Won't Buy Used (an informal survey)

[DHallerman]

You know, sometimes I'm surprised about the types of bike items people on this list, or really any other selling venue, try to sell.

Maybe I'm just very particular, but here's a list of bike parts that I will not buy used:

* Chains
* Cassettes
* Tires
* Tubes
* Headsets
* Saddles
* Carbon forks

I dunno, a used chain is not very different than a used toothbrush (which, by the way, is very useful for various bike cleaning).

If the condition is very good or better, I'm okay with buying:

* Derailleurs
* Cranks
* Chainrings
* Bottom brackets
* Brakes
* Shifters
* Seatposts
* Wheels
* Skewers

Now carbon things are a whole 'nothing matter, after getting burned by a part-carbon frameset I bought awhile ago, but didn't see the crack on the tube -- since it is tiny -- until recently.

That makes me entirely adverse to buying any used carbon parts.

So, informal survey question: Are there types of bike bits that you won't buy used?

Dave, who says the major caveat to all this is that if he personally knows the seller and how that person uses things that could change matters

[caleb]

* Chains
* Cassettes
* Tires
* Tubes
* Headsets


I'll second the items listed above. I also won't spend significant money ($500+) on anything without a warranty. Buying used is always a gamble, and I get nervous putting very many chips on the table.

[that guy]

I will buy used saddles, often they are broken in and more comfortable than brand new.

But NEVER used bib shorts! Yikes! :p

[DHallerman]

I will buy used saddles, often they are broken in and more comfortable than brand new.

But NEVER used bib shorts! Yikes! :p

Oh yes, any shorts. Will not buy used.

(I had just been thinking hardware.)

Perhaps some jerseys. Maybe. Maybe not.

[fiamme red]

I'll buy used shoes (well, slightly-used), but not used socks. :rolleyes:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=20388

[William]

But NEVER used bib shorts! Yikes! :p


That reminds me.....Hey BD!!! Did you ever sell those bibs with the bacon strips you were including for free??? :confused:






William :D

PS: I'm fine with lightly used saddles myself.

[veloduffer]

I'm not sure why your "black list" would have anything other than chains, tires and tubes, shorts, and handlebars. I put the h-bars because they are often stressed by the stem, particularly carbon fiber, and a failure on a control item could have severe consequences for the body. BTW, I'd be cautious on most carbon fiber items, as their structurally integrity is more vulnerable to scratches and the like.

All of the other items endure certain wear and stresses, some of which is more visible than others. If the source is reputable and the mileage is low, why not. And most of the items on the list are relatively low in cost.

On the other hand, a used frame is a substantially larger investment and may have stresses that are unseen. If you consider yourself to be risk averse, I would think this would be the top item!

[bostondrunk]

That reminds me.....Hey BD!!! Did you ever sell those bibs with the bacon strips you were including for free??? :confused:






William :D

PS: I'm fine with lightly used saddles myself.


Yes, the Dominatrix bought them!

[bostondrunk]

You know, sometimes I'm surprised about the types of bike items people on this list, or really any other selling venue, try to sell.

Maybe I'm just very particular, but here's a list of bike parts that I will not buy used:

* Chains
* Cassettes
* Tires
* Tubes
* Headsets
* Saddles
* Carbon forks

I dunno, a used chain is not very different than a used toothbrush (which, by the way, is very useful for various bike cleaning).

If the condition is very good or better, I'm okay with buying:

* Derailleurs
* Cranks
* Chainrings
* Bottom brackets
* Brakes
* Shifters
* Seatposts
* Wheels
* Skewers



You won't buy a used cassette or headset, but you're OK with a used bottom bracket and chainrings???

[Ray]

I've bought saddles and headsets (usually in place when I buy a frameset) but I don't buy used clothes or parts like tire or chains that are supposed to wear out. I did buy a winter cycling jacket slightly used once. All of the frames I've bought used were steel or ti - not true, I bought a carbon mtb once, but it was from a shop I dealt with a lot so I knew they'd take care of me if there was a problem. And a couple of frames I've bought have had carbon forks that held up fine.

-Ray

[Hai H. Ho]

You won't buy a used cassette or headset, but you're OK with a used bottom bracket and chainrings???
:confused: My thoughts exactly.

