Question about buying used vs. new

What's the general consensus on the wisdom of buying a bike that's a few years old versus buying a new bike? As my skill has increased, I have started thinking of getting a zippy road bike for long weekend rides, with the goal of working up to a century. (I commute daily on a heavily-laden LHT, or a Big Dummy with a toddler on the back, both of which I love.)

I've been doing a few test rides, and I'm not crazy about aluminum frames, which means that things start to get expensive fast. Is it a bad idea to go with a nicer quality bike that is a few years old, rather than a new bike that's doesn't have components that are as nice? How much does a nice gruppo (Ultegra, Dura Ace, etc.) wear over the course of, say, 5000 miles? In other words, is a set of new 105/Tiagras preferable to 5 year old Ultegras/Dura Aces, or vice versa?

I like recycling, and I like the idea of not buying new- both of my Surly bikes were pre-loved. I guess I want to know if secondhand is unwise when looking at carbon frames and generally fancier bikes?

I'd also welcome any suggestions for light (pref. under 20 lbs) and zippy steel frame bikes that don't cost more than my Civic. Most of what I have been test riding has been carbon, but I do love steel bikes!

Thanks!
Gillian

If you can snag a good used bike that's been well maintained, go for it. Make sure you give the frame itself, especially if it's carbon, a very good once over. I think the biggest downside is that you don't have the strength of a warranty. Plus, there's always the chance it was in a crash or compromised in some other way.

As for steel, they're hard to come by anymore. Again, used is an option. You might take a look at Jamis and Bianchi for new. What size do you ride?

My first road bike I bought used. It's an aluminum frame. I bought my carbon frame one new. A big thing will be size. I got lucky to find my size in a used. I was able to find a 47cm Trek used. Most of the time I see 54 or larger ones for sale that are used.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm usually about a 52, depending on frame geometry. I need a top tube that is in the neighborhood of 52.5-53 cm. I'll be looking at closeouts in addition to secondhand, since we're approaching that season.

I hadn't thought of Bianchi steel bikes, but there is a dealer nearby so I'll check them out. Love the classic styles.

Fortunately, I live in a very bikey city- Portland OR- so there are several LBS and lots of people reselling.

Gillian

Good mix of new and used bikes here.

Have gotten used when I didn't know what I wanted--well, I thought I knew but I was wrong, and when I knew exactly what I wanted and that exact bike floated by.

Once you have a sense of size, since you are in Portland, be sure to check City Bikes, Community cycling Center, A Better cycle - they all do refurbished bikes. Check craigslist for used. I've purchased and brokered bikes through my facebook Bridgestone Owners bunch group, too. Just watch those prices for used - Portland tends to be high.

I bought my first 2 hybrid bikes new, but my road bike (Specialized Ruby Compact) and Bike Friday used (on craigslist). Both were more expensive bikes than I would have purchased new. The trick was to find used ones that were barely used. The road bike had 100 miles on a trainer. Husband had bought it for his wife as a first bike and she never took to riding. The BF also had 100 miles. An older woman had bought it for a trip to Europe and did not go. It was pretty Rip Van Winkle. So, the clue in buying used is the wording in the ad as to why it is for sale. Another possible semi-new reason is that they bought a bike and decided they really should have bought a better one and are selling the first. If you know your size and what brands or models you like, you just keep looking every day for months until something comes up. There is no rush. Close outs at the LBS can also be good deal. Just don't buy a used bike with a lot of miles on it. If you do buy used, get it tuned up and possibly get a fit.