Used parts/new parts, when does it matter?

[DebW]

A couple additional notes:

If your eyes are on the downhill side of the aging curve like mine and you can't read fine print anymore, take your reading glasses or a magnifier to inspect that BB. Bearing-surface damage is of order 1/2 millimeter in size when it's visible. If this BB came from someone who wanted to upgrade a crankset and hadn't put much wear on the old one, you could be getting something close to new for a very good price. Hopefully someone here knows more about the recent history of Campy BBs than I do and can give specific advise about these models. But I think of using used parts as recycling and keeping things out of the landfill until their useful life is really over.

[bcipam]

If you trust the source you get the used part from then its OK. Otherwise you just don't know how the part was used or taken care of. Some things I would never buy used like handlebars and maybe wheels unless I know the source. I have alot of friends who buy top end stuff and as soon as something better comes out they sell the "old" stuff. basically the old stuff is brand new and used little so OK to buy. My road and mountain bikes have been upgraded by all my friend Richard's toss offs - all the stuff is almost new - I love the fact he's always shopping for better stuff!

[mimitabby]

Ha, as the new owner of a Well used bike (advertised as lightly used, not true!)
I can say that used parts DO have a lot of life in them. Bill Davidson who makes Davidson bikes inspected my bike and assured me that it wasn't near worn out yet, that it had thousands of miles to go ...

Campy components are made to last and last and then be rebuilt.
Any good LBS can do that for you.

[ridebikeme]

I think the main concern here is whether your LBS thinks that they are in good condition. The bottom bracket will be a sealed unit, so you won't be able to inspect bearings or cups. However, as someone that had used Campy parts exclusively for many years, they generally do last quite some time and with very few problems. FYI: front deraileurs generally last much longer than their rear counterparts . If you are able to take the bottom bracket spindle in your hands and roll it in your fingers... listen for any gritty sounds and generally how smooth it seems to move. More than likely, you have found a good deal!!! Have fun!!