Buying an older used road bike?
07-16-21, 01:34 PM
#26
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Condition is everything. Age is just a number.
Older bike with higher spec components vs. brand new bike that's down a tier in the specs? Doesn't make much difference, assuming the older one is in perfect condition. Between these two, I'd choose the one with the color I prefer.
If there is some minor wear on the older bike, it's still a pretty close comparison, with the scales starting to tip in favor of the new bike.
If there is significant wear or damage, pass it up in favor of the new one. You don't want to deal with someone else's worn out stuff just so you can get a higher level of components; you want to wear it out yourself.
Older bike with higher spec components vs. brand new bike that's down a tier in the specs? Doesn't make much difference, assuming the older one is in perfect condition. Between these two, I'd choose the one with the color I prefer.
If there is some minor wear on the older bike, it's still a pretty close comparison, with the scales starting to tip in favor of the new bike.
If there is significant wear or damage, pass it up in favor of the new one. You don't want to deal with someone else's worn out stuff just so you can get a higher level of components; you want to wear it out yourself.
07-16-21, 01:36 PM
#27
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you ARider2. This is a good point about cost of repairs on the Di2. I'll keep that in mind. These shortages are a real pain! Hope we get beyond this period!
07-16-21, 01:40 PM
#28
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks fishboat. Great suggestions! This might be a good time for the used bike market, but know what you're buying, and buy local, so you can test ride. All great pieces of advice!
07-16-21, 03:04 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
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Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel
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Yup, I have Di2 and had to plunk down $299 (prior to the supply chain issues) for a new rear derailleur that failed without warning, after about 14,000 miles. But they were hard miles in rain, gravel, and winter slush. Make sure to factor in the $0.02 per mile depreciation when buying used, and that's just for the one derailleur.
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07-16-21, 06:56 PM
#30
Senior Member
If I were new to riding and had $2000 to spend on a road bike, I would try to spend $1000 on a road bike(so likely used). Ride it a bunch, figure out what you like and dislike, then eventually sell it and buy something that better matches whatever you prioritize now that you have experience.
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