Dilemma - Being an ethical buyer

[VicanZA]

I've been advised many times to rather get a second hand bike than buy a new one - and it makes sense - that I'll get more bang for my buck - don't need anything fancy.

Now I'm not sure about the sizing of the bike I need, currently riding a rigid 18" - after getting more confident on the bike - it feels about right - still leaning a bit too much on the handlebars but I think it's also bad posture and lack of core strength on my part.

 

I get that my LBS will assist with correct fit and sizing advice IF i'm buying a bike from them, but if I want to buy a second hand one? It would be rather dodge of me to go to a bike store to get the sizing and not buy the bike from them?

 

I was at a skills clinic over the weekend and the guy think I should be on a smaller bike, I've had others tell me I should be on a bigger bike - *confused*

 

based on pure height and leg measurements - i should be on a 16?

 

Going to a specialised fit place like cycle fit - you need to have a bike first and they adjust it - but if the frame size is wrong there's not much you can do right?

 

thoughts?

 

Look up

ryan butterworth physiotherapist, he does bike fits speak to him before buying.

[Uni]

 

(PS: Ethics have no place on the Hub. Get rid of them now, or forever be a noob.)

 

I do hope that's just in jest ....

 

Lot's of good advice - I think I'll start with my LBS - be upfront and honest with them - and see what they have for me within my budget - it's probably true that I don't know enough to hit the 2nd hand market on my own.

Once basic frame size is sorted I'll go for the fit - tired of sore shoulders.

 

Thanks All!!!

[JGR]

Would you buy second hand toilet paper?

 

Like toilet paper, most components on a bike are consumables meaning you use them up.... It's wiser to buy new within your budget than to buy second hand. You never know what a bikes been through...

There are things you use once and things you can re use - intelligence should guide you.

 

Do you use a new knife and fork every meal? Live in a brand new house and car? Life must be good

[JGR]

Try ErgoFit - does not require a bike to get measured and takes into account your flexability, arm reach and various other factors. Use those as a guideline when buying

[Hairy]

I'm sure that a bike shop won't mind doing a measurement for you. It only takes a minute or two.

Just go to the one that you will most likely buy all your spares and accessories from.

Agreed, and be open with them about what you are doing from the outset

[gummibear]

 

 

based on pure height and leg measurements - i should be on a 16?

 

thoughts?

 

Sizes vary vastly between manufacturers .

I was measured and need a 59cm eff top tube.With some makes that's a medium and others it's a large.

Go get measured up and then compare frames from there.

[gummibear]

 

 

based on pure height and leg measurements - i should be on a 16?

 

thoughts?

 

Sizes vary vastly between manufacturers .

I was measured and need a 59cm eff top tube.With some makes that's a medium and others it's a large.

Go get measured up and then compare frames from there.

[LONE TWO]

I just brought a 2nd hand bike and I don't regret it at all. Yes there was minor things but I fixed them myself.

 

I went to CycleLab in Fourways and they measured me and told me what size frame I need etc. I then went looking on the hub for Bikes and came across an awesome Giant Anthem soft tail within my budget. I took note of all the components and contacted Kevin from Cycle fusion on Beyers as a few people I know have used him for his advice. He then told me before I purchase it, I must take a few pictures when I go see it and he will do a quick review. After he gave it the go ahead I got it and don't regret it one bit.

 

He was super Helpful and will tap into his knowledge again when I decide to upgrade

 

Good luck

[KENDA]

I just don't see the point in buying a used bike at 70% of the new price with no warranty.... The argument that you can replace the "consumables" is valid, but the consumables on a decent bike could cost you around 1 R 13 k without too much difficulty.

 

Consider this fact also... SRAM and SHIMANO both use trickle down technology... Meaning they develop equipment on their highest model eg. XTR or X11, then the rest trickles down.

