Originally Posted by
caloso
It would make even less than zero sense for a professional, since their teams provide the bikes. In fact, in the lower ranks one of the few perks is that riders can sometimes sell off their old equipment at the end of the season to augment their meager salaries. Phil Gaimon covers this in one of his books.
In the 80s + 90s I would get a new bike every year(at EP from the manufacturer), and sell it the following Spring. I'd basically break even, and always ride the latest gear.
Back then, employee prices were less than dealer cost.