I would have zero problems with a used CK headset. I would puruchase it faster than a used bb. To each his own.

I would never purchase used water bottles or clothing that touches my boys down there. I'm ok with jerseys for some strange reason.

[Ahneida Ride]

used water bottles ..

used CO2 cartridges.

used spoke nipples

used tubes

used HB wrap :p

:beer:


forgot to add ..... used chain lube

[Nil Else]

I always get shocked at how fast well used bibs are fetched up... that seems to me is the same thing as buying/wearing someone's used underwear. Used light/CF bars, stems, etc I'd rather stay away.

[Volant]

Ray, you beat me to it, no water bottles for sure!

[BengeBoy]

Re: saddles.

I asked my LBS the best way to break in a Brooks saddle. He said, "Buy a used one on eBay, that's what I do." (He's a Brooks dealer, too).

My "used" prohibitions are:
- water bottles
- shorts/bibs/socks/shoes
- helmets

When I buy vintage bikes, though, I tend to throw a bunch of stuff away right away -- cables, tubes, brake pads, in particular.

[JD Smith]

I always get shocked at how fast well used bibs are fetched up... that seems to me is the same thing as buying/wearing someone's used underwear. Used light/CF bars, stems, etc I'd rather stay away.

It's really just a simple matter of getting over the delusion that somehow your funk comes out in the wash while other people's funk will not.
A proper washing will render them just as clean as anything you have worn yourself. I suspect many of these people would sooner wear their own bibs twice without washing them rather than wear a washed pair of previously owned bibs. :confused:
Why would someone buy used shoes, which you cannot wash, which have never been washed, containing much more foreign funk than a pair of used, but properly washed bibs? Does the thin material of the sock provide enough of a barrier for them to forget about the shoe's mystery history? Is there some magical antibacterial spray that you can apply to shoes, but not apply to bibs?

[tim11]

I'd add a custom frame that was built for someone else to the list. I've tried before and it never seems to work out, unless it's really (really) close to a stock size.

[norcalbiker]

I see nothing wrong buying a used cassettes as long as they are very low miles. Sometimes people buy a new bike with a wrong cassette and they replaced them.

I would never buy a used bicycle clothing though.

[pbjbike]

Everything used except for SL bars and well used stems.

[MarcusPless]

Most of my bike hardware was purchased used but most of it came from sellers that I had some reason to trust or I didn't think it was likely to be problem (none of it has been carbon). I would draw the line on wear items (like chains) unless the item was new. I've bought a couple of pairs of "used" bibs that were represented as having been tried on and found to be the wrong size. I do buy new hardware from time to time, but I can usually find a good deal on something that I would never pay full price for by simply watching the classifieds.

--Marcus

[djg]

You know, sometimes I'm surprised about the types of bike items people on this list, or really any other selling venue, try to sell.

Maybe I'm just very particular, but here's a list of bike parts that I will not buy used:

* Chains
* Cassettes
* Tires
* Tubes
* Headsets
* Saddles
* Carbon forks

I dunno, a used chain is not very different than a used toothbrush (which, by the way, is very useful for various bike cleaning).

If the condition is very good or better, I'm okay with buying:

* Derailleurs
* Cranks
* Chainrings
* Bottom brackets
* Brakes
* Shifters
* Seatposts
* Wheels
* Skewers

Now carbon things are a whole 'nothing matter, after getting burned by a part-carbon frameset I bought awhile ago, but didn't see the crack on the tube -- since it is tiny -- until recently.

That makes me entirely adverse to buying any used carbon parts.

So, informal survey question: Are there types of bike bits that you won't buy used?

Dave, who says the major caveat to all this is that if he personally knows the seller and how that person uses things that could change matters

Chain, cassette, and shorts.

[CaptStash]

Holy moly, if I didn't buy used I'd have nothing to ride and very little to wear.

Sorry, but I'm rational enough to believe a good wash will clean out just about anything, so clothes are ok with me. Even shoes can be sprayed and aired. Have an awesome pair of Sidi's I bought off the forum years ago.

I have had good luck with used parts of just about every type. I do inspect very very carefully before I use, and am pretty careful when buying off of Ebay (which I do a lot).

Just my 2 cents.

CaptStash....

