? about buying used...

craveone said:

i went to a local bike shop today and found that they carried used bikes...i asked about a used road/commuter bike since i will be mainly using the bike to ride to and from work...they pointed me to what looked like a really nice bike a trek 7.2...the guy at the shop said it was used, but they were selling it for 399.99...i have looked online and have seen it brand new for 489. complete...is this still a good deal or should i be looking elsewhere? i guess after shipping and all, purchasing online would still be alot more money...

It is 'my' belief that a NOS should cost about 20% less than retail, or less.

In a few weeks time, if not already, a 2010 bike will be NOS & should be 20% less than MSRP ... a NOS bike which is considered to be a 2009 would be 30% less than MSRP ... and, a 2008 should be about 40% less than MSRP.

So, IMO, $400 is too high for a bike that was previously sold. Heck, presuming it was a trade-in, I wouldn't be surprised if they only gave a $300, or less, allowance against the purchase of the other bike.

So, if you are interested in the bike, 'I' think that you should probably negotiate up from $300 as your starting point ...

But, someone else may think it is a bargain at the asking price.

i did not know that about price decreasing like that...i'll have to check into it and see what year it is and specs and all that...this shop is known for over pricing in town...but they are the only place that sells used bikes...unless i go to pawn shops...even then they will hike up the price as well...i'll get some more info on the bike and do some research on pricing...thanks for the info

My guess is that a pawn shop will have mostly low end department store bikes.
I agree, make them a low ball offer. The worst that can happen is that you hurt their feelings a little.
A bike as in anything is worth what you derive from it.