Question about buying used vs. new

[Koronin]

My first road bike I bought used. It's an aluminum frame. I bought my carbon frame one new. A big thing will be size. I got lucky to find my size in a used. I was able to find a 47cm Trek used. Most of the time I see 54 or larger ones for sale that are used.

[gbunker]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm usually about a 52, depending on frame geometry. I need a top tube that is in the neighborhood of 52.5-53 cm. I'll be looking at closeouts in addition to secondhand, since we're approaching that season.

I hadn't thought of Bianchi steel bikes, but there is a dealer nearby so I'll check them out. Love the classic styles.

Fortunately, I live in a very bikey city- Portland OR- so there are several LBS and lots of people reselling.

Gillian

[malkin]

Good mix of new and used bikes here.

Have gotten used when I didn't know what I wanted--well, I thought I knew but I was wrong, and when I knew exactly what I wanted and that exact bike floated by.

[radacrider]

Once you have a sense of size, since you are in Portland, be sure to check City Bikes, Community cycling Center, A Better cycle - they all do refurbished bikes. Check craigslist for used. I've purchased and brokered bikes through my facebook Bridgestone Owners bunch group, too. Just watch those prices for used - Portland tends to be high.