 

So while you might think you are all cool with your 2005 SRAM XO Group set, my 2013 SRAM X 7 group set will technically be better, more durable and a whole lot cheaper.... Something to consider.

 

Consider what I am saying, I'm not trying to piss anyone off... I'm actually trying to help. If you can find yourself something used, within 1-2 years that's hardly been ridden... Then sure, take it. Please don't fall into the trap many fall into by comparing a 2013 group set to a couple of years back.... You think you scoring a bargain with your used 2005 full carbon full XTR bike at R 20 K but in reality there are entry level bikes in 2013 that will give it a lashing hands down. Obviously there are many variables in this game, just be wise with your choices and always be very wary on second hand purchases. There's allot of people on this forum who will take as much money from you as they possibly can with out blinking an eye.

[Sp!ke]

I just don't see the point in buying a used bike at 70% of the new price with no warranty....

 

As long as the bike isn't over 5 years the frame is usually still covered by the warranty. Reselling it shouldn't invalidate it... or am I missing something?

 

I popped into CycleLab in Centurion a couple of weeks back for a bit of window shopping, drooling, whatever. When asking a couple of questions about 29ers the sales guy (sorry, forgot his name) asked me what size I would go for. I said that in a 29er I wouldn't really know so he did the whole computer mapped measuring thing for free.

Gotta say I was quite surprised. Excellent customer service and even though on the day I didn't buy anything I'll head back there when I need something.

Edited July 8, 2013 by Sp!ke

[Sp!ke]

Also, on the note of buying a used bike: I'm shopping for one now. Buying used is the only way I could see myself riding a bike that originally cost R30k.

And when I buy the used bike I'll hopefully sell my HT to help fund it.

[RexFuzzle]

Personally I think sizing is up to personal preference and comfort... If you like riding your small bike and you're comfy on it, then don't listen to other people saying its too big or too small... I went from a M to L because I like being a bit more stretched out on longer rides.

 

New vs 2nd hand... Its like buying a car... some things can be hidden, other can't... sometimes you get a bargain for a reason, other times it is a bargain... However people who know what to look for will be "luckier" in the long run. The main thing to remember is to never listen to what the seller is saying, they lie, if something looks worn to you and he says its cosmetic and will last forever- don't be a tjop!

[KENDA]

As long as the bike isn't over 5 years the frame is usually still covered by the warranty. Reselling it shouldn't invalidate it... or am I missing something?

 

I popped into CycleLab in Centurion a couple of weeks back for a bit of window shopping, drooling, whatever. When asking a couple of questions about 29ers the sales guy (sorry, forgot his name) asked me what size I would go for. I said that in a 29er I wouldn't really know so he did the whole computer mapped measuring thing for free.

Gotta say I was quite surprised. Excellent customer service and even though on the day I didn't buy anything I'll head back there when I need something.

 

That depends on the manufacturer. They all differ on what they are willing to offer you warranty wise. If you read the fine print, allot of warranties are void once sold off to the second user. Don't think any brand is going to offer you a warranty replacement without a receipt, so make sure you get the original proof of purchase when buying second hand if warranty is a concern. It would be for me.

[JGR]

I just don't see the point in buying a used bike at 70% of the new price with no warranty.... The argument that you can replace the "consumables" is valid, but the consumables on a decent bike could cost you around 1 R 13 k without too much difficulty.

 

Who would do that? 2nd hand is usually around 50% of the origional price - I bought a 2009 Felt F75 a nealry 3 years ago for R6k. The bike was retailing for about R16k. I have taken it for one service, never had to replace a part. If you are patient one can find excellent deals.

[KENDA]

Who would do that?

 

Look around the classifieds. There are plenty "I only rode it once deals".

[JGR]

Look around the classifieds. There are plenty "I only rode it once deals".

Its an advert, which advert does not talk up their item.

 

Spacious 2 bedroom is more like broomcloset and post box. Buy local and go and check out the condition ...also the pricelisted is not often the price sold at.