New or Used bike

[mph]

Ok...besides saving a few hundred dollars...What are the pros and cons to buying a used bike versus new. I am looking at a Fisher Rig SS new and one used. I like the fact that the bike has a lifetime warranty--only if I buy new. The used one is a few hundred dollars cheaper.

Thoughts? Advice? Experience?

 

[RHINO]

the only other reason to buy used that i can think of is to get a model not offered anymore.

 

[Christophe Noel]

A singlespeed is a slightly safer bet due to less complexity. With the Rig, the question would be the fork. How many hours of use on the fork? A good fork these days seems to last a season or two of good use before it's ready for a rebuild. A good rebuild can run $100. I'd also look at the tires. A good pair of tires is $85. So, if it needs those two things...new looks that much better.

 

[eugene]

I bought used because I wanted to learn how to do the maintenance and I didn't want to screw up a nice shiny new bike. If I ruined the wheel bearing on a $150 used bike then its not that big of a deal.

 

[AFSOC]

I bought used because I had $1500 bike tastes but $500 budget. As little as I ride lately, I should have bought a $500 bike for $150.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Over on mtbr, there have been quite a few complaints of weak Fisher frames. Seems like those aluminum frames like to crack. For this reason, I'd buy new, unless you're getting a super sweet deal on the used bike. In which case, you can switch it out for a REAL bike frame aka made of steel.

 

[mph]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I will be the new one.

Much appreciated.

Mike

 

[Cackalak Han]

There is Wild Rose in SLC that has some pretty good prices on Gary Fishers. Also, check out Rockhopper SL SS 29ers. I actually like the geo on the Specialized a little bit better.

Plus, The Lung won the National SS with a Rockhopper.

http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage...deo/347916-Ned-Overend-Wins-SS-National-Title

 

[Mr. D]

the last 2 bikes I have owned were used:

an old gt Zaskar was given to me which I rode for 2 years and it was worn out when I got it from my friend that is 6' 2" and I am 5'7". It was too big for me so I gave it to another friend and he is still riding it.

I bought a full suspension 2004 trek on craig's list 1 year ago which I am currently riding and it is in need of some love but at least it is still getting me out on the trail.

If I had the money I would go new, but buying used allows you to get a full suspension vs maybe only being able to afford a nice hardtail

good luck

 

[Cackalak Han]

but buying used allows you to get a full suspension vs maybe only being able to afford a nice hardtail

Sounds like you've got some reading to do. :sombrero:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47480

Some of us choose to ride hardtails, and some with only one gear.

 

[IdaSHO]

I ride primarily road. For road bikes, I wont ride anything but a steel bike. The newest Ive got is 37 years old.:sombrero:

But a steel bike will last you forever. I can load mine down and it will never wear out the frame. Not the case for some of the newer frame materials. Aluminum fatigues, and it is tough to find a GOOD carbon fiber without selling off body parts to finance the purchase.

Interesting to think about today's new bikes, 40-50 years from now. Id venture to guess than most will be in the landfill. And Ill still have my old steel frame bike. :bike_rider: