New or Used Touring Gear
#1
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New or Used Touring Gear
Hello all!
I've started to collect the items I feel are necessary to go on a small adventure close to home to test out my gear. It will be my first trip bicycle touring but I've ridden bikes for a while now, albeit it's been a few months since I last rode a decent amount.
I'm looking for items that I can buy in North America. I've tried using Pinkbike for used items and I've had luck with them in the past. I also use a local classified site to acquire goods but due to the pandemic I've stopped for the time being. I'm getting things slowly sent via Canada Post and I feel I have a good eye for decent equipment.
Has anyone had a good experience with buying used equipment? Do you have a preference for new? Any personal anecdotes from tours you have done in the past would help me try and decide whether to continue buying used equipment. I feel there are benefits to getting used but would like to hear some other opinions.
I've started to collect the items I feel are necessary to go on a small adventure close to home to test out my gear. It will be my first trip bicycle touring but I've ridden bikes for a while now, albeit it's been a few months since I last rode a decent amount.
I'm looking for items that I can buy in North America. I've tried using Pinkbike for used items and I've had luck with them in the past. I also use a local classified site to acquire goods but due to the pandemic I've stopped for the time being. I'm getting things slowly sent via Canada Post and I feel I have a good eye for decent equipment.
Has anyone had a good experience with buying used equipment? Do you have a preference for new? Any personal anecdotes from tours you have done in the past would help me try and decide whether to continue buying used equipment. I feel there are benefits to getting used but would like to hear some other opinions.
#2
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Used should be much cheaper but make sure it's in decent condition. I would not hesitate to buy used if it's what I wanted for the trip. I sold old Cannondale barrel-shaped panniers and handlebar bag from my first trip to a friend who would be doing short tours in the U.S. There was a story to go with every scuff and repair on the bags.
Where are you located?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ort=BEST_MATCH
Where are you located?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ort=BEST_MATCH
Last edited by thumpism; 04-15-20 at 08:09 PM.
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Racks might be an item that's economical to buy used. Tents & panniers can accumulate UV damage but if time allows, I'm sure one can find good used stuff.
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I've bought a lot of used stuff over time.
One thing to note is that pannier styles (and even rack styles) are slowly evolving over time.
In particular, the triangle shaped panniers are less popular now.
There are also some mighty good roll-top and otherwise waterproof panniers available. Ortlieb, and a few other manufacturers.
For racks, look for something with decent rear support.
Another thing that is growing is "bike packing", which tends to have bags tied more securely to the bike, and less reliance on panniers.
One thing to note is that pannier styles (and even rack styles) are slowly evolving over time.
In particular, the triangle shaped panniers are less popular now.
There are also some mighty good roll-top and otherwise waterproof panniers available. Ortlieb, and a few other manufacturers.
For racks, look for something with decent rear support.
Another thing that is growing is "bike packing", which tends to have bags tied more securely to the bike, and less reliance on panniers.
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#5
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Hi!
I'm located in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. I've been doing some research before I buy and think I know what I need. I have bought, so far, a Kuwahara Caravan, a Brooks B17 saddle, Arkel handlebar bag, Tubus rack (can't remember the model) to name a few.
I'm looking for panniers now and have my eyes on a set on Pinkbike; they're Arkel as well. I'm trying to get good used equipment and save money so I can travel longer once travel is allowed in Ontario.
I'm located in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. I've been doing some research before I buy and think I know what I need. I have bought, so far, a Kuwahara Caravan, a Brooks B17 saddle, Arkel handlebar bag, Tubus rack (can't remember the model) to name a few.
I'm looking for panniers now and have my eyes on a set on Pinkbike; they're Arkel as well. I'm trying to get good used equipment and save money so I can travel longer once travel is allowed in Ontario.
#6
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Used stuff is subject to several different factors affecting its suitability. As DropBarFan points out, tents can accumulate UV damage, but if someone took a one week trip every year for five years, their tent might only have a couple of dozen settings in it, and most of its use at night. On the other hand, there have been technical advances, as Clifford points out, may make new equipment superior.
#7
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Used stuff is subject to several different factors affecting its suitability. As DropBarFan points out, tents can accumulate UV damage, but if someone took a one week trip every year for five years, their tent might only have a couple of dozen settings in it, and most of its use at night. On the other hand, there have been technical advances, as Clifford points out, may make new equipment superior.
I've never bought a tent before and I didn't know what to look for. There's an old tent at home that I was planning on using. I didn't want to take a long distance trip before I can trust my gear so I was planning on going to a local campsite and trying things out once I am able.
I have a stove too that I was hoping to test out too! I'm thankful that I'm making the time to learn a little more about what's needed and what to look for. Thanks again for your help.
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I would not feel comfortable using a used, liquid fuel stove.
