Dawes Bandit - Second Hand

[Lazy-Commuter]

Mrs-LC was out and about last week with the Little-LCs and passed a bike hire centre who were advertising their "end of season" sale. They had some Dawes Bandits, which are the the ideal size for elder Little-LC to graduate on to: 24" wheels, 13" frame.

Mrs-LC had a quick chat with the guy about price .. he said they were "about 200 quid new" (which checks out with what I found on the Dawes website) and that they were aiming to sell them for around £120.

That seemed rather a lot for second-hand to me. I think these will all have been used for this year alone, so are under a year old, but will no doubt have been used pretty hard in that time: dropped, ridden into trees and all that.

He said they would give be given a service, consumables replaced, and come with a 6 month warranty plus the usual "bedding-in" service after a month or two .. which of course counts for something. Obviously, I can check chain wear, brakes and all the basic stuff so not overly worried there but I would appreciate opinions on the bike itself and how second hand values typically compare to new.

I had a look on Ebay trying to get a feel for second hand prices but feel like I'm trying to compare apples with oranges, priced in bananas.

 

[chris667]

It depends on how good you are at working on bikes.
If you aren't interested in servicing bikes and/or don't wish to acquire tools for the job, then they're worth it.
On the other hand, if you were happy to fix bikes you'll get them cheaper in other places.
I have to say, though, £120 is quite a lot. Are there any bike recycling projects near you? Any responses to an ad in your local club magazine?

 

[Garz]

I would be happy to barter with the shop and knock em down to £100. Alternatively ditch the services and warranty and see if they will take anything lower. You can only ask mate!

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Thanks for the replies.

Chris, for servicing I can do basic stuff: replace chain, cables, brake blocks, do adjustments and so on. Anything more complex than that goes to my LBS. I guess I will gradually learn to do more, but am a bit ham-fisted.

Garz, oh yes, Mrs-LC will barter!! I was just trying to see if we were in the right ballpark is all. It seemed high to me, even if I can get it down to a ton, but I wasn't sure if I was just being unduly optimistic.

Will also try the other routes you suggest, Chris. Cheers both.

 

[Ivan Ardon]

A quick google shows the Bandit selling for £165 new, so 120 after a summer's abuse seems high.

Are you sure you want one of these anyway? Front suspension and 6 x 3 gears are unnecessary on a kids bike and add extra weight and complication.

Although an Islabike would be a better prospect, they are expensive and sell for big money second hand (which could be a good or a bad thing depending on if you're buying or selling).

However, the Carrera Subway 24 is a very close copy of an Islabike (and appeared in the Carrera range whilst Isla was doing some design work for Halfords - draw your own conclusion). I bought one for my daughter and it's been excellent. It's got no suspension, a very light hybrid frame, mudguards, road tyres and a wide spaced 7 speed cassette. She fair flies on it. They're not common, but definitely worth consideration.