Purchasing new bike; Older Used Model or New Model with less features?
#1
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Purchasing new bike; Older Used Model or New Model with less features?
Hey guys!
i have decided its time to buy a new bike. Our family has started riding more together and i would like to use to ti commute to work to get back in shape and work on my health.
I have rode a few i like and started looking for used ones. Bikes in looking at are: Trek Fx, Trek Verve, Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, etc
The problem in noticing is that the used bikes are about 80% the cost of a new one even though they're 5 years old.
There is a Trek Fx 7.6 from 2014 that has a lot of upgrades, they want $500 for it, when i can purchase a new Fx3 for $600 ( on sale at my local shop)
Just looking for advice on if the higher end older model would be worth that cost or if i should just buy new.
thanks
i have decided its time to buy a new bike. Our family has started riding more together and i would like to use to ti commute to work to get back in shape and work on my health.
I have rode a few i like and started looking for used ones. Bikes in looking at are: Trek Fx, Trek Verve, Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, etc
The problem in noticing is that the used bikes are about 80% the cost of a new one even though they're 5 years old.
There is a Trek Fx 7.6 from 2014 that has a lot of upgrades, they want $500 for it, when i can purchase a new Fx3 for $600 ( on sale at my local shop)
Just looking for advice on if the higher end older model would be worth that cost or if i should just buy new.
thanks
#2
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It can take a while to find a good deal on a lightly used bike. But consider too that you won't have to pay sales tax. If you have time, just keep looking. Also, asking price does not usually equal actual sale price.
On the other hand a new bike is ready to go now, and dealer service/warranty is included.
On the other hand a new bike is ready to go now, and dealer service/warranty is included.
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A used bike can be a good value, if you are confident in your ability to assess the condition of that bike, and what it might need. Typically, a 5-year-old midrange to higher end bike won’t need too much unless it’s either been abused or neglected.
Do you know, roughly, the different component groups/ levels?
As far as accessories and ‘upgrades’ go, are they the kind of things you would have added to your bike? Things like helmets, shoes and other ‘soft goods’ have almost no value if they’re not your size, and very little if they’re used. Also, some owners will try to add the full retail price of the accessories to the asking price of the bike. I don’t consider things like grips, saddles or tires to be ‘upgrades’ as these are wear items, and I might have a different preference for those things.
Do you know, roughly, the different component groups/ levels?
As far as accessories and ‘upgrades’ go, are they the kind of things you would have added to your bike? Things like helmets, shoes and other ‘soft goods’ have almost no value if they’re not your size, and very little if they’re used. Also, some owners will try to add the full retail price of the accessories to the asking price of the bike. I don’t consider things like grips, saddles or tires to be ‘upgrades’ as these are wear items, and I might have a different preference for those things.
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I'm guessing there's tens of thousands of barely ridden bikes all over the US. Garages are full of bikes with less than a dozed rides. Often, the bikes are department store brands or low end bike shop budget buys. It's not difficult to (with patience) find clean, barely used, mid range and upper range bikes, but the patience part is key. Trek FX and Specialized Sirrus are two VERY popular models. Depending on where you're at in the country, you'll have little trouble finding clean, late model examples. Do your homework and keep a stash of cash at hand. Once the brand, model and equipment level bike comes along, make an offer.
-Kedosto
-Kedosto
#6
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Something else to consider: trickle down technology is a real thing. This year’s mid range group sets, wheels, and often even frames will meet or exceed performance of earlier year’s top line gear.
Also, you need to evaluate the sellers and inspect used bikes to gauge their actual value. Unless you are planning to take a used bike apart and overhaul it, I’d be leery of buying except from a reputable bike store that specializes in reconditioned bikes. Unless you come across a one of those rare treasures. Then all bets are off.
Best of luck! Happy cycling!
Also, you need to evaluate the sellers and inspect used bikes to gauge their actual value. Unless you are planning to take a used bike apart and overhaul it, I’d be leery of buying except from a reputable bike store that specializes in reconditioned bikes. Unless you come across a one of those rare treasures. Then all bets are off.
Best of luck! Happy cycling!
