Would you buy a used trainer?

[PamNY]

I don't know much about them and will learn more before I go to look at one (they seem to turn up on Craigslist fairly often).

Once I do that, is it possible to judge condition, reliability, etc. with common sense and visual observation?

Pam

[bikerHen]

That would depend on what he had been used for . . .

[malkin]

I bought used rollers from a local classified ad.
My husband looked at them and said, "Well you'll either figure it out or kill yourself."

After I figured it out, he did too, and then we bought a set of used Kreitlers on ebay, and sold the other ones through the same local classifieds for the same amount we paid originally.

If you can evaluate the trainer to make sure it is complete and in good repair and will work for your purpose, why not?

[emily_in_nc]

If you can buy from someone you know, you'll have a better chance of getting something decent. I recently sold an older trainer I wasn't using to my biking bud for $25, and she knew she was getting something in good shape as I wouldn't dare rip her off (since I work with her too!)

[Irulan]

lots of barely used, nice ones on Craig's List.

[Biciclista]

we did. then we gave it away and then we bought another

[PamNY]

That would depend on what he had been used for . . .

Heh. Or whether I can afford him....

Posting a "wanted" ad is a good idea, as is taking the bike to try it out. Not sure I can do that, but thanks for the suggestions.

Pam

[salsabike]

That would depend on what he had been used for . . .

That was pretty funny!