Second hand vs 'old stock' new vs 'new' new

[Desi]

Sigh - I know this debate can go around and around, but maybe a hubber says something I haven't considered, so here goes:

With a dual suspension mountain bike, do you think it is better to buy:

• A second hand bike (say 2015) with really good components
• A new (but old stock - 2017) bike with good components 
• A new (new 2019 stock) with lesser (but still acceptable) components

- given that they are all in the same price bracket; and all comparable carbon frames.

[RENO]

Good luck with this one. You likely to end up being more confused about which option to go for after putting this up for discussion. It's going to go around and around... and around... and around.

 

Ultimately it's what you find more value in on a bike. Generally its the frame. Parts can always be upgraded or replaced. 

[Me rida my bicycle]

Not the 2015 it would be between the new old stock or new if the frame has changed (geometry, build, materials you get tons of different carbons and layups) then I would say 2019 if only the colours and you like the 2017 go for that. Just remember if you upgrade again in 3 years the 1 will only be 2 years old and the other 4 which does make the value drop.

[gummibear]

Sigh - I know this debate can go around and around, but maybe a hubber says something I haven't considered, so here goes:

With a dual suspension mountain bike, do you think it is better to buy:

• A second hand bike (say 2015) with really good components
• A new (but old stock - 2017) bike with good components 
• A new (new 2019 stock) with lesser (but still acceptable) components

- given that they are all in the same price bracket; and all comparable carbon frames.

Which 3 bikes are they?

 

May make it a little easier?

[DieselnDust]

Option 2.

New old stock is very good value. I don't consider resale value as I buy my bikes to ride and enjoy.

 

Option 1 would be a consideration if the price is right and the service history is known. Always ask for the latest suspension service invoice from the seller. If there is none then consider a full rebuild for both fork and rear shock unit. This will take around R6000 out of your pocket...

Old vs new geometry ya well whatever. Personally that's not really something I look at beyond what I need to consider in terms of bike fit. Unless it's a cannondale scalpel 2015 then I'd suggest you avoid as that bike is an unapologetic race bike with very quick handling. Best avoided.

 

 

Option 3 is always nice as there's nothing that tops the new bike feeling. However after the first scratch you may wonder why you didn't pocket the 20%-25% savings and get the new old stock.

[Desi]

Which 3 bikes are they?

 

May make it a little easier?

 

The older, second hand bike is a Santa Cruz Tallboy, which brings up the secondary question: the Tallboy, for quite a while, seemed to be the bike against which other similar 29er bikes were measured. Is this still the case? Is an older Tallboy better than the newer bikes, which would include: 

Rocky Mountain Element (the newer one with fork travel increased to 120mm); 

The Trek Fuel EX series (older models are currently on sale at good prices).

 

 

I can't afford a new SC Tallboy; and possibly still in the mix of choice (but I think price will throw them out) are the Spez Epic Evo, and the Spez Stumpjumper Short Travel.

 

I have also come to the conclusion that I do not need a carbon bike - alu will be fine for me. Cuts some cost.

[LeoKnight]

Which 3 bikes are they?

 

May make it a little easier?

 

Agree context will help, for example the change in the Scott spark frame was a significant change, but if it was the "new" design, I would probably go with the better components.  The again I know for a lot of people it is a combination of the paint job, components, quality, etc.

[Desi]

This is what worries me about buying second hand. Plus - you really can't see if there is 'hidden' damage to the carbon.

...

Option 1 would be a consideration if the price is right and the service history is known. Always ask for the latest suspension service invoice from the seller. If there is none then consider a full rebuild for both fork and rear shock unit. ...
 

[Patchelicious]

What size frame are you?

[DieselnDust]

The older, second hand bike is a Santa Cruz Tallboy, which brings up the secondary question: the Tallboy, for quite a while, seemed to be the bike against which other similar 29er bikes were measured. Is this still the case? Is an older Tallboy better than the newer bikes, which would include: 

Rocky Mountain Element (the newer one with fork travel increased to 120mm); 

The Trek Fuel EX series (older models are currently on sale at good prices).

 

 

I can't afford a new SC Tallboy; and possibly still in the mix of choice (but I think price will throw them out) are the Spez Epic Evo, and the Spez Stumpjumper Short Travel.

 

I have also come to the conclusion that I do not need a carbon bike - alu will be fine for me. Cuts some cost.

 

Trek Fuel Ex would be my choice.

Tallboy is a great bike but toomuch hype. The lower pivot bearings need to be greased very often or they seize in the frame. But they are well made bikes.

 

The rocky Mountain element is also a great option but support is a bit suspect in my view. I too considered it but I was concerned about potential agency change.... Again.

 

Trek is well supported, well built and old stock are offered at literally cost price.

 

It would the winner if I were spending the money

[Desi]

What size frame are you?

Men's medium.

[Desi]

Trek Fuel Ex would be my choice.

Tallboy is a great bike but toomuch hype. The lower pivot bearings need to be greased very often or they seize in the frame. But they are well made bikes.

The rocky Mountain element is also a great option but support is a bit suspect in my view. I too considered it but I was concerned about potential agency change.... Again.

Trek is well supported, well built and old stock are offered at literally cost price.

It would the winner if I were spending the money

I currently own a Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt, and I share your concerns about their presence in this country.

[Tatt]

Also agree with the Trek - they have some great bargains at the moment.

[BaGearA]

Option 2.

New old stock is very good value. I don't consider resale value as I buy my bikes to ride and enjoy.

 

Option 1 would be a consideration if the price is right and the service history is known. Always ask for the latest suspension service invoice from the seller. If there is none then consider a full rebuild for both fork and rear shock unit. This will take around R6000 out of your pocket...

Old vs new geometry ya well whatever. Personally that's not really something I look at beyond what I need to consider in terms of bike fit. Unless it's a cannondale scalpel 2015 then I'd suggest you avoid as that bike is an unapologetic race bike with very quick handling. Best avoided.

 

 

Option 3 is always nice as there's nothing that tops the new bike feeling. However after the first scratch you may wonder why you didn't pocket the 20%-25% savings and get the new old stock.

Where do you take your suspension ?

[Patchelicious]

Men's medium.

Pity, there is Large Sworks Epic that’s about to hit the classifieds for a bargain.

[Desi]

Pity, there is Large Sworks Epic that’s about to hit the classifieds for a bargain.

I am only keen on the Epic if it is the Epic Evo, with more relaxed geometry and 120mm travel. I own an older, very twitchy Epic. The upside is that it climbs like a mountain goat.