Hi there,

As on the other thread, i'm considering a few touring bike options. One option that I have is a Surly LHT that's about a year or two old, and includes the standard kit (fenders, back rack) - and is otherwise stock and in good condition.

With that in mind, what's a fair offer price for it? I believe they're about $1150 new (REI?) but don't know if that includes the fenders and rack (are those standard)?

So -- maybe an $850 offer is about right? What does the community think is fair, given age/parts/etc?

Thanks so much!
--Dave

p.s. this is NOT an unsolicited SEEKING ad -- merely an attempt to understand a fair price.

Depending on how it's equipped, I'd say that's probably as high as you'd want to go. Maybe a bit lower.

Cool - thanks. My understanding is that it's stock, basic equipment from ~1-2 years ago. Needs a tune & I'd probably pay to get it fit right.

Make sure you do make sure it fits before buying it otherwise getting a fit afterward won't don you any good. Like I said, $850 might even be a bit high, but I don't know your area at all.

NO.. they are aftermarket add -ons.. not in the carton, the bike ships in, from QBP.

Cool, thanks. Absolutely will try the bike beforehand!

This all jives with what I see on EBay, etc -- that stock LHTs are ~800-900, and mods range up in the $1000-1100 range. I haven't seen any CL or EBAY offers w/ less (although most of the starting offers on CL are ~1000 for a stock LHT).

I'll let y'all know what happens!

I've noticed in general that touring bikes, especially the LHT, tend to hold their values quite well. There are also very few of them for sale on sites like Craigslist and when they show up, they don't last long. I guess $800 might represent some savings over something brand new. I would start thinking twice about it if the price hits over $900 unless there are substantial upgrades.

Like fietsbob said, "they are aftermarket add -ons.. not in the carton, the bike ships in, from QBP". Depending on brand of racks and fenders, it could cost as much as $150 or more to outfit a new bike.

If the bike is a stock bike, you pretty much know the value of the bike with the standard components. If this is the case $850 might be a reasonable price. If the bike was built up by the seller, you should look at the components and make sure they are at least as good or better than the stock bike.

Also, look at the condition and factor that into the decision making process. If you know bikes, check out the wheels, brakes, etc. If not, ask a knowledgeable friend or acquaintance to look it over for you.

Take a good close look at all the frame tubes. Look for any dents near the lugs these could cause stress issues. Also if it has a kickstand on it take a very close look at the tubes. We had one in the shop the other day that was 2-3 years old not in the best condition but the guy bolted on a kickstand and one of the tubes was crushed, showed signs of cracking at the lug near the BB. I dont think the bike had seen the best life but its something to look out for.

Sooo... what happened?

What happened is that we settled on $750 - the bike is mostly stock & could do with a tuneup, new bar tape and some other nice things, but on the other hand, the frame is in good shape, and, price-wise, we're in a big East Coast city (bikes tend to get snapped up quickly and fetch a higher dollar).

So, a fair deal, I think - to both of us. And it saves the drive+gas to slightly less expensive options much further afield.

Will post pics later, when it's fully loaded and ready to roll ) Cheers + thanks for the help, all!