http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...tare&Type=bike
I have found one that looks/seems to be in quite good condition with a rear rack, panniers, a top bag, front and rear lights, fenders and an extra set of tires for $400. The seller told me to make an offer too so it's possible I could get it down to $350. I am told there's about $1200 in this bike and accessories.
At any rate, I don't know what to look for in a used bike as far as parts that might need replaced. The bars seemed slightly tweaked but I assume that is an easy fix with loosening the stem and straightening things out. It shifted good and rode nice. One of the rubber things on the front shock was up on the shiny piece that slides in and out...and there was signs of oil, though not much at all. The lockout worked. The disc brakes worked good but it seemed I had to pull the lever in quite a ways. I assume that's an easy adjustment,.... correct? All in all, it looked reasonably clean and well cared for.
Are the components on this bike better than the new bikes that sell in the $400 range? Or, asked differently, would I be better off buying a new bike in the $400 range than this older used bike with accessories for the same price or less?
For what it's worth, I'm just riding 10-20 miles/wk on pavement...and some gravel roads. I need the ability to haul things as well such as groceries.
I have found one that looks/seems to be in quite good condition with a rear rack, panniers, a top bag, front and rear lights, fenders and an extra set of tires for $400. The seller told me to make an offer too so it's possible I could get it down to $350. I am told there's about $1200 in this bike and accessories.
At any rate, I don't know what to look for in a used bike as far as parts that might need replaced. The bars seemed slightly tweaked but I assume that is an easy fix with loosening the stem and straightening things out. It shifted good and rode nice. One of the rubber things on the front shock was up on the shiny piece that slides in and out...and there was signs of oil, though not much at all. The lockout worked. The disc brakes worked good but it seemed I had to pull the lever in quite a ways. I assume that's an easy adjustment,.... correct? All in all, it looked reasonably clean and well cared for.
Are the components on this bike better than the new bikes that sell in the $400 range? Or, asked differently, would I be better off buying a new bike in the $400 range than this older used bike with accessories for the same price or less?
For what it's worth, I'm just riding 10-20 miles/wk on pavement...and some gravel roads. I need the ability to haul things as well such as groceries.
