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| *Vultures Knob>>>Road Bike |
Making a purchase on a MTB bike, preferably used.? |
Hello, I'm looking for a used bike in the price range of $300-500.00, I've heard from people here on Yahoo Answers that they've had to resell their bikes valued at thousands for next to peanuts; a price I'd be willing to pay as a BEGINNER. That doesn't mean that two, three or four years down the road, when my bike has been overridden, I won't be purchasing a new bike. Against the better judgement of just about a unanimous group of bike aficianados here, I've decided against making a purchase on a $170.00 Jeep Comanche Tsi bike, something that looks like (or probably is) out of a Costco catalogue, another word for cheap, ineffective scrap. Here's my favored options: Craigslist.com (look in my area [Ottawa] and Toronto area) Ottawa Police Department, my local PD, for auctions on bikes. Lastly, a bikeshop... because their prices will naturally be higher than the above two, which will give me less availability. So, where should I buy a good used MTB? Thanks a bunch. Craigslist should do. I can ususally find the bike I want to buy within a day. In my area there are tons of bikes there. Craigslist is awesome for buying a used bike. My first recommendation is to ride whatever you want to buy and know what's comfortable to you. I've actually refused selling my used bikes to people because they were obviously not a good fit for the person. Better to turn a customer away than sell them something they won't be happy with in a week. If you know what size of bike is right for you then you can certainly weed out what will and won't work on craigslist. Also check with your local bike retailers. Many of them will have a bulletin board for used bikes...9 time out of 10 those will be repeat customers of the bike shop and you'll have a pretty good idea of what kind of bike you'll be getting into... If you are looking for a starter bike comb thru the classifieds for a used Specialized, Gary Fisher, Giant, Santa Cruz. For what its worth I picked up a Diamond Back Outlook on the cheap for my first bike...it was a year old leftover at Dicks Sports. Not the most elite bike in the world...but it was a great durable starter. I've graduated to level 2 now with an entry level Specialized Hard Rock Disc...that I'm loving!!! Also you might pick up a MTB magazine and browse thru reviews. Research older copies at the library for reviews on exact make and model you might be consider buying. Good luck in your hunt for a new ride. Try Pinkbike - at least it is bike specific. Visiting craigslist is sometimes like visiting all the garage sales in your neighbourhood - you might find the perfect ride, but you will have wasted a month of riding while you searched. Pinkbike's buy/sell section has search functions for the area you are looking - Ottawa seemed to have a limited, but quality selection. Alberta is crazy-huge - guess with the economy, every second rider is upgrading this year. As Jeremy posted, know what brands you would be interested in and what size you will want. Find out if it has been regularly serviced at a bike shop. Check with the staff there - chances are they will know the owner and the bike - and can give you an idea if it is worth your cash - and if it needs any TLC. http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/... Get a 19" [Sz Lg] -- I've been following your quest as I got completely caught up in the bike business this last year....1st,you can learn a lot on ebay as the sellers offer a lot of detailed descriptions AND ANSWER QUESTIONS! Secondly: Go to PAWN SHOPS -- it's winter -- good prices; same at bike shops [winter+low$ on Used bikes]. BOTH will let you ride. You'll have fun and learn as you go! You'll also end up with 3 times better bike if you take my advice and for less money!. You'll also get to know the bike shop people who'll you'll deal with in the future! Pay less on First bike! Check out wheels on ebay too -- you need to know a little about what your looking at! It's sneaky -- everything says "Shimano" so dig in and enjoy the learning, but don't hole up on the PC -- visit those shops! ha! Good Luck, Greg |
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