voz

I am looking to get into road biking as a side to my running passion. I am only a teenager with no current source of income so I have a budget of about $900 Canadian (with tax) although I have no problem potentially buying used. I found a Nocro Valence A Claris 2018 on sale at a local shop for $750, usually $1100 in-store ($1000 on Nocro website). Is this a good bike and well priced? If not, any suggestions?

The bike - I can't post links yet (too low of a level but the bike is on a store site called "browns sports" in Toronto)

One final question... When is the best time to buy a new bike (i.e. best sales)?

Sorry for the newbie questions....
voz

seypat

If you buy one that's 1 or 2 years old you will get more for your money. I'm sure others will chime in with specific models.

voz

Any ideas for places to look for used bikes in Canada? I've been scouring Kijiji but haven't anything suitable yet. Craigslist isn't super popular in Canada. Any ideas?

noglider 

Where are you? kijiji really should turn up a few good bikes.

Brad Bike

This! I found my 2012 Felt on Craigslist for a great price. Rides really well, great condition overall, extremely lightweight with aero handlebars A comparable new bike would have cost 2 or 3 times as much. The secret is being patient and waiting for the right bike to turn up online.

voz

Toronto area.

Elvo

https://www.randombikeparts.com/prod...859703e6&_ss=r

wipekitty

I would have a look at the FB Marketplace - quite a bit of selling activity seems to happen there these days. In Wisconsin, there's a whole group for buying/selling higher-end road bikes and parts.

It's possible that some of your local bike shops may have used bikes, possibly on consignment. They might also know folks in the local clubs who are looking to upgrade and hence selling off a current bike.

runnergoneridin

^^^^^ This

Get on craigslist or facebook marketplace, or the classifieds here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a used bike. What's nice is you'll most likely buy one with little to no use, and it will be tuned up very well - but at half the original cost.

Hope this helps.

Kimmo

I scored a total weapon for au$600, twelve years old but with only a season or two worth of wear on it, which retailed for au$8.5k. Sold the 7800 groupset off it for $560 on eBay.

Online classifieds.

noodle soup

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/list/?category=26

WhyFi

I'll be the lone voice of (mild) dissent - knowledge is often more important than patience when looking for a great deal on a used bike and you wouldn't be here if you had that kind of knowledge already. Buying a used bike might score you a great deal, but it might also get you a poor fitting bike, one that needs some tuning, one that needs replacement wear items (tires, cassette, chain, shift/brake cables, etc), or all of the above. These kinds of things can quickly turn a bargain in to a poor value.

I would think that your budget and metro location would get you a more than serviceable bike at a shop, be it a used/trade-in, floor model or previous year closeout. More importantly, it'll should get you the benefit of someone knowledgeable. Visit a few shops, talk to the employees about your needs and budget and see what they have to recommend. If you don't feel like they're really listening to you, thank them for their time and leave. If they're attentive to what you're saying and can offer something that'll meet your needs within your budget, strongly consider it.

Kimmo

Yeah, if you're gonna buy used, you should borrow someone's expertise...

ussprinceton

try CraigsList

alcjphil

Asking a bunch of questions when you are new is a very good idea. What I take issue with is that you open a new thread for each new question. Makes it difficult to follow your thought process. I have had to look at multiple threads to try and figure out where you are going. Honestly, my head is spinning trying to follow your timeline. Is this question newer than the last question you asked? Was it older? You seem to be fixated on the idea of racing in the future. Don't look at road bikes with 10 speed cassettes unless you want neutral support cars that only have 11 speed wheels to be unable to help you. Doesn't matter if the bike you look at is a dedicated race bike, many races have been won on good bikes that were designed for less competitive events. A bike designed for criterium racing would fare badly at Paris Roubaix. For a newcomer, a bike designed for Cyclosportifs,(Gran Fondos) is an excellent beginner's race bike. These are the sort of bikes pros use for races like the cobbled classics.

yamsyamsyams

Check out the decathlon branded bikes - great value!