Used or new??

[pepe6599]

Someone where I live is selling a used Trek 1000 with only "50 miles" on it, would be it wise to buy it? Or would it be better to buy a new bike? What should I look for when looking at a used bike?

[DDH]

I just bought a used Cannondale warrior 1000, I belive this bike is a 2002 model. Anyway, the bike had 43 miles on the ODO, looked like bran new, the tires were not even worn at all. I got a like brand new bike for half what it would cost new. I think as long as the brakes are good, the bike is in good shape and the bike doesn't have any problems shifting or anything, there is no problem with buying it used.
No in my opinion anyway, I am always looking for a way to save money. LOL

[jenxxs]

Hi,
I have always had success buying used bikes (3 so far), because there truly are many bikes that are bought new but are barely ridden by the people who buy them. And like most products that come out with new models annually, the discounting on slightly used bikes is very significant. I do think it's the way to get the best value for your money. Also, since bikes depreciate the most when brand new, you can often resell a bike that you buy lightly used for 80-90% of what you paid for it.

If it's claimed to have only 50 miles on it, the bike should really look as good as new. So inspect the frame for paint chips, look at the crank arms for scrape marks - these are things that will happen quickly once the bike is actually ridden. A few small paint chips are acceptable for a bike in "like new" condition. The brake pads and tires should also look very new.

And of course, ask the seller why the bike was only ridden for 50 miles, and see if the answer seems honest.

[KSH]

Someone where I live is selling a used Trek 1000 with only "50 miles" on it, would be it wise to buy it? Or would it be better to buy a new bike? What should I look for when looking at a used bike?

What is the price being asked for it?

I have seen those go as low as $550.

Also, is it your size? Have you been fit by a bike shop? A bike that doesn't fit you... is useless.

If it's your size... and it looks like it only has 50 miles on it... and the person has a legit reason for selling it. Go for it.

It's a great starter bike. The gearing isn't perfect... and has some problems... but it is a great bike for a newbie.

I have ridden my Trek 1000 for 3,500 miles in 2 years time.

[jenxxs]

Yes, definitely make sure it fits, as best as you can tell! It's not easy when you're just getting started to evaluate fit, so if you have an experienced friend who can help, that would be the way to go.

If it fits, and you want to go for it, I recommend being very aggressive on the price negotiation. I believe the closeout price for that model right now is between 550 and 600, so if I were you, I would aim for around 400.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I suspect a lot of new bike riders think they can just buy any bike that they can sit on ok in the store and it will be fine. You may be able to sit on it but it might not fit you well at all, and will cause you only discomfort and disappointment as you begin to put miles on the road. Also, just because one brand 52cm bike fit you, does NOT mean another brand 52cm bike will fit you. Frame geometry can vary a great deal with bikes, and your body position might be quite different on both of those "same size" bikes.

If you are new to biking, do yourself a big favor-- get a professional bike person to help you decides if a bike FITS you before you buy it, either new or used.

I say this from experience- I didn't know diddly poo about bike fit a few months ago when I started biking, and boy am I glad now that I had two knowledgeable people help me pick/size my bike when I bought it.

[Xrayted]

The above advice is right on. Recently, I had an opportunity to buy a slightly used road bike from a friend. Even though we are built almost identical, I didn't trust it. (I had been reading the posts on TE for a while and learned a thing or two.) Since it's an REI bike, I went to my closest store and had them fit me. Luckily, it turned out, her bike was my fit. Now she's mine and with a little adjustment here and there we are very happy together. There are still some minor things I want to change, like the seat and raising the handlebar stem, but the overall frame dimensions are good. The rest can be worked with.
Good luck.
-X.

[RoadRaven]

We have almost 20 bikes now... (there are 7 of us who ride) and about half are second hand, and about half are new or bought in sales.

The key is to check the history (don't buy a bike ex-serious-crash unless you are just wanting certain parts), and check the fit before purchase.

If you don't know the make/brand etc, do some research on the net or ask at TE...

Good luck

[Bikingmomof3]

You have been given excellent advice. I personally own a Trek 1000, and if the price was right as well as the fit, I would purchase a second one, used. Yes, I do love my Trek.

If the size/fit is right, you like how it feels, and the price is right, go for it. The person selling it should be more than willing to let you test it for a few days and take it into your trusted bike store for a once over.

Let us know what you decide.

[emily_in_nc]

One thing nice about buying used (if you are sure the bike fits, as everyone has stated!) is that you can get a bike for maybe half or less $ than what you would pay for it new. I recently sold a Terry Isis in very good condition for less than half of what it cost new, and I think the buyer got a great bike for a very good price. I also recently bought a mountain bike off eBay, and even though it had been fairly well used (6 years old) so that I had to replace the wheels, cassette, chain, crankset (for my leg length), saddle to better suit me, put my own pedals on, etc., had an LBS pump the shocks and give it a tune-up and once-over, it still cost less than half of a new one would have run me! Even though I'm sure I'll eventually have to replace the shocks, it was still better than buying new.

Major caveat: This was an expensive model that would cost about $5000 (as currently equipped) new. Buying a relatively inexpensive bike used and having to replace as much as I did would not be cost-effective as you could buy a new one for less. But in your case, if the bike is in essentially new condition, fits you, and is a great deal, go for it!

Emily

[pepe6599]

Thanks for the GREAT advice. It's going to take me sometime to find the comfortable/perfect fitting bike meanwhile i'm learning more from various people about how a bike should feel/ride.

Thanks!!!