Anyone ever buy a used bike?

I bought a used QR Kilo from a tri club member. It was practically brand new. He never got adjusted to riding aero despite many times to the LBS for fitting. His back just wouldn't let him ride aero for more than a few miles so he rarely used the bike.

Look for dents, dings, beat up components, wheels out of true by more than a small amount, excess dirt/grime, etc. Also be sure the bike is not too large or small - i.e., if you're 5 feet tall, don't get a 58" bike, conversely if you're 6 feet tall, don't get a 48" frame. Fit can be adjusted only so much.

That sounds like a pretty good deal. 

You really need to know what size you are looking for. 

I've bought two bikes via Ebay. 

Go to your LBS and inspect one of their bikes before you do this on the used one.  (It'll give you a reference point. )   

2005 is new enough that you shouldn't have problems with degraded rubber and I think the 1000 was all aluminum. 

Look for dings in the aluminum (forks, chainstays, seatstays, top tube, down tube, handlebars, and seat post)

Look for cracks at all of the joints (might take it to the LBS for an inspection for this). 

Spin the wheels.  Do they wobble (left-right or up-down)?  Do they spin freely?  Look over the rims and look for broken spokes. 

Lift the front wheel off the ground and turn the handlebars/fork left-right.  Does it rotate easily?  Does the fork slide up/down in the head tube?  Look at the gaps between the rear wheel and the chainstays and then the seatstays for misalignment. 

Look at the derailleurs.  Are they scratched, bent, or loose?  Check the rear derailleur hanger too.  Look at the brake calipers.  Do they return to a centered position after applying the brakes? 

Shift up/down through the gears and squeeze the brakes.  Do these controls feel smooth?  How easily does the crank rotate? 

Finally, look over the paint.  Any places where the paint is chipped or rubbed off? 

chosen,

I just bought a closeout Javelin Sizzano yesterday and they still have a couple models left but only in small sizes.  Not sure what size you need but it may be worth the phone call to them.  $449 + $30 shipping is a great price for an entry level tri bike.

most people seem to be happy with them and for the price and 105 components, it's hard to beat.  not sure about the size, maybe someone else can answer that..

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=106063&posts=524&highlight=javelin&highlightmode=1#M1562618

Bought a used Felt B12 tri-bike, turned out much better then the New road bike I bought before that.

The key to buying used or new is to know exactly what you're after - do the research.  Know how to check the bike - at the very least take it for a decent ride and run through all the gears front & back, check the brakes, etc.

Congrats! Enjoy your new treasure. I bought my bike used (Felt) but I knew the owner and where she bought the bike. I'm still riding it 4 years later.