2nd Hand buying

Notnormal
Notnormal Posts: 132
edited June 2008 in MTB buying advice
I'm in the market for a trail bike. Probably a spesh stumpjumper. My budget says I should go for the comp or elite but I could get the expert or pro if I buy 2nd hand. Is it worth the risk? what sort of non visible damage might there be on frames and are warranties transferable if I get the original proof of purchase? Anyone got experiences good or bad of 2nd hand buying?

Comments

  • Just be aware bikes don’t last. chain, cassettes, chain rings, mechs, bb, brake pads, tyres all where out very quickly. The hole drive train goes eventually. Suspension tend to need a overhaul every 100 hours of riding. Suspension bearings fail in time and cost a fortune. To me a used bike is next tow worthless for good reason. If you want to actually use your bike go new or a used bike that is virtually new and you can verify its good. Its best if you can get it to your local bike shop and ask how much it would cost to sort to as new as possible level. You may be shocked as to what they say on a bike that may on the face of it looks good. I know some one who got a set of Totem forks off ebay that were virtually new and had all the paperwork. Yet they still cost over £170 to sort them. If your tight on cash I would look at other bikes than the stumpy. I think best value at the moment are probably the giants.
  • grantway
    grantway Posts: 1,430
    One draw back is the warranty has with most bikes are not transferable.
    Unless the warranty card or the bike has not been logged in on the owners
    name.

    Probaly best to wait for the 09 models to come in and grab a 08 bargain.
  • Notnormal
    Notnormal Posts: 132
    grantway wrote:
    Probaly best to wait for the 09 models to come in and grab a 08 bargain.

    A very good idea but I don't have a mtb at all at the moment and nice weather days like today are killing me!! Am I right in thinking 09 models come out around September?
  • 0jj
    0jj Posts: 22
    Im in the same postion as yourself.
    I was considering getting a 2nd hand bike.
    I see a Stumpjumper Expert 08 on gumtree that the guy had up for
    £1000 and was all set to buy it until i found out that the warrantys
    are'nt transferrable.
    At this sort of money i figured i may as well add a few quid and go new
    for peace of mind.
    And after speaking to a few bike shops today it does appear that the 09
    models will be out around September time.