General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Who bought a used bike B4 a new one? Rss Feed  
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2012-05-02 9:01 AM

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Central Mass
Subject: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
Looking to get a bike this summer, using an old beater for the first 1 or 2 Sprints and if all works out well and I am as committed as I think I will be should I get a used tri bike or hold out longer for a new one.  The budget will probably be less than $1,000 and I have seen a number of possible bikes under $1K,  my concern is fit and what could be ready to wear out on a 5 or 6 year old used bike? Did you buy a used tri bike and did you regret it or did it work out?


2012-05-02 9:07 AM
in reply to: #4185759

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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I bought a used roadie and don't regret it at all. I've been bunny hopping over pot holes on it for three years now. I think it's foolish to buy a brand new bike. Assuming you know about fit..
2012-05-02 9:11 AM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I bought a used road bike from this site actually. Wanted to make sure I was into the sport before diving in. I spent $500 and was able to resell it the following year for $500... although I put about $150 into it, added a few things to my resale that I didn't have with the one I bought.
2012-05-02 9:15 AM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
Before i started tri's and duathlons, i got an Orbea Onix road bike used as my first bike. Loved the bike so much, i still have it now. Ride it from time to time.
2012-05-02 9:18 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

I picked up a used road bike and used it exclusively for two years before I got a new tri bike a month ago. I'll still use the road bike for group rides and riding in the mountains, and the tri bike when I'm on my own and don't have to deal with steep climbs.

I have no regrets with the used bike. I got it in awesome shape at a really good price and it has served me very well. It'd do it again without hesitation.

2012-05-02 9:34 AM
in reply to: #4185759

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Master
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Bolivia, NC
Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I bought a used bike off Craig's list and am enjoying it.  It's a Giant carbon frame that fits me well.  I'm not too flexible so I'm not sure that I'll ever buy a tri bike, but if I do it will probably be used also.


2012-05-02 10:14 AM
in reply to: #4185759

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Clio, MI
Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I bought a used road bike off Craig's List.  After doing a number of tris last year I decided I really wanted a tri bike.  Bought a used frame and fork off eBay and built it up my self (so its new-ish).  So far I have not been disappointed by either bike.


Edited by Squinky4 2012-05-02 10:15 AM
2012-05-02 10:18 AM
in reply to: #4185955

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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

Squinky4 - 2012-05-02 10:14 AM I bought a used road bike off Craig's List.  After doing a number of tris last year I decided I really wanted a tri bike.  Bought a used frame and fork off eBay and built it up my self (so its new-ish).  So far I have not been disappointed by either bike.

 

I'm in the same boat and was considering doing a bike build in lieu of getting a new or used bike (mainly to save money - but also because I'd rather spread a $1200 expense over some time rather than spend $500 on a cheap bike at once).  

 

How much did it end up running you?

2012-05-02 10:32 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I own 4 bikes - Tri, Road, Mtn, Touring - and have bought all of them used.
2012-05-02 10:37 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

I used the interwebz to do my own bike fit.  Took all the measurements and everything.  Took those numbers and bought a bike on craigslist for $700.  Rode it for a year and was absolutely miserable.  The next year the wheels wore out, so I bought a set of wheels for $500.  I also went and got fit on the bike.  $120 for the fit and another $100 for parts.  Other stuff was wearing at that point so I spent another $200 on chain/sprockets/cables/bar tape/etc.  Guess what..........bike is a 56 and fitter wanted to put me on a 58-60!!  So now I've got a goofy amount of spacers and long goofy stem and my seat is set at the absolute tallest level it can go. 

Looking back I could have spent that $1600 much much wiser on a new bike and proper bike fit.

2012-05-02 10:40 AM
in reply to: #4185964

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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
SurfingLamb - 2012-05-02 11:18 AM

 I'm in the same boat and was considering doing a bike build in lieu of getting a new or used bike (mainly to save money - but also because I'd rather spread a $1200 expense over some time rather than spend $500 on a cheap bike at once).  

 

How much did it end up running you?

In the end you don't really save money, but you do learn how a bike gets put together (which could save money in the long run if you do your own repairs).  I did it to have the cost spread over time, buying a few parts every month. 

Including tools, the frame, fork, and the rest of the components it was around $1700.  I went with a SRAM rival build with an upgraded crankset (found an awesome deal on a SRAM Red).  If you do go this route, I recommend competitive cyclist, they let you create build kits you can customize.



