Worth a purchase?

Palmer291

I've been looking for a while at getting a new road bike. Friend of the family has cropped up saying he's selling one as he hasn't got much time to ride any more, and has hardly ridden this particular bike.

Spec wise:

- Fred Williams frame (I think. Fred Williams are a local bike shop in our area).
- Campagnolo Mirage groupset
- Michelin Pro Race tyres
- Gipiemme T Quattro 30 s wheelset
- Look pedals
- Selle Italia Trans am saddle

Here are a couple of photos:




Originally bought for around £1100, asking for £500. Hardly any miles ridden on it either. Looks in good shape to me. Am going to head over to check it out one of the days this week but just wanted an external opinion as I'm a bit hopeless when it comes to brands/prices/spec of bikes...

cougie

If it doesn't fit you then it's no good.

Campag mirage was discontinued around 5 years ago I think

What is the frame made of ?

dawebbo

500 seems a bit pricey for this. I'd have thought around 350, assuming decent condition. Though I'd echo cougie - only IF it fits you, otherwise it's a bad deal regardless of price.

gabriel959

Looks like a very old bike. £300 to £350 sounds ok if it is in good condition, you will probably have to replace the tyres and possibly chain if its rusty if it has been stored for that long. Most important thing is that it fits you, you can buy a decent bike for £450 to £500 which will fit you so no point buying something that won't.

mfin

Still too much, I bought a s/h carbon planet x pro with full rival and askiums for £250 for a friend a few weeks back.

So £200 ish.

For £500 you could get a Carbon Team Boardman with Rival or something like that.

PLUS... Hold on... people are buying cycle to work gear, and will be selling the last bikes, 2014 models just releasing so more people buying and selling, people getting deals on new 2013 models and selling as well.

Monty Dog

The bike's about 10 years old so regardless of what was paid originally, it has very little residual value. The Gipiemme wheels are fairly heavy and not that reliable. Mirage is a tough, reliable groupset - I've had parts last 15 years plus, but it isn't Record. All considered, £300 would be a fair price given the age - for £500 you could get a 2-3 year old Planet-X or Boardman with carbon frame and current groupset, particularly as there's so many about

SoSimple

Is there a 'best' place to buy secondhand bikes from?

I periodically look on here and ebay but being of a shorter persuasion there never seems to be anything suitable!

kajjal

For £500 you can get a nice new 2013 bike in the sales. Second hand with a bit of patience you can do better. The bike in the photo's seems a poor deal for £500, even at £200 you would be gambling.

Calpol

Kajjal wrote:

For £500 you can get a nice new 2013 bike in the sales. Second hand with a bit of patience you can do better. The bike in the photo's seems a poor deal for £500, even at £200 you would be gambling.

I agree - £500 gets you much more than this. Its worth about £200 max in my view.

Palmer291

Ladies and gents, am I glad I came to you guys first! All of you are saying it's a raw deal, so I'll probably keep away from it. I've been eyeing up the Specialized Allez which weighs in at about £550, or like you said, 2nd hand probably much cheaper.

Appreciate this though, you've saved me from being out of pocket! Thanks!

napoleond

Anyone asking over 300 for this is chancing their arm!
I would pay 250 tops.

ugo.santalucia

+1 for 300...

smidsy

Fred's are a very good bike shop in Wolverhampton.

pitchshifter

Carbon seat stays, carbon forks, campagnolo...

£300+ all day long providing its in good nick..

I like it, you won't see many of them about unlike a planet x or a boardman..

t4tomo

^^^^plus one.

It may be old and look slightly dated having a straight toptube rather than sloping, but carbon stays suggests a decent quality frame.

chain and cassette look shiny suggesting little use, well cared for or both. Mirage was reasonable kit.

Much more individual then yet another Giant trek or specialized.

Jim C

^^^ agree. Its a nice frame. Carbon front fork and rear stays.
Mirage is fine. Wheels a bit heavy, but better than you ll get on any new 600 bike.

300 would be a steal
375 to 400 is still a good price imo.
You ll know its history and can test ride it too

mallorcajeff

Yep 250 on my mind no more. Way too old too.

smidsy

I would also add that Freds do not make frames to my knowledge.

Also that frame (with the red allu main frame and exposed carbon rear triangle, with distinctive brake bridge shape and forks) I have seen somewhere before, but I can not recall the maker.

I am sure it is someone elses frame with williams stickers on.