trying out new bikes

[Jolt]

www.bicyclebluebook.com

You can search for the particular make/model/year and it will give you the value of the bike depending on the condition it is in. Great for both selling and buying (I used the information to negotiate a great price on the bike I just bought from somebody on Craigslist). As far as finding used small bikes, you may be surprised by what shows up on CL etc. so I'd recommend checking every day or two once you have some ideas of bikes you'd like. That's what I did and something great turned up quite quickly, for a good price too.

[colorisnt]

Yep Bicycle Blue Book FTW!

It's pretty helpful. Your LBS also may be helpful if you are a loyal customer and they don't do a lot of used volume. Mine does not, so trade ins with road bikes are hit and miss. They gave me a much better deal on my MTB because that's what they are most likely to sell quickly for a "better" price. Their comp was slightly higher than BBB but not by much.

And I agree that you have to be fairly patient but you can find them. It's just a chore haha. Some people look at it as an adventure (I do when I get a wild hair to search) but it's not always fun if you have a deadline. And, honestly, your bike does not make you that much faster. A good fit can but a carbon frame will only do so much. I was always taught by everyone I started really riding with that it was the motor and fit not the material and weight that was going to make a huge difference (assuming that most road bikes are fairly light, of course). If you want carbon, totally go for it, just realize that there may be other issues at play and if you don't know much about fit, CL bikes or ebay bikes may not be the best place to start. Getting fitted on your current mount may be better. YMMV.

[emily_in_nc]

www.bicyclebluebook.com

Thanks so much, Jolt! I had no idea this existed. I don't have any current plans to buy or sell any bikes, but at some point in the future, I am sure I will. This is a great resource!