#9
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Indyfabz...as long as the stove is working I'm good. I draw the line at cutlery, utensils, bowls and cups. I'm good with used cooking equipment after washing and trying to disinfect. I wouldn't want to buy anything that comes in contact with someones mouth now due to Covid 19 so we'll see how the future goes.
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#11
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I'll try to use what I have on my maiden voyage and see if I like it and whether it can do the job. I don't plan on going for a long tour to start; I'll keep it short should something go wrong.
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It is a roll of the dice, sometimes you get lucky. My five week tour last summer I used some front panniers I paid $8 USD for them. Someone had them as a garage sale item, still new with tags.
A year ago at a swap meet I picked up a set of old Cannondale Overland rear panniers for $15 USD that had very little use. I had a couple opportunities to more than double my money on them before I even left the swap meet but I chose to keep them.
A year ago at a swap meet I picked up a set of old Cannondale Overland rear panniers for $15 USD that had very little use. I had a couple opportunities to more than double my money on them before I even left the swap meet but I chose to keep them.
#13
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It is a roll of the dice, sometimes you get lucky. My five week tour last summer I used some front panniers I paid $8 USD for them. Someone had them as a garage sale item, still new with tags.
A year ago at a swap meet I picked up a set of old Cannondale Overland rear panniers for $15 USD that had very little use. I had a couple opportunities to more than double my money on them before I even left the swap meet but I chose to keep them.
A year ago at a swap meet I picked up a set of old Cannondale Overland rear panniers for $15 USD that had very little use. I had a couple opportunities to more than double my money on them before I even left the swap meet but I chose to keep them.
While living in Vancouver, BC, Canada a friend of mine would go to Seattle for a swap meet. He always came back with amazing stories of finding bargains and seeing great items. I'm now living close to Toronto Ontario and I've seen bike expos here but wonder if they're worth it.
#14
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I wouldn’t buy a used tent. They only last so long, even with light use. Once the seams start leaking, it’s either spending time and money to reseal, or live with a leaking tent.
#15
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Having said that...where would you choose to spend your money if you were starting out from scratch? To me there are certain things I have that I'm going to make do with until I need to replace them. I've got my eye on a used tent for a reasonable price that's within my budget for now. I have a new to me bike that I'm slowly making more road worthy and suitable for the task at hand. I want to get my feet wet once we're all able to comfortably get out of our houses and experience has always been a good teacher. I'm minimizing my risks by traveling close to home in case there's a big error and then branching out at a later date.
#16
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The only big ticket item I have had to replace in the last 10 years is my supposedly high quality REI tent. If you can find a used one in good condition, go for it. However, as I mentioned, the seams are a weak point, as are the zippers. Rain will find its way in through the smallest weak point. The one thing that will make you completely miserable is trying to sleep in a wet tent. If you are only doing short trips and can go in good weather only, then the tent really doesn’t matter much. It will keep the dew off and bugs out.
#17
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The only big ticket item I have had to replace in the last 10 years is my supposedly high quality REI tent. If you can find a used one in good condition, go for it. However, as I mentioned, the seams are a weak point, as are the zippers. Rain will find its way in through the smallest weak point. The one thing that will make you completely miserable is trying to sleep in a wet tent. If you are only doing short trips and can go in good weather only, then the tent really doesn’t matter much. It will keep the dew off and bugs out.
Alan S...I just don't know at this point if investing a large amount of cash into a tent is a good idea before I know what the final form of touring will look like. I have many questions that need answering at some point...I figure testing things out on a short trip is a good way to learn, at least for me. To me there seems a trade off with something like a tent...I don't know of a reasonably priced tent that I can use for three seasons; I don't know if I'll store my bike inside; I don't know if I'll have a cycling partner or if it's just myself. After my maiden voyage I'll know more about my preferences and gear and if something goes wrong on a one day trip I'll be ok. I would like to get into touring by bike and so far in my life I really enjoy bicycles and camping. It sounds like a match made in heaven for me but the proof is in the pudding.
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#19
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Indyfabz...No, not yet. I haven't been able to set it up and test things out. I hope to at some point by cycling to a campsite that's in my city so it's not too far. That will be my maiden voyage with my gear.
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I bought a 3-season tent a couple of years ago...on a fall tour I discovered there was a mesh vent in the top with no flap to close it off. When temp dropped to freezing it got chilly, so esp for Ontario I'd look for a tent that has closable vents.
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#21
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Used stuff... maybe. I sold a 25-year-old front carrier to someone on Craigslist. I had only used it once, maybe twice. The new owner got a stellar piece of equipment for a modest sum. A good deal. Similarly, a couple of weeks ago I sold a pair of never-worn bicycle shoes for a third of what I had paid three years earlier. Another good deal for a lucky buyer.
On the other hand, after my nearly-indestructible Cannondale panniers were on their final legs, I bought a pair of newer, second-hand Cannondale panniers on eBay. Despite being in excellent condition, they almost immediately started to tear and fall apart. They quickly became unusable and I was forced to replace them not long after I got them.
