Bianchi Eros Donna--Fair Price?

[ciocio]

Hi all,

I'm a complete newb, so I'd appreciate any help! I'm trying to get into cycling races and tri's.

I'm looking at buying a used 2006 Bianchi Eros Donna for $300. It apparently needs a $100 tune-up (the current owner went to a bike mechanic and got that as an estimate price). Is $300 a fair price?

Also, I'm going to go test the bike tomorrow. Is there anything I should look for that would be a deal-breaker? It's 48 cm, so it should fit me.

Thanks.

[salsabike]

Hi all,

I'm a complete newb, so I'd appreciate any help! I'm trying to get into cycling races and tri's.

I'm looking at buying a used 2006 Bianchi Eros Donna for $300. It apparently needs a $100 tune-up (the current owner went to a bike mechanic and got that as an estimate price). Is $300 a fair price?

Also, I'm going to go test the bike tomorrow. Is there anything I should look for that would be a deal-breaker? It's 48 cm, so it should fit me.

Thanks.

I'd say it's excellent, if the bike is in good shape. I paid about $1100 for my 2006 Bianchi Eros Donna. It's a great bike.

[indysteel]

That's my bike, too. I'd say $300 is a great price assuming the frame itself is in good shape. Do you know how many miles are on it?

I love my Bianchi. I hope you'll love yours, too!

[indysteel]

Forgot to add this. Beyond fit, I'd look for damage to the frame I would,kt be too alarmed if you tee a tiny bit of rust, but a large amount would be of concern.

I'd also check the components. The bike originally came with Campy Mirage and a Sugino (I think) crank, plus Mavis Aksium wheels. I've swapped out most of the components on my bike, but Campy Mirage works just fine.

[ciocio]

The current owner used it for tri's herself, so it's been well used. A few thousand miles, I'm guessing. Is it important how many miles are on it?

Thanks for all the help!

[Owlie]

To a degree, mileage has a bearing on the wear on the drivetrain and brakes. Now, if it's been well cared for, it may not be such a big deal, but I'd take a look at the cassette and crankset and check for wear. Do the teeth appear to be worn?

There's a picture of a worn sprocket and a comparison with a new one here:
http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html#wear

Scroll down a little. It's the one without the chain on it

[ciocio]

The pictures aren't close enough to see, but if they are worn, should I not buy the bike? How much would a replacement cost?

[ciocio]

Also, is this frame worth it to upgrade with new parts or should I just get a completely new bike?

[Owlie]

The pictures aren't close enough to see, but if they are worn, should I not buy the bike? How much would a replacement cost?

That's a badly worn example in the picture. The teeth look kind of like shark fins, as opposed to...well, teeth. It's a used bike, so expect some wear. If they're significantly worn, though, I'd tread with caution. I'm not familiar with Campagnolo,but a new Veloce 10-spd cassette is, according to my LBS's online catalog, about $90. A new Veloce crankset would be about $300. (Prices are USD) You'd need a new chain too, but I can't find that. The LBS's website is being stupid.

Only you can determine if this is worth it. FWIW, though, the frame, especially if it's in good condition, may be worth upgrading if the components are not overly worn. Get what life you can out of them and then go about upgrading the drivetrain.

[indysteel]

If by a "few" thousand, you mean 3 to 4k, then that's really not that much as used bikes go. That said, it's enough to make certain parts worn a bit, e.g., the chain, cassette, brake pads, and cables. The crank itself would likely be fine at that mileage.

Granted, I like my Bianchi. If you like the fit, handling and ride of the bike, then I think it would be worth getting even if you have to replace some of the parts. Depending on what's worn, if anything, it would still likely be cheaper to replace those parts than to buy an entirely new bike. But only you know your budget.

If your bike shop does suggest replacing some parts, start with the chain. If a new chain doesn't skip on the old cassette, don't replace the cassette yet. A lot of shops will tell you that you need to replace both at the same time, but I (and a lot of other people) disagree. If the new chain does skip at all, replace the cassette at that point. Also replace the brake pads if they're worn. That's not an expensive fix. New cable housing is also not expensive.

In any event, keep you chain clean. You'll get more life out of it, the cassette and the chainrings.

[Eden]

If your bike shop does suggest replacing some parts, start with the chain. If a new chain doesn't skip on the old cassette, don't replace the cassette yet. A lot of shops will tell you that you need to replace both at the same time, but I (and a lot of other people) disagree. If the new chain does skip at all, replace the cassette at that point.

I think that only works one way - if you replace the cassette you should replace the chain, but you don't necessarily need to get a new cassette every time you change the chain. I know I replace my chain waaaaaaaaay more often than I need a new cassette (in fact I have yet to wear one out, but I replace my chains at least once a year - usually after wet/grit season is over). OTOH if you get a brand new cassette, its best to also get a new chain, as likely the one you have will be worn and may cause quicker wear on your brand spanking new cassette - and compared to a new cassette a chain can be cheap.

[indysteel]

I think that only works one way - if you replace the cassette you should replace the chain, but you don't necessarily need to get a new cassette every time you change the chain. I know I replace my chain waaaaaaaaay more often than I need a new cassette (in fact I have yet to wear one out, but I replace my chains at least once a year - usually after wet/grit season is over). OTOH if you get a brand new cassette, its best to also get a new chain, as likely the one you have will be worn and may cause quicker wear on your brand spanking new cassette - and compared to a new cassette a chain can be cheap.

Good point, Eden.