Brand New or Used?

snakemc

Hi all, I'm totally new to Bikes but very keen to get invloved in Road Biking. Hopefully a Triathlon or 2 in the summer and basically a way to get fit in general. I've managed to save so far £500 but just don't no what is best to go for in terms of Make, Model ect. Locally I have been to a few shops looking for a new bike within my budget but there seems to be a massive step in terms of quality
from the

:arrow: £450 Trek 1.1 to the £600 Trek 1.2
and,
:arrow: £475 Giant Defy 4 to the £625 Giant Defy 3

So I am considering waiting and saving up for one of these better models, but, with wanting to get out on the roads in the next couple of weeks and start training - thinking that maybe it's best to buy an even better spec bike second hand??? In the shops i've been to they always seem to point me to bikes they have in store (not suprisingly), but just wanted a bit of help on this and what you think?
New £400 model now? New £600 model later? or Used?

Slow Downcp

Welcome to the forum!

If you're fairly clued up, for £500 you'll get a lot more bike second hand. But if you don't know what you're looking for then it could be an expensive mistake. Fit is important, so again if you don't know what size etc then buying from a LBS is invaluable.

I'd suggest visiting as many shops as possible to start with, sit on a few bikes and use their knowledge.

nochekmate

Slow Downcp wrote:

Welcome to the forum!

If you're fairly clued up, for £500 you'll get a lot more bike second hand. But if you don't know what you're looking for then it could be an expensive mistake. Fit is important, so again if you don't know what size etc then buying from a LBS is invaluable.

I'd suggest visiting as many shops as possible to start with, sit on a few bikes and use their knowledge.

All good advice and I would go 'used' - lot more bike for your money and condition may be as new anyway.

snakemc

Thanks
Wouldn't buy off the net second hand without seing it first and checking the size is right for me. But I am deffinalty worried about an expensive mistake incase I buy a bike that requires a lot of work doing to it....... :?

nochekmate

I have both bought & sold off the net ie. on sites like this and on eBay etc

Most bikes have more than exceeded my expectations on receipt because most cyclists are decent people! Ask enough questions to ensure that it is what you want etc or if you have a knowledgeable friend, get them to give it a look over if you are paying cash on collection.

I've bought a Trek Madone 5.0 for just £600 in the past and indeed at one stage bought a Specialized Roubaix Elite for £450! Both were in very good condition (sometimes a seller may not know what it's worth secondhand)

These are considerably better than your 'new price' options.