Used Bike Values?

[plantluvver]

I had thought that frames were designed to fit components built by other manufacturers, so that within reason, brakes, gearing, deraillers could be swapped out interchangably. You mean that I might need a brake that I couldn't find on any other bike but that model for that year?

Aren't bikes more or less modular? I had thought all pedals have the same thread, etc. That certainly makes life difficult.

Mary

[bike4ever]

plantluvver - I think what bcipam meant to say was that it can get hard to find an equivalent replacement part for a bike that is 15 years old. If the shifter breaks and originally was an XT level part, since it was maybe 7 speed you are looking at a lower quality replacement part today. This is going to happen on all of the components - derailleur, shifters, and even brakes. It can get quite expensive on a $65 dollar bike to add new shifters and derailleurs if they need to be replaced. Also keep in mind replacing the tires/tubes - age can do a number on those parts.

[ridebikeme]

Depending on what you are looking for, I think used bikes can be a great deal... providing of course they have been tuned up by a bike shop... not simply a weekend warrior. As for buying parts for the bike, "yes" you still can buy parts and upgrade the bike as needed. The Rockhopper has always been a great bike, and probably worth looking at. The generally have 3-4 diferent models of the Rockhopper.... even the base model would be probably around $350 new. The '91 model more than likely would have a steel fork(as someone else said) but a great bike nonetheless. If the Rockhoppers were not a great selling bike, they simply would have changed the model by now... that in itself should say something.

From year to year, technology becomes that much more aggressive and over time that gets past done to less expensive bikes... the high end bikes have always are the starting point for a lot of this. To give you an example, if you had a bike that was three years old and you paid $500 for it, today you could buy that same bike with the same technology for $300-$350... obviously it's that way with everything.. from cameras and computers, tv's .. you get the picture.

As for looking on Ebay, I know that many people have had good luck there... I on the other hand have seen some terrible cases... from cracked frames, stolen bikes, and even manufacturers that have bikes that didn't pass stress tests and they sold them on Ebay under a fictiousious name.... So my word of advice is be careful... if it seems to be too good to be true.. it generally is!

Lastly, probably the one of the most expensive things that can go wrong with the bike are the wheels... so I would definitely do some research on that.(Rockhopper)

Have fun, and hope that you find just the right bike!

[plantluvver]

I figure that with a $65 bike, I can afford to junk it, or look for a parts bike, we have a couple of shops that sell used parts. Since I will have a garage (after I clean it.) I can afford the space for project bikes. My concern is is just avoiding running around wasting time on junk bikes. And there are so many listings, I need to weed through them quickly. Price isn't a good criteria. one guy was asking $250 for a bike that currently costs $299. I live on a slow bus route, in a strange little corner of town. It takes me about an hour to get downtown, and sometimes another hour to get to to my destination.

I've been doing some looking on Ebay, but I wouldn't buy anything there unless I get to see it in person. I just want to make sure it fits.

BTW, the Rockhopper went to the fguy before me. The seller was a nice person, and didn't sell it "first come, first served."

I am doing my own work at a bike coop at Portland State University. They have all the tools, and more importantly, staff to supervise me.

The hunt is on. (But maybe, I should start shopping in two months, when competition slacks off.)

Mary