New vs. Used??

[Blueberry]

Part of the appeal for me was the "Going Green" aspect which is one of the reasons why I bought used.

Just another perspective and my $0.02 worth.

You know - it's funny. I consider myself very "green" - but I seldom remember that re-use counts Strange mindset - I guess.

I've done a little of each -

1 bike off ebay (and another that was a disaster, and was returned to the seller. Had to fight paypal to get $$ back).

1 bike used from a shop - awesome bike, great fit. But, the shop wasn't so great about helping with issues, even though I bought it there,

2 bikes new from a shop - 1 is awesome. The other is a really bad fit. 2 other new bikes that I no longer own (either because they weren't for me, or they were bad fits).

1 tandem off Craigslist (our first, and we've spend a LOT on little things)

1 custom Bike Friday.

I think used is a great option, but you really have to know what you're doing. More responsibility is on you for fit, making sure you know what maintenance is needed and when, etc. If you are comfortable, and you like to tinker - go for it.

[ASammy1]

You know - it's funny. I consider myself very "green" - but I seldom remember that re-use counts Strange mindset - I guess.

One less bike in the trash!

[Blueberry]

One less bike in the trash!

Very true

CA

[Aggie_Ama]

I guess being in a competitve market area most of the shops here do offer a basic fit which was enough when I started cycling. Sure it wasn't measuring bone length or power output or flexibility or any of the myriad of other types of fits. I paid $40 for the same basic fit when I developed a knee problem and the shop I bought my bike from had gone out of business. This also included getting cleats fitting, insoles fitted, and my brakes moved in addition to the seat placement, stem, etc...

But again, used can be a good value but if you have family that rides take them with you so you know you are really getting bang for the buck.

[avr284]

Thanks for the advice so far! I'll keep looking! I'm very sure I will use this new bike a lot. I have a great mountain bike that I bought years ago, rode it all the time in middle school, high school and college. The only reason I don't ride it now is it's at my mom and dad's and is in desperate need of a good tune up. I might give myself a date, if I can't find used by the first weekend in April, I may have to break down and get a new one. Thanks again!

[djgafi]

well i bought mine used from a shop, so besides buying it at a really great price, i got free fitting and tune up...

plus being a cannondale, you get lifetime warranty on damages to the frame.

look around and see if there are good bike stores that have a used inventory, you'd be surprised on the deals and kind of service you can still get from them...
i think that's better than buying it directly from someone.

hope this helps!