used bikes?

[AmbitiousGirl]

I'm currently riding a Trek 800 sport (big tires, big seat) and I'd like to switch to a road bike before the ALC next June.

I had been considering buying a used bike to train on for the next few months then invest in a bike early next year to finish training.

But I was told today by someone at my LBS that buying a used bike off something like craigslist is a terrible idea since most of the bikes have been worked on and people are selling them b/c they don't know how to fix them.

Is this just LBS salesman talk? Has anyone found and purchased a used road bike happily (or unhappily?).

Thanks!

[Aggie_Ama]

I would say mostly false. I sold my old bike on Craigslist because I had upgraded and really didn't have a use for two road bikes at the time. It was maintained regularly by a local bike shop and I was up front about the condition, miles, etc... I bought my mountain bike off of Craigslist and it has had no issues to date. There are a lot of stolen bikes on CL but you just have to be a savvy buyer. Ask questions and research what you are buying.

[mimitabby]

no, i don't think so. Used bikes are usually sold because

a. they are the wrong size
b. the person that bought the bike isn't riding it and needs some cash
c. they are upgrading
d. they are cleaning house and they have too many bikes.

many of us here have found great bikes on craigslist, my DH got a gem
for $140 a couple of months ago. Dive in and have fun.

Used bikes are wonderful!!

[TxDoc]

Is this just LBS salesman talk?

I'd say yes, it is the talk of someone that wants you to buy a new bike from him instead of a used one from ebay or wherever. People sell used bikes mostly because they have purchased a better one.
You can buy a used bike and make a very good deal. It is like buying a used car: you buy "more car" for the money. With 100k you can buy a brand new cadillac roadster - or a used Ferrari... big difference!
The same happens with bikes. Let's say you want to spend 1k. If you look at new bikes the choice is very limited, while in used bikes the same amount of coin will buy you a better frame and better components.
Now, of course you have to be careful. If the seller is serious (most ebayers are) he/she will have no problem providing you with the serial #, production year, list of components - so that you can do your homework before you buy, so to speak. And most sellers on ebay also offer a return policy - and you have extra protection from ebay and paypal.

Has anyone found and purchased a used road bike happily (or unhappily?).

Actually yes, one of my current bikes is a happy ebay used bike experience.

One recommendation: get a preliminary fitting and test-ride as many bikes as you can. That will give you an idea of what models, sizes and materials suit you best. At that point, you can look into the used market when you already know what kind of bike (size, material, geometry, components) you want to buy.
Happy hunting!

[emily_in_nc]

My mtb is a used Titus Racer X I bought on ebay. I never could have afforded an equivalent bike if I'd gone with a new one. That said, I did have to change out several of the components that were worn and/or did not work for me, but still, the cost was much less than buying new, and I got great "bones" to work with. I did know what size I needed going in, as I had a much less expensive REI Novara hardtail that fit me great, and I picked the Titus size that was virtually identical in geometry. Knowing your geometry requirements is crucial if you can't test ride the exact bike you're buying used.

[LainiePants]

All 4 of my bikes I bought used, and I love them all (equally--or so I tell them ). One from the LBS, one from a friend (it was too big for her), and the other 2 off Craigslist. One was not ridden due to the owner having a baby, and the other belonged to an ex-wife.

I've been quite happy with the Craigslist experience, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy a bike off it again. And actually I'll browse a couple times a week (even though I'm not looking for another bike) just in case my dream bike might be posted.

[Blueberry]

We bought our tandem off craigslist, and I bought my Surly from ebay. I bought my roadbike from a shop in Wilmington, used. All good experiences. I've sold 2 bikes on Craigs. One was in like new condition - it was too small. The other was in very good, but used, condition. I went to a steel framed touring bike.

But - you need to know enough about bikes to know what you're looking at when you start. And you need to have an idea of what size. Sure, there are bad ones out there, but there are good ones too.

CA

[KnottedYet]

One recommendation: get a preliminary fitting and test-ride as many bikes as you can. That will give you an idea of what models, sizes and materials suit you best. At that point, you can look into the used market when you already know what kind of bike (size, material, geometry, components) you want to buy.
Happy hunting!

If you get a "free" fitting from an LBS who thinks you are planning to buy a new bike from them, let them know from the start that you are planning to buy a used bike. Also let them know that you will be giving them your business for repairs and parts, so they don't feel like you are taking advantage of them. If they know you are looking at used bikes, they might have some tips for you on how the older models will fit.

My LBS specializes in older and used bikes, they are a wealth of knowledge about older frames and components!

Wahine had a link to a great website that let you plug in your body measurements and it spit out the bike frame geometries that would suit you best. Armed with those numbers, you can peruse the listed numbers for all sorts of bikes and narrow down the list of likely candidates.

ETA: I think this is the website Wahine had up: https://www.wrenchscience.com/Login....=R&stylecode=R

[NbyNW]

I found my first road bike on Craigslist. LBS didn't have anything small enough in stock for me to test ride at the time that I was looking, and this listing for a beautiful little red bike showed up.

I ended up with a wonderful bike and some new friends. The bike was a custom Rodriguez, the owner had to stop riding b/c of health problems. Had many miles on it but was also very well cared-for.