I don't think I would buy anything second-hand if the item is exposed to regular wear-and-tear. So I would stay away from racks, brake levers, saddles, drive train components, wheels, any parts that contain bearings, etc. Of course, buying new doesn't guarantee a long life to a component: there is a lot of crappy stuff out there. But buying second hand is inherently a gamble.
Even brand-new stuff, once you've had it for a while, needs replacement. I discovered this inconvenient truth when one of my pedal straps, which got a good workout over 15 cycling seasons, snapped on the first day of a long tour. I had to spend a chunk of time searching for a bicycle store so I could buy a replacement strap... a new replacement I should add.
On the other hand, after my nearly-indestructible Cannondale panniers were on their final legs, I bought a pair of newer, second-hand Cannondale panniers on eBay. Despite being in excellent condition, they almost immediately started to tear and fall apart. They quickly became unusable and I was forced to replace them not long after I got them.
I don't think I would buy anything second-hand if the item is exposed to regular wear-and-tear. So I would stay away from racks, brake levers, saddles, drive train components, wheels, any parts that contain bearings, etc. Of course, buying new doesn't guarantee a long life to a component: there is a lot of crappy stuff out there. But buying second hand is inherently a gamble.
Even brand-new stuff, once you've had it for a while, needs replacement. I discovered this inconvenient truth when one of my pedal straps, which got a good workout over 15 cycling seasons, snapped on the first day of a long tour. I had to spend a chunk of time searching for a bicycle store so I could buy a replacement strap... a new replacement I should add.
#22
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Used stuff... maybe. I sold a 25-year-old front carrier to someone on Craigslist. I had only used it once, maybe twice. The new owner got a stellar piece of equipment for a modest sum. A good deal. Similarly, a couple of weeks ago I sold a pair of never-worn bicycle shoes for a third of what I had paid three years earlier. Another good deal for a lucky buyer.
On the other hand, after my nearly-indestructible Cannondale panniers were on their final legs, I bought a pair of newer, second-hand Cannondale panniers on eBay. Despite being in excellent condition, they almost immediately started to tear and fall apart. They quickly became unusable and I was forced to replace them not long after I got them.
I don't think I would buy anything second-hand if the item is exposed to regular wear-and-tear. So I would stay away from racks, brake levers, saddles, drive train components, wheels, any parts that contain bearings, etc. Of course, buying new doesn't guarantee a long life to a component: there is a lot of crappy stuff out there. But buying second hand is inherently a gamble.
Even brand-new stuff, once you've had it for a while, needs replacement. I discovered this inconvenient truth when one of my pedal straps, which got a good workout over 15 cycling seasons, snapped on the first day of a long tour. I had to spend a chunk of time searching for a bicycle store so I could buy a replacement strap... a new replacement I should add.
On the other hand, after my nearly-indestructible Cannondale panniers were on their final legs, I bought a pair of newer, second-hand Cannondale panniers on eBay. Despite being in excellent condition, they almost immediately started to tear and fall apart. They quickly became unusable and I was forced to replace them not long after I got them.
I don't think I would buy anything second-hand if the item is exposed to regular wear-and-tear. So I would stay away from racks, brake levers, saddles, drive train components, wheels, any parts that contain bearings, etc. Of course, buying new doesn't guarantee a long life to a component: there is a lot of crappy stuff out there. But buying second hand is inherently a gamble.
Even brand-new stuff, once you've had it for a while, needs replacement. I discovered this inconvenient truth when one of my pedal straps, which got a good workout over 15 cycling seasons, snapped on the first day of a long tour. I had to spend a chunk of time searching for a bicycle store so I could buy a replacement strap... a new replacement I should add.
I think ultimately my new plan as of now is to buy new. Saving money for new purchases is going to start and I'll research and ask many questions before I buy.
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My iggy list grows longer.
#24
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Indyfabz...as long as the stove is working I'm good. I draw the line at cutlery, utensils, bowls and cups. I'm good with used cooking equipment after washing and trying to disinfect. I wouldn't want to buy anything that comes in contact with someones mouth now due to Covid 19 so we'll see how the future goes.
I would be more concerned about physically meeting and exchanging cash or goods with people since that breaks isolation.
When you go out you also eat and drink from used dishes.
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Check out amazon warehouse deals, if it says used like new or even used very good with damaged packaging often it means packaging was damaged and they don't feel they can sell as new. I've bought a 700 diamondback road for my kid and it was new and undamaged for 150.00. Park repair pro stand, box had a hole in it and was missing the park sticker they toss in the box to stick on your tool box, paid 100 less then wholesale cost and it didn't have a scratch. They've got a camping section as well that'll be worth looking at. I buy a lot of stuff that way, probably 60% of my Amazon purchases come from there and only 3 items have had to be returned, used good or used acceptable is a real crap shoot and was what the returns I've had to do were listed as, course it's also where some of the best bargains have come from as well.