New Vs Used

roswell

Hi All,

Have just started getting into MTBing and am looking at buying a new bike. I have a budget of about £400-450.

I have tried out a friends Rockhopper which I really liked but it is obviously too expensive to buy new, so I have been looking at the Hardrocks as an alternative which I also quite like (but no as much as the Rockhopper!). My problem is I am not sure whether to go for a new Hardrock (heavy, cheaper components, different looks) or risk buying a second hand Rockhopper.

I would be a bit concerned about buying second hand in case I bought a lemon that needs lots of money spent on it but I can't argue with the savings on a more expensive bike. Anyone got any opinions or advice re buying second hand over new or new over second hand?

Failing all the above is there another bike for my price (new) that people would recommend?

Many thanks in advance.
R

LoUiS1985

buying new from an LBS you get after sales care and a warranty with the bike which is always very useful.
Buying second-hand, as you mentioned, there are some savings to be made and bargains to be had, depends how much you want/need the warranty and how much maintenance you feel you can do yourself?

mac_man

Just bought a 2nd hand Rockhopper... and yes there are bargains to be had.

It was in mint condition, hardly ridden. Only problem I've found so far is the hydraulic brakes need bleeding as they're a bit spongy.

But considering 2010 Hopoers now start in the £700 range I reckon I got a bargain at £340.

The other alternative is scouring the online stores for a good deal. Downside is that you won't get the chance to try the bike. But the savings can be considerable... you can get 25 - 40% off new, effectively making them 2nd hand prices. But I've not seen many Spesh's with those sort of discounts. Wiggle did have a Giant Yukon full suspension for £420, which seemed a bargain.

roswell

Thanks for the responses.

I reckon I will be able to undertake a certain amount of maintenance myself though by no means everyhting, though I think I have already picked up a lot from this website. There are some pretty good bike shops around here though (nr Swinley forest) if needs be.

At the moment I don't think a warranty is massivly important as long as the frame is okay and not damaged in any way - I guess all other components are replaceable (I say that now of course!!).

What are people's experience of buying second hand? Other than what is on here about buying second hand is there anything else people would suggest looking for? Are there any good classifieds to look at for bikes (other than ebay or gumtree).

Mac man. I take it you purchased the bike that was advertised on here? If so congrats. I was looking at it but the 19" frame is a better fit for me otherwise I would have jumped at it as well!

Just want to take this opportunity to say what a great site this seems to be. I have been lurking for a while now!

weeksy59

i bought a s/h HArdrock sport disc09 early this year for £200. HAd been used about 4 times to go to the shops and back. Bargain. No issues/problems for me.

All-rounder malli

I bought a second hand kona scrap about a year ago, and it has taken hammering after hammering in my local trails in bristol. After this experience i am going to buy second hand again and get a full-susser, but yes roswell always get a better bike second-hand than a worse one new.
That's how i see it in my eyes anyway.

Just make sure you give her a little test ride before you buy.

mac_man

roswell wrote:

Mac man. I take it you purchased the bike that was advertised on here? If so congrats. I was looking at it but the 19" frame is a better fit for me otherwise I would have jumped at it as well!

Yep.. that was the one. Good job my lad is shorter than you

He's well chuffed with it. Although it's now got more scratches on it in one day's use than it did in 9 months under its previous owner :oops: