NonBiker

Hello folks!

I am new to the forum so I can’t post a picture or URL. For reference, I am planning on buying this used bike for $600. It’s a Raleigh merit 1 2017 model. As per owner, it is barely used and “like new”. The most attractive part for me is that it’s 62 cm frame, which I haven’t really been able to find as much. I was curious if $600 is too much for that model? I know bikes are scarce since covid hit and it’s a seller’s market, but I really don’t know if it’s worth the price! Please advice!

Barry2 

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Here you go.... https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/

Barry

Rolla

According to this Bicycling Magazine review the 2019 model retailed for $500. Blue book says a 2017 is worth $350. If the size is rare and it's in great condition that might be worth a little more to you, but $600 seems high. Show the seller the Blue Book value and see if they'll come down.

Toespeas

bike price can vary , if its in your budget id say its not too expensive , the parts matter more than brand and frame !

Iride01 

Depends. I wouldn't pay that much for something used that is at it's almost new retail MSRP. Even if the person just bought a 2021 model bike and rolled it out the door of the shop, I wouldn't pay but half it's MSRP or a tad more.

But that's me.

If you think it worth it to you because you can't find anything better and are willing to pay that much, then that is now what the bike is worth. But Raleigh today isn't the Raleigh of well before the turn of the century. The name, like many other famous bike names has been bought to use for brand recognition. The current bike maker using the Raleigh name makes decent bikes for the price. However, there is better.

JayKay3000

It's not worth $600, that's pretty much the new price and bicycles are no different to cars covid or no covid - They loose money when they leave the showroom floor & it's not even the current year model.

Barely used. So what is wrong with it. It's actually better to buy a bike that's been fairly well used, but well taken care of. There are a lot of bikes out there with 62 / 63cm frames so don't get hung up thinking this overpriced bike is a unicorn. It's not.

CAT7RDR

Spend some time on ebay just to get an idea of what's out there and what people are willing to bid.
Also get on the Shimano website to understand group sets and the hierarchy.
$600 for a basic aluminum bike with Claris is no bueno.

keithdunlop

Often times people selling durable goods such as cars or bikes attach an "emotional" value to the item based their subjective impression of worth. People with a personal attachment to an item sometimes don't understand the concept of depreciated value.

I'd probably offer something in the neighborhood of $350.00, but ultimately you need to decide what it's worth to you to acquire.

MarcusT

IMHO, yes, the price is much too high. The seller may believe that because the bike was rarely used that he should ask a price near new, but a 4 yr old bike will need a major tune up. Or the seller is simply taking advantage of the low stock due to CoVid.
Either way, I would not pay that price, but as mentioned before, what you want to pay is subjective and depends how much you really want that bike

2old

Sounds to me as though the owner is charging you for "breaking it in". I'd keep my wallet in my pocket unless you can't find anything else and need a bike.

Iride01 

You must be the seller. <grin>

dedhed

A brand new one is $750. https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/raleig...ke-pr3e25621/p

veganbikes

I wouldn't want to pay that much for it new. If the seller is willing to go down to $300 that would be more fair for a used Claris equipped bike with drop bars.

bruce19

Notoriously inaccurate. Especially in the pandemic when all bike prices are inflated. But, at that price point a $!00 over or under-priced isn't going to matter. At least it wouldn't to me.