The bike has since been stolen
but I still have the friends.

[celerystalksme]

I'm currently riding a Trek 800 sport (big tires, big seat) and I'd like to switch to a road bike before the ALC next June.

I had been considering buying a used bike to train on for the next few months then invest in a bike early next year to finish training.

But I was told today by someone at my LBS that buying a used bike off something like craigslist is a terrible idea since most of the bikes have been worked on and people are selling them b/c they don't know how to fix them.

Is this just LBS salesman talk? Has anyone found and purchased a used road bike happily (or unhappily?).

Thanks!

evil LBS!!!!

there are GREAT used bikes on CL and ebay. the last bike i bought was a blue cx6.5 off of craigslist or ebay (for the life of me i can't remember which right now). it was "used" but the owner literally rode it once...one test ride. and he decided to sell. he won the bike at a cyclocross race...liked his other cx bike better. i got a PRISTINE, might-as-well-be-new cx bike for half of retail cost!

and i'm about to buy another bike off of craigslist (crossing fingers and hoping it goes ok). another practically new bike...half of retail...i'll let you guys know how it goes!

[Trek420]

My namesake Trek420 was a perfect ALC bike. This bottom of the barrel Trek bike I'd ridden for years and over the happy miles I'd upgraded it till it's own Mom would not recognize it. Mavic Open Sup Pro rims were sturdy but light and oh so round, she was full Ultegra with Flightdeck to keep track of pace and training. Trek stocked this 47 cm bike with full length crank arms and standard bars.

This was '97, who knew women needed custom fit?

My LBS knew and he changed that to Dedo women specific bars and 165 crank arms.

In short a perfect ALC or long tour bike, not so expensive you loose it if the bike gets a scratch, perfect fit, sturdy but light and comfy frame.

I registered for ALC and at the time life was also very stressful .... came downstairs to go for a ride and .... no bike gone, stolen from in the house probably by my ex's &^%$ brother .

BTW if you see this bike out there please hold the rider down and PM me, I'll be right over to give him a piece of my ..... mind, yes, that's it.

After a lot of tears and yelling I had this ride to do so off I went to the LBS and said "Chris, I need a bike".

I knew that Antonio Mondonico was making one last stop at the shop to fit riders who want one of his bikes before a well deserved retirement. Probably my only chance to go full custom and last chance with him. I tried bikes but at 5 foot nuthin' nothing was fitting like my ol' bike and the ride was looming.

I ordered the Mondonico and waited .. and waited ... while somewhere in Italy the master welder did a weld ... then took a break on the plaza ... another weld ... an espresso ... another ... watches some Opera and so on. That was I think October. My LBS loaned me the only loaner bike anywhere near my size so October through May I trained on a loaner.

Finally my bike was here ... 3 weeks before the long ride .

Not only here but built up and oh so beautiful. And it fit, oh my it fit! The builder and my shop did their job and right from the first pedal stroke this bike was MINE.

This ... will ... not ... happen ... to ... you

I was lucky. Custom build and a bike shop who's been working with me, fixing fitting my bike for years. I think he has my ring size, pants size, favorite beer and shoe color on file. And now this bike has 5 ALC's under her belt.

Don't change anything shortly before the ride especially your bike.

If your goal is a long ride I suggest you find a bike that fits right now and live, sleep, eat, breath with that bike for a long time before the ride. Even with the best professional fit you will have issues with every part.

You need to resolve them.

Don't get a bike now and expect to get another just before the ride. You may regret that with every pedal stroke especially on ALC or even be injured. This is not a ride to play with fit.

If you want to get or have two bikes that is fine. That way you have the back up bike if your main ride is in the shop, a winter trainer .... think of this like the First Runner up in Miss America "should Miss America not be able to serve this bike will ...."

Get used or get new but get your bike now for the long ride and you must have a perfect fit

[ibcycling]

I bought my Specialized off CL 1 year ago this month. You can find a great bike on there with a little knowledge and luck! My beauty was 4yo but hung in the garage and was spotless. I got her for 1/4 of what a similar new bike would have cost me. Luckily I had a guru neighbor helping me out and when I told him about the bike he said "See if you can stand over it, give it a ride and see how it feels, buy it and if you hate it a few weeks down the road we can easily resell for the same price." She actually fit pretty good and I've done 3000 miles this past year. Finally got a bike fit this week and we're going to tweak a few things but overall I Love it!!

Lora

[Trek420]

I'm currently riding a Trek 800 sport (big tires, big seat) and I'd like to switch to a road bike before the ALC next June.

Hi, I'm Trek, and I'm a bike-aholic
Hi Trek (no kidding aside to AA etc which are great and serious things)

At last count I have 3.5 bikes. Ranging from full custom dream machine, to 15 years old commuter-mobile, to found in a thrift store, to found in a dumpster Really!

I love them all. Last ALC I seriously considered riding my 15 year old commuter rather than custom road ride and perhaps would have done better especially on Day 1.

Please consider if you love the Trek and it fits you well skinny tires and lighter wheels are a cheap effective new bike!! Don't get a new bike just to replace the seat. Your current bike could be a perfect flat-bar roadie.