New or Second-hand

[Rafreg]

Sorry I have started a few threads on here, but thought I would keep this topic separate. I am about to buy a bike to commute to work on. Now the trouble is do I buy brand new, or do I buy second-hand? Now I know some advantages and disadvantage of both new and second-hand, but I know I could alot better spec bike for my money if I bought second-hand. I don't have a problem buying second-hand, but am I missing an obvious point? Is there anything really important I need to look out for if buying second-hand

Many thanks

Gregg

 

[MacB]

I think the biggest thing about secondhand is how much you know about bike parts and how much you can do yourself maintenance wise. If you know enough, and have tools, then it's a good option, it's also a good option if you want to learn and invest in tools etc. But if you're just looking to save money then you need to buy carefully. Something may seem like a bargain but if you need to sort new tyres, cables, brake pads, bit of wheel truing, maybe the rims had it....suddenly the price has gone beyond what you could have bought a new bike for. This is a lot to do with how much we pay for parts, I reckon a self build, using new parts, costs as much as 50% more than buying a complete bike.

That said, I do it and thoroughly enjoy it, but I don't do it to save money and, when I make the inevitable errors in purchasing, re-selling the errors loses money as well. Personally I'd make a list that incorporates the intended use with the features/parts that will require, this should narrow down your search criteria. I'd consider:-

weight - are you bothered, do you have an upper limit?
frame material
tyre clearances
frame fittings- do you want to be able to mount mudguards, rack, etc
bars, controls and brakes - what type of each do you want
gears- how many and derailleur or hub gear, if hub gear how do you tension the chain
useage - are you trying for a one bike does all or a dedicated commuter, do you need lighting and, if so, what about a dynamo hub?

Lots of other things to consider but if you can find an off the peg model that matches your needs, then look for deals on last years model, that's probably the best bet, especially if it includes extras that you want like rack and guards.

 

[HLaB]

I prefer having the accurate knowledge of where a new bike has been and its maintenance history but as you say you get more spec for your money second hand. I guess it depends upon how much you are wanting to spend and what your expectations are. I've never bought second hand but I get the impression there's some stolen stuff out there to be avoided :-(

 

[APK]

Personally I think peolpe tend to over exagerate the "risk" of second hand, look through ebay/gumtree/small ads etc and there are loads of nearly new bikes bought by people thinking they will cycle to work etc, but have given up, if you can get one of these nearly new bikes for about 1/2 price you will have nothing to lose, if you don't like it you will recoup most of your cost when you sell on, if you like it and want to upgrade/have a different type of bike you can change at minimal cost.

Chose wisely, be careful, look at the ads for signs of a genuine owner, the give aways are no frame size stated, to me that raises alarm bells straight away, that is the most important thing when chosing, so if not stated then why not? look for signs of the bike being cared for.

Bikes are generally hard wearing and reliable, tyres etc, unless you are looking at top end stuff are cheap to replace, most maintenance is relatively simple.

I recently bought secondhand for me and my son, my son loves his, but I will probably be selling mine on again soon, as I think the frame may be slightly small for me ( and I want a better bike!) but having done 200 miles in a month, if I lose £50 I won't complain for the fun I have had, had I spent £600 on a new bike, and was looking at maybe £400 now, I would be gutted.

 

[al-fresco]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a secondhand bike - though I'd want to pick it up in person and pay in cash. I've bought some great cheap bikes that way, rode them for years and wasn't too worried about anything happening to them. I would only buy new if I couldn't find what I wanted secondhand.

Having said that there is something nice about a brand new bike and it's nice, sometimes, to just get what you want without having to accept a compromise.

 

[APK]

I think for new riders a good second hand bike is ideal, once you know what you want, and how serious a rider you will be, then I am sure new would be best so you can get the exact spec etc, and as you say, there is always something special about a new car/bike whatever.

 

[mightyquin]

I got back into cycling this year and my first thought was to buy new. Like you I found this forum and asked for advice, lots of which was to get a better spec bike by buying s/h.

I decided on a single speed bike, so I had the advantage of less stuff to worry about, but still preferred the idea of buying new, until I put a bid on a bike I found on ebay and unexpectedly 'won' it. Turns out I got a cracking bargain so it's all good. I still had to spend a bit of money to refresh it with new bar tape, saddle, brake levers (not entirely necessary) and stuff to give it a good clean/lube but that would be needed for any bike.

If you can get a newish s/h bike, and the price is good then go for it. MacB has pointed out some of the stuff that you need to take into consideration. Also bike shops usually provide a free first service, and if you don't know some basic mechanics you will probably want to have a s/h bike serviced after you buy it, so factor that cost in.

Buying off the classifieds on one of the forums seems the best idea, as you'll buy from an (hopefully!) honest enthusiast.

 

[Rafreg]

Thanks all!

 

[Herzog]

Not sure how applicable this is as you're after a commuting bike, but if you are tempted to go for a second hand carbon bike, make sure you check the frame over properly. Damage is not always immediately obvious.