Which used bikes to consider?

mstrmind5 · April 2016

animal72 · April 2016

1. Make sure it fits
2. Make sure you like the look of it
3. If you're commuting all year, get proper mudguards, and consider how you'll carry your stuff

bendertherobot · April 2016

It's a great list but sadly a bit worthless because of how eBay works. That CAAD10 disc, for example, will go for £800-£1000 or so.

Why eBay? You may get a bargain but almost certainly not.

So, what's your actual budget?

And, as stated, it needs to fit, there's a very random selection of sizes in there.

smmjrr · April 2016

Like you I started cycling about a year ago was not sure if I would like it, did not want to spend a fortune I was looking on ebay as there is a pretty good selection, I would try before you buy I waited and got a year old bike locally that had only been used twice, try to get best components you can, if you cannot try actual bike at least try a bike to see what size you require, best I can offer, Steve

mstrmind5 · April 2016

Well for size, I'm 6', so I'm typically on the boundary between sizes for a lot of these bikes, and from the geometry and sizing charts there can be a little variation in comparative sizing across the selection I've made.Others are there as a price gauge to see what they are selling for. My budget is £300 - £500. I could go a little higher if I wanted, but the bike, specs and condition would have to be worth it.

Mudguards and pick-up costs have been factored in, I'll be using a backpack to carry my stuff with me.

These are from the Uk ebay site.

Ignoring these specific listings, how do some of the models fare. Giant Defy 2 or 1, Cannondale CAAD10 or synapse 105 disc, Boardman CX team or Team Carbon or Alloy or Scott Solace 30.

Thanks.

thepeginator · April 2016

Animal72 wrote:

1. Make sure it fits
2. Make sure you like the look of it
3. If you're commuting all year, get proper mudguards, and consider how you'll carry your stuff

Good advise.

Also, I'd consider look at local ads like gumtree, facebook groups like 'cycle buy/swop/sell' and classifieds on forums like this and others. You can haggle for a price you can afford rather than getting caught in a bidding war, and most people - particularly the ones on cycle forums - are like minded and helpful people.

I'd definitely find something local you can go and sit on. Honestly - the bike fitting you is 100% the most important factor in buying any bike.

mstrmind5 · April 2016

For example, of these listings, which is the better bike?

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1967227/
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1962056/
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1958531/

And typically how much can you haggle down the price?

thepeginator · April 2016

They would all be a good bike. The differences between them aren't enormous and probably won't be hugely noticeable, especially if it's your first bike. The biggest difference to the feel of a bike comes when you change the wheels usually.

In terms of price it depends where the starting price is, if it's low to start with you probably can't haggle much.

Try and find one you can go and ride to make sure you feel comfortable on it and it fits you. Fit is 100% the most important aspect of buying a bike. Even better, if you can go to a shop and get fitted, although I know the cost implications mean this isn't a possibility to everyone.

Which used bikes to consider?

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