely good that that one will be good. Just be prepared for the flames that are a bit disconcerting to some when you do the preheat burn of liquid fuel in that little bowl to heat up the transfer tubes or whatever they are called, so that when you open the valve to ignite it, the fuel gets vaporized properly. And dont forget, use a proper fuel bottle that is made for the pressure. O ring kits and stuff are probably still available, but if it wasnt used much, its probably fine.
#46
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
I have an ancient whisperlite that still works fine, chances are extremely good that that one will be good. Just be prepared for the flames that are a bit disconcerting to some when you do the preheat burn of liquid fuel in that little bowl to heat up the transfer tubes or whatever they are called, so that when you open the valve to ignite it, the fuel gets vaporized properly. And dont forget, use a proper fuel bottle that is made for the pressure. O ring kits and stuff are probably still available, but if it wasnt used much, its probably fine.
I have an MSR bottle that is brand new that came with the purchase. Thankfully the instructions came with it too and I'm hoping to watch a video to see what goes into lighting. I'm looking at the stove and I think I see the bowl you're mentioning. The stove I have even came with a little tube of either fuel or oil that I can easily pour into it without spilling anything. I was pleasantly surprised to see it came with malleable aluminum baffles to block the wind when the stove is on.
#47
Senior Member
djb...Will do.
I have an MSR bottle that is brand new that came with the purchase. Thankfully the instructions came with it too and I'm hoping to watch a video to see what goes into lighting. I'm looking at the stove and I think I see the bowl you're mentioning. The stove I have even came with a little tube of either fuel or oil that I can easily pour into it without spilling anything. I was pleasantly surprised to see it came with malleable aluminum baffles to block the wind when the stove is on.
I have an MSR bottle that is brand new that came with the purchase. Thankfully the instructions came with it too and I'm hoping to watch a video to see what goes into lighting. I'm looking at the stove and I think I see the bowl you're mentioning. The stove I have even came with a little tube of either fuel or oil that I can easily pour into it without spilling anything. I was pleasantly surprised to see it came with malleable aluminum baffles to block the wind when the stove is on.
#48
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
ya, these probably came with these stoves, both of our whisperlites have them. They are very handy, and I've been using a diff stove for bike trips the last bunch of years, a simple alcohol type stove called a Trangia. I use the whisperlite thick aluminum screen with this, as it packs up small and flat and is really handy with my small trangia and base that doesnt have a wind screen.
If I may ask why did you stop using your MSR stove? Why did you switch over to the Trangia?
#50
Roleur of Dough
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 127
Bikes: Kuwahara Caravan, Specialized Stumpjumper S Works
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times
in
15 Posts
A Kuwa Caravan, that's funny. I bought mine new and still own it, rode it the other day inn fact. Don't see them around, pretty rare.
what colour is yours? That will show its year. , 7 speed ? Show a photo when you can.
re used stuff, you know the deal, you have to be informed about products and technology and changes to evaluate cost value, and then obviously have the mechanical skills to evaluate stuff, whether its a used bike or a car.
just be aware of new product prices for panniers and use proper judgement, and yes of course luck comes into play big time.
good luck finding stuff and trying touring.
oh, it's easy to change the granny gear on the crankset, stock is 50/40/28. You can put a 24, if an established bike store has one in a drawer. But we don't know what tools you have or mechanical knowledge.
what colour is yours? That will show its year. , 7 speed ? Show a photo when you can.
re used stuff, you know the deal, you have to be informed about products and technology and changes to evaluate cost value, and then obviously have the mechanical skills to evaluate stuff, whether its a used bike or a car.
just be aware of new product prices for panniers and use proper judgement, and yes of course luck comes into play big time.
good luck finding stuff and trying touring.
oh, it's easy to change the granny gear on the crankset, stock is 50/40/28. You can put a 24, if an established bike store has one in a drawer. But we don't know what tools you have or mechanical knowledge.