So you're looking for a new bike. Like most folks out there you want to make sure you get the most bike for your buck. You've been to the local bike shop and checked out their offerings, and are pretty stoked, but the model you want is a bit beyond your means. They also have a few used bikes, which sparks the idea that maybe going with something used might be the ticket to getting that higher end spec without throwing down quite so much dough.
The lure of used bikes is often tempting, but used bikes can come with hidden catches. Worn drivetrains, stressed and fatigued components, and even hairline frame cracks can often be overlooked. Presentation plays a big part in a buyers decision, and for most people, a clean bike with a good spec at a fraction of the original purchase price seems like a good deal, but this often ends in disaster.
Here's a good example of what I'm talking about: Last year one of the shop regulars bought a used bike. He was originally looking at a mid-level bike, but found a "good deal" on a used higher end version. Sucked in by the prospect of having the high end version he bought the bike. Unfortunately, straight out the gate there were problems. Even though the bike was only a year old, it had been ridden lots and ridden hard by the previous owner. Within the first week he was already 3 figures deep in repair costs, and as time went by the number multiplied many times over. A year later, his repair costs alone were almost equal to what he paid for the bike, and combined, significantly higher than what he would have paid for a brand new bike.
Beyond the product itself, there are a couple other things that can add value to a new bike. The manufacturers warranty on most cycling products applies only to the original owner, and while genuine flaws covered by warranty have reduced in recent years (manufacturing and engineering has improved significantly), warranty claims are still something we deal with regularly. All new bikes sold from Blacks (and most shops) come with a year of free labour. It's inevitable, your bike will need adjusting, fixing, and tuning down the road, and buying a new bike will help ease the pain for at least that first year. If you're a faithful customer (and maybe bring in a case of beer every once in a while), you might find yourself at the receiving end of some discounts down the road as well. These three factors can add up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
The final thing to consider when looking at a used bike is the actual value of a used bike. The technology found on bikes in almost every category is constantly improving, and what was high end only a couple years ago is often commonplace on mid-price point bikes today. What this means is that when you're doing your price comparison, you need to look at what it would cost to buy bikes with the equivalent ride quality, not just spec level. What the young man in the example earlier failed to realize, is that despite the fact the used model he was buying was the high end version, the new mid-level version of that bike was actually lighter, stronger, and more durable than the older high end model. In short, the new mid-level bike is a better bike than the older, high-end model.
While there are some great deals out there, it often takes a skilled and discerning eye to catch them. A good bike shop should be able to help with this. Most shops, including Blacks, will do a quick check over of a used bike at no charge, and will be more than willing to provide you with their two cents, including a quick comparison of what your options are for new bikes at the same price. This way, you can make a solid, informed decision on how to best spend your money.
