Most to least important factors when buying used
05-03-24, 09:58 AM
#26
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Best conditioned bike that fits me, its purpose and my budget.
Everything else is secondary.
Everything else is secondary.
05-03-24, 10:09 AM
#27
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I am partial to older 531 frames and intrigued by French bikes.
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05-03-24, 12:17 PM
#28
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When buying a used bike, you're bound to have to compromise somewhere, so I'm just wondering, what is your personal hierarchy of points when buying used e.g. condition, correct size, colour, components etc... what are you willing to compromise and what is a deal breaker? For example, if you found a bike in mint condition, good price, desired components but it was perhaps a size too big, would the sizing matter more to you than everything else? Or you found one the right size and colour but was SRAM and you're loyal to Shimano XD
05-05-24, 05:28 PM
#29
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1) Fit and feel. A bike that doesn't fit, or that just doesn't feel right, won't get ridden, so what's the point? (Fit and feel are different things. I've had bikes that fit great, and were of good quality, but felt like garbage when ridden. Intangibles matter.)
2) Frame quality and condition. The frame is the bicycle. Parts is parts.
3) Does this bike fit into a gap in the bikes you already have? The size of that gap, if it exists, isn't necessarily decisive. Sometimes, small differences loom large.
4) Does the bicycle make you want to own it? Never underestimate the power of the gotta... as in, "I gotta have it!" If, to pull an example out of thin air, you've always wanted a copper metallic mid-70s Raleigh International, and you find one in your size at a price you can afford, you buy it. (No, this has not yet happened to me... One can hope.) For us weirdos, bicycles can be lust objects... and that's OK.
Fundamentally, "Because I want to and I can" is all the reason that is required. (Assuming that the bike fits and you enjoy riding it.)
--Shannon
2) Frame quality and condition. The frame is the bicycle. Parts is parts.
3) Does this bike fit into a gap in the bikes you already have? The size of that gap, if it exists, isn't necessarily decisive. Sometimes, small differences loom large.
4) Does the bicycle make you want to own it? Never underestimate the power of the gotta... as in, "I gotta have it!" If, to pull an example out of thin air, you've always wanted a copper metallic mid-70s Raleigh International, and you find one in your size at a price you can afford, you buy it. (No, this has not yet happened to me... One can hope.) For us weirdos, bicycles can be lust objects... and that's OK.
Fundamentally, "Because I want to and I can" is all the reason that is required. (Assuming that the bike fits and you enjoy riding it.)
--Shannon
05-05-24, 11:26 PM
#30
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Actually, your premise of compromises that are needed doesn't apply to me. If I find the size I want, I build up from a frame and fork. It it comes with parts, I use the ones that I want and replace others. Color matters little to none to me.
Buying a complete bike new involves compromises, which is why I rarely (if ever) do that. Saddle, stem, handlebars, gearing, etc. are often not offered exactly as I want them to be.
Buying a complete bike new involves compromises, which is why I rarely (if ever) do that. Saddle, stem, handlebars, gearing, etc. are often not offered exactly as I want them to be.
Last edited by Camilo; 05-06-24 at 11:28 AM.
05-08-24, 11:49 AM
#31
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Hmmm. In order of priority.
First, it has to "speak to me", meaning it has to be something I'm going to want to ride. A lot.
Second, it has to be something distinguishable from what I already have.
Third, it has to fit. I've tried making a smaller bike fit and was not happy with the results.
Fourth, it has to be either in good enough condition that I don't need to do a lot of work on it, or cheap enough that I don't mind doing the work.
I already have more than enough bikes, so any other bike would have to be something very special for me to even consider it.
First, it has to "speak to me", meaning it has to be something I'm going to want to ride. A lot.
Second, it has to be something distinguishable from what I already have.
Third, it has to fit. I've tried making a smaller bike fit and was not happy with the results.
Fourth, it has to be either in good enough condition that I don't need to do a lot of work on it, or cheap enough that I don't mind doing the work.
I already have more than enough bikes, so any other bike would have to be something very special for me to even consider it.
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05-12-24, 12:15 AM
#32
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Most important:
1) Frame suitability. Step-through or bust, for me.
2) Frame size. Need a big one.
3) Frame quality, condition and appearance.
4) Cost to acquire and equip.
5) Parts compatibility with current stable.
Least important:
1) Fashionable branding.
2) Aero.
3) Hidden or disguised functionality.
4) Latest/greatest, with some exceptions.
5) Weight reduction extremes.
Not a flipper or collector, ok if others are.
1) Frame suitability. Step-through or bust, for me.
2) Frame size. Need a big one.
3) Frame quality, condition and appearance.
4) Cost to acquire and equip.
5) Parts compatibility with current stable.
Least important:
1) Fashionable branding.
2) Aero.
3) Hidden or disguised functionality.
4) Latest/greatest, with some exceptions.
5) Weight reduction extremes.
Not a flipper or collector, ok if others are.
Last edited by Fredo76; 05-12-24 at 12:42 AM. Reason: added least important
