What to know when buying used

Unfortunately, there is not a blue book for bikes (that I am aware of). I think that going for a used bike can be a great option for someone with the savvy to know what he/she is looking at. However, for someone new(er) to cycling, I have to recommend going to the LBS (local bike shop), as they will be able to help you find a bike for your riding style(s), and will comp some services, work with you in the fitting process, and teach you a whole lot - from componentry to how to service your own bike.

The closest thing that I have found for a Blue Book for bicycles is eBay. Look for the same bike on eBay and see what they are asking. Unfortunately most used bicycle sellers price their bikes much higher than their true worth so you have to take their prices with a grain of salt. Most bicycles lose at least 50% of their original sale price in their first year after thier original purchase. Also, with the fast pace of innovation in frame design and material, and the yearly improvements in groupsets, a bike is usually obsolete within three years.

Unless you really know what you are looking for or have someone who can guide you, I have to agree with Calico. Your safest bet is to go to your LBS and let them help you with your first purchase.

ok thanks for the advice

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by kdelong [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

The closest thing that I have found for a Blue Book for bicycles is eBay. Look for the same bike on eBay and see what they are asking. Unfortunately most used bicycle sellers price their bikes much higher than their true worth so you have to take their prices with a grain of salt. Most bicycles lose at least 50% of their original sale price in their first year after thier original purchase. Also, with the fast pace of innovation in frame design and material, and the yearly improvements in groupsets, a bike is usually obsolete within three years.

Unless you really know what you are looking for or have someone who can guide you, I have to agree with Calico. Your safest bet is to go to your LBS and let them help you with your first purchase.

eBay is a good guide - just look at the prices of the bikes that end up being sold. I'd agree with kdelong that many bikes are overpriced and it's no surprise that those don't sell.

I took someone along with me (he knows a lot more about bikes than I do) to view a bike off ebay (local collect). Condition was perfect but size had been measured wrong so the sale was cancelled with no hard feelings, as no money had changed hands there was no hastle.

Next bike we looked at was a better bike, had had a bit more use but still under 1 year old. I bought it.

Both bikes were approx 50% of new price & under 1 year old.

Couple of months later a friend looked but everythink was selling at 75-80% (supply & demand), then he saw one & got it for 60-65%.

We had looked at bikes at large chains & LBS so had been looking for particular models. Going 2nd hand meant we could get a better spec. than our budget allowed us to going new.

Any bike is only worth what someone is prepared to pay. All of the 3 bikes we looked at turned out to be purchased under the 'ride to work' scheme so the seller wasn't losing out as much as it seemed based on how little the bike had been used. Then you have those who get a bike thinking it's a good idea at the time. Getting one of these & you may consider paying a tad more than 50% is worth it.