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Something else to consider: trickle down technology is a real thing. This year’s mid range group sets, wheels, and often even frames will meet or exceed performance of earlier year’s top line gear.
Also, you need to evaluate the sellers and inspect used bikes to gauge their actual value. Unless you are planning to take a used bike apart and overhaul it, I’d be leery of buying except from a reputable bike store that specializes in reconditioned bikes. Unless you come across a one of those rare treasures. Then all bets are off.
Best of luck! Happy cycling!
Also, you need to evaluate the sellers and inspect used bikes to gauge their actual value. Unless you are planning to take a used bike apart and overhaul it, I’d be leery of buying except from a reputable bike store that specializes in reconditioned bikes. Unless you come across a one of those rare treasures. Then all bets are off.
Best of luck! Happy cycling!
#9
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Still, I absolutely agree that there is nothing wrong with old tech in a soundly maintained bike. I’ve got a mid 80s Nishiki International that is a joy to ride! I’ve upgraded the brake pads and brake levers for better braking action, and changed Out the saddle because the original saddle gave up the ghost long ago. It is otherwise in the original configuration.
Cheers!
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Perhaps, but I would counter that everyone, especially casual cyclists, will benifit from faster, smoother, less problematic shifting even if they have nothing to compare the improvements to.
Still, I absolutely agree that there is nothing wrong with old tech in a soundly maintained bike. I’ve got a mid 80s Nishiki International that is a joy to ride! I’ve upgraded the brake pads and brake levers for better braking action, and changed Out the saddle because the original saddle gave up the ghost long ago. It is otherwise in the original configuration.
Cheers!
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What exactly are all the "Upgrades" on the bike you're looking at?
I realize that the FX 7.6 was an expensive bike a few years ago, but that still is quite a bit for a used Hybrid.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...50&model=58266
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...50&model=58266
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...50&model=58266
Of course, actual condition is everything with a used bike.
Your ultimate decision will depend on how much you are planning to ride the bike, and how competent you feel with your own maintenance.
I realize that the FX 7.6 was an expensive bike a few years ago, but that still is quite a bit for a used Hybrid.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...50&model=58266
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...50&model=58266
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...50&model=58266
Of course, actual condition is everything with a used bike.
Your ultimate decision will depend on how much you are planning to ride the bike, and how competent you feel with your own maintenance.
#13
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Don't forget to ask your shop about possibly ordering last year's leftover models. They are often heavily discounted. My leftover '18 Breezer Radar was $700, down from $1100. Good luck!
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I would never buy used carbon fiber frame bike, to the untrained eye, and even to a trained eye, damage to the frame is unnoticeable, which is why carbon fiber racing bikes used by pro teams are either mostly destroyed or x-rayed for damaged before selling. I heard that Canyon xrays their pro bikes before selling but there have been reported some frame failures early on by the buyers and Canyon sells the bikes as is with no warranty, so people are out the money.
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Hey guys!
i have decided its time to buy a new bike. Our family has started riding more together and i would like to use to ti commute to work to get back in shape and work on my health.
I have rode a few i like and started looking for used ones. Bikes in looking at are: Trek Fx, Trek Verve, Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, etc
The problem in noticing is that the used bikes are about 80% the cost of a new one even though they're 5 years old.
There is a Trek Fx 7.6 from 2014 that has a lot of upgrades, they want $500 for it, when i can purchase a new Fx3 for $600 ( on sale at my local shop)
Just looking for advice on if the higher end older model would be worth that cost or if i should just buy new.
thanks
i have decided its time to buy a new bike. Our family has started riding more together and i would like to use to ti commute to work to get back in shape and work on my health.
I have rode a few i like and started looking for used ones. Bikes in looking at are: Trek Fx, Trek Verve, Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, etc
The problem in noticing is that the used bikes are about 80% the cost of a new one even though they're 5 years old.
There is a Trek Fx 7.6 from 2014 that has a lot of upgrades, they want $500 for it, when i can purchase a new Fx3 for $600 ( on sale at my local shop)
Just looking for advice on if the higher end older model would be worth that cost or if i should just buy new.
thanks
I suggest you definitely keep looking.