New or Used?

[Rachel Beth]

Hi Everyone!

I've been lurking for awhile - finally decided to make my first post.

I"ve been bike shopping for awhile and know what I want generally - a roadbike with a carbon fork that I could eventually complete some centuries on... I've been riding an upright, heavy townie like bike. I want something faster and lighter. Through the local bike club someone is letting me borrow, with the option of buying, a Giant OCR3 - I think it is 4 years old or so, from my research it is an entry level bike, and has had quite a few miles already put on it. On the other hand, I have just received some long over due money from Uncle Sam and really like the Specialized Dolce Sport (http://www.specialized.com/ja/en/bc/...enuItemId=9721) and the Giant Avail 1 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...ed/3881/36262/).

I am in the social work field, and there fore do not make much money. I don't know when I will have this amount of money available again to buy a nice bike.

Question, should I go with the used or new?

Will my money be well spent on a nicer, newer bike?

I have loved biking for years, but took a several year hiatus due to wrist problems, so I have no concern about losing interest in riding anytime soon.

Can I still do what I want on the used bike?

Thanks!

[redrhodie]

Can you borrow the Giant and see how you like it? I went for a used bike at first. Since I was starting from scratch, with no idea what I wanted from a bike, I decided to spend as little as possible, and go from there. I ended up loving riding so much I was able to justify a really nice new bike 2 years later. But, I wouldn't have been able to choose that bike without the help of my old bike.

Edit, I missed the part about you riding for years. I think you should test ride the Giant, and the Dolce. You'll know which feels better.

[indysteel]

Sure you can do what you want to do on a used bike. My bike is 4 years old and has plenty of miles from that standpoint, it's also used. It works just fine.


Does the bike you borrowed fit you? New or used, that's the most important consideration. Does it need a tune up or any new parts? You might want to have a bike mechanic give it a once over to see what kind a shape it's in. Some things, like brake pads and tires, are not overly expensive to replace. Other parts, like the crank, are more expensive.

Of course, you wouldn't be the first person to spend a check from Uncle Sam on a new bike. Just make sure you test ride first and choose one that feels comfortable and handles well. Try just about anything in your price range. Also factor in other expenses you might have for gear. New shorts, sunglasses, gloves, etc.

[Cataboo]

I would say go used - but get at least 105 level componetry if you're planning on doing centuries and such.

I'd also say test ride a bunch of aluminum bikes with carbon fiber forks - especially on chipseal if that's common where you ride - because I found aluminum even with carbon fork very harsh, especially on long rides. your townie is probably fairly cush with big tires that are cushioning your ride. So you might want to explore steel, carbon or titanium frames - or at least carbon fiber seat stays on an aluminum frame (that made a huge difference to me)

[KnottedYet]

My 23 year old used steel bike is fab-u-lous.
So is my 14 year old used steel bike.
So is my 3 year old new steel bike.

If you are going to buy used, I'd suggest steel.

If you don't know the history of a carbon bike (did it get scratched? Was it in a hot car? Was it outside too much? Did it get exposed to too much sunlight? Did it get too cold? Too hot? Ridden over curbs?) you can get bit.

Aluminum is safer in the universe of used bikes, but as everyone else has noted, it can be harsh and can buzz the heck out of you with road vibrations if you're one of the folks who can feel them. But aluminum gives you some warning before it fails, and you would probably be able to see the warning signs if you check out the used bike before you buy it.

My best friend's father was a materials scientist for Boeing, and he said many times that titanium is the perfect metal. I've got zilch experience with ti, but from what I've heard it's also a safe bet in a used bike, but often quite expensive.

Steel gives lots of warning before it fails. Some folks are freaked out by the extra pound (on average) a steel frame weighs more than the sexy carbon/ti/aluminum frames, but that's also the weight of a full bladder. Pee before you ride and you'll never notice the difference. The price on used steel is generally darn good.

There's an interesting reverse snobbism in my cycling whirl, where the more worn and elderly and personalized the bike, the more clearly you are a "real" cyclist. (lugged steel gets bonus points) I can't tell you how often I get admiring comments on my older bikes. I just don't admit that I didn't PUT the miles and years on these frames... Mind you, I also live in a part of the country where it rains A LOT, so folks with fenders on their bikes are seen as real cyclists, and folks without are poseurs. (unless they are in team kit, in which case they are too sexy for words!) (And by team kit, I mean local teams. Go racing by in Discovery, and nobody loves you. Wearing Zoka or Group Health, and everyone swoons!)

[Rachel Beth]

Hi everyone! Thanks for your thoughts!


I ended up with the Giant Avail - just took it on its first ride - 29 miles!

I was actually going to go ahead and get the used after your comments and tlaking to some other people in the local bike club I belong to... but discovered that the used bike didn't have a carbon fork - which was one of my "must haves" due to a history of carpal tunnel. Also, the Giant Avail just fit better.

The ride was awesome!

Can't wait to ride it more.

[Owlie]

My Avail and I approve of your Avail.
What color did you get?

Enjoy your new bike!