Used bike: Bicycle Blue Book vs. reality

The blue book price is what I used for my reference both times I bought a used bike.  If the seller bought a stock bike and never did any up-grades, then the value in the blue book (or a little less) is what I would be willing to pay.  If they have done up-grades or are throwing in extras (i.e. deep dish wheels, pedals and bike shoes, power meter, hydration system, bike computer, etc.)  Then the blue book price will be under value.

I use BBB as a good resource for pricing bikes.  Bikes are typically priced significantly over their market values, from what I can tell.  You can also get on eBay and see what bikes of that model have been going for.

And, as always, if you have time to wait, you'll find a good deal.  Got the tri bike on eBay, and the road bike on Craigslist.

When you made your offers, did you reference the blue book? If not, you might want to (I'm willing to pay $x, which is what bicycle blue book says . . .). That at least lets the seller know where you're coming from. He might counter or explain why that price is no good. Or he might end up taking your offer.

I sold my 2013 Felt B12 this past summer.  I used BBB for the initial guide in pricing then added $ based on the upgrades over OEM and bargaining headroom.  Sold it pretty much for what it was worth based on BBB + upgrades.