2012-05-02 11:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I bought a used Motobecane Nemesis off of Craigslist and am in love with it. If your budget is 1k and under I would highly suggest this bike. Check the classified list on this forum and slowtwitch, you should have no problem scoring a deal.
2012-05-02 11:55 AM
in reply to: #4186008

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Central Mass
Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
I have considered going the used frame self build route, still might.  There is a ton of information on dialing in the gears on-line but in the end it sounds like you don't end up saving much, like the other poster mentioned it just spread the $$$'s over time.  Is there a risk buying something sorta old? Wheel hub issues or wear you can't really see right off?
2012-05-02 12:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

I bought a used Orbea Onix off Ebay.  it was listed as having 500 mi on the frame, and was outfitted with full Dura Ace, and high end wheels and bars- which the listing claimed had a few more miles.

the frame was, indeed, pretty much new and immaculate.  the DA components however, probably had 20-30K mi on them.  I've needed to replace lots of pieces, get the hubs rebuilt, etc.  It has been a decent steed, but never shifted well.

I bought a new Felt B10 in the fall. 

Anyway- things to look at that wear out.  Chain and cassette- but they're no big deal and easy to replace.  Next:  Saddle.  Next:  Chainrings- look for sharktooth shapes.  that would indicate lots of wear.  Make sure the wheels are true and without major bumps and bruises.  Hubs- but once again, hubs are easy for a shop to refurb.  After that- cables.  After that- shifters (those get expensive), and then derailleurs. 

you can pick up parts and pieces usually pretty cheap on the classifieds here and over on slowtwitch. 

2012-05-02 7:53 PM
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2012-05-02 8:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

I bought a used road bike from craigslist and used it for three seasons of triathlon.  It's a size too big for me, but as I was primarily only using it for sprints and the occasional oly, it was fine.  I only paid $400 for, and I'm pretty sure I could get close to that if I decided to sell it.

I still have it, but have upgraded to a new p3 for triathlon events. 

 

 



2012-05-03 2:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
Used triathlon bike for $300; rode it for 2 years (2007 HHH on it).  Still have it; upgraded to a Roubaix once I decided the road bug had bitten me.
2012-05-03 4:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

My grandfather bought me a new road bike in 1988. It's the last new bike I've ever had. I've bought myself 3 bikes since then, all used. No regrets on any of them.

Did one frame-up mtb build. Spent a little more than a similar new bike, but ended up w/better components of my own choosing.

2012-05-03 4:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

Bought used Trek Carbon last year that was about 13 yrs old for $100, added another $100 for rubber etc. and good to go. Probably get it properly fitted this spring and I will be good to go.

I realize that it is my fitness and extra weight that is holding me back not the equipment I use. If I was in the running to win a race or 2 I might buy a new one otherwise it isn`t high on my priorities. 

2012-05-03 4:22 PM
in reply to: #4189130

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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
Used Trek Carbon for $100???  Wow,  you are my new hero!!!
2012-05-03 4:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
You have to ask yourself what your wallet can stand and are you liking the tri scene? How you feel about bike maitenance? Do you want to learn? Are you already usefull with most tools you will need?

Hinsight is also a great thing, if I'd known 4 years ago I'd be so addicted to endurance sport, i would have hit the credit card hard and bought/got fitted to a new bike.
I went used roadie, used tri, upgrade my used tri, then new. Overall a larger spend i would imagine.
I learned quite a bit and don't regret going through several used bikes, but the bike I got new is miles better fit/form/function than the used stuff.


2012-05-03 8:26 PM
in reply to: #4189169

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Central Mass
Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
Its not so much what the wallet can take its what my wife can take as far as my commitment to the sport.  I haven't done my first race yet and I am crazy about learning, training and wanting more so I will have to see what the first race or 2 brings then decide on the bike part.  The bike I have now is limiting me in speed and hills , its an very old 12 speed, down tube shifters and all. But I need to do a race or 2 before I can even justify it to myself.  I am feeling pretty hooked.
2012-05-03 9:26 PM
in reply to: #4189150

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Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?

PESawyer - 2012-05-03 3:22 PM Used Trek Carbon for $100???  Wow,  you are my new hero!!!

...unfortunately I am no faster on it...

2012-05-04 7:38 AM
in reply to: #4185759

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Southampton, Ontario
Subject: RE: Who bought a used bike B4 a new one?
As a rule I buy used for any new sport to ensure I like it. My used road bike didnt turn out well, new tires, a good clean out of the gummed up shifters and it was good to go. Unfortunately the frame cracked at the head tube so it now sits in the basement on the trainer. That said it still gave me a base line on what I wanted in my new bike.
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