[Steve in SLO]

I'm with CaptStash...I rarely buy anything new, with the exception of wear items (I count tubes, tires, chains and bibs under that category). Oh, and I don't generally like used pedals. If I had to buy new, I'd have a lot less gear and a whole lower quality gear.

The only sport where I wouldn't generally buy used is rock climbing.

Besides, buying used frees up funds for the other essentials--watches, Porsches, motorcycles and guitars :beer:

[tuscanyswe]

I prefer to buy everything used. Its the only way i could afford the nice bikes i have.

bibs/shorts is the only thing on top of my head that i wouldent buy used.

[Nil Else]

It's really just a simple matter of getting over the delusion that somehow your funk comes out in the wash while other people's funk will not.
A proper washing will render them just as clean as anything you have worn yourself. I suspect many of these people would sooner wear their own bibs twice without washing them rather than wear a washed pair of previously owned bibs. :confused:


It is the difference of your own familiar personal funk to some unknown person's funk + what not. I don't believe a good proper wash removes 100% of whatever that gets soaked/imbedded in there. I guess therein lies the difference. Perhaps 95% if you do a good job? Or a way worse if not. But after repeated use/wash personal *what-nots* accumulate and these things becomes "yours" like how your undies become funky and unsightly after a while or certain stains on clothes.. never quite come off. It is not like you can wash these things with bleach and in hot water. If anything just look of some of the old bibs on sale are bad enough... But I suppose it all depends on the personal tolerance.

[rugbysecondrow]

It is the difference of your own familiar personal funk to some unknown person's funk + what not. I don't believe a good proper wash removes 100% of whatever that gets soaked/imbedded in there. I guess therein lies the difference. Perhaps 95% if you do a good job? Or a way worse if not. But after repeated use/wash personal *what-nots* accumulate and these things becomes "yours" like how your undies become funky and unsightly after a while or certain stains on clothes.. never quite come off. It is not like you can wash these things with bleach and in hot water. If anything just look of some of the old bibs on sale are bad enough... But I suppose it all depends on the personal tolerance.

Hello, my name is Paul and I buy used bike gear. Whoa, that felt good to say.

I buy used on nearly everything I can so long as it is reasonable to do so. People cycle through gear so fast that quite a bit used gear has very little use.

As for clothing, if it is a good enough deal to make it worthwhile, then so be it. Frankly, the cab I take to the airport, the metro seat, the railing at Union Station etc etc is probably for more infested with germs and fecal matter than what is on the inside of a washed pair of shorts.

What won't I buy, White Shorts...those things need to be taken out of circulation.

[ThomasRZ]

I hate buying stuff new. First off, I don't make much money as a communications specialist at a nonprofit, so I've got to pinch my pennies just to get by and make my student loan payments.

Second, I've found that with patience, one can get almost anything used for a considerable percentage off the price as new and often in like-new condition.

Third, buying new just creates more waste, more junk in the landfill, and plays into the whole consumerism-as-therapy game.

That said, I do buy some stuff new -- wear items such as brake pads, tubes, tires (though I've bought used CX tubulars and clinchers), and bar tape. Everything else is fine used, provided it's in good shape.

I cannot understand not wanting to buy cassettes and headsets used. Have you priced a Chorus or Record cassette lately or a Chris King headset? It's silly not to consider them used.

[KJMUNC]

Count me in on the used stuff side. The only new stuff I'll buy is if I can find it on closeout or at a substantial discount, so warranties and returns often don't apply anyway.

I tend to get some barely used kits from buddies whom I know very well and who get new stuff every year, so I'm not as as germophobic about that stuff since I've know the guys for 20yrs. Used stuff from other folks.....ehh, probably not.

I know I'm chancing it buying carbon frames/components that are used, but knock on wood I've not had a problem yet. Then again, I tend to be pretty selective on what I buy so the really beat-down stuff doesn't make it into my parts bin.

[fiamme red]

I will never buy a used front wheel from Mr. Squirrel, no matter how good a deal it may seem. :crap:

[pdmtong]

A lot of me buying used has to do with trust in the seller, the level of discount, hassle involved (or not) and intended usage for the item in question.

I have never bought a new bike. One day I hope to. But I've made my limited dollars stretch pretty far by embracing craigslist and the forum. For instance, If someone tried a properly torqued carbon bar and didn't like it after a half dozen rides, whats the big deal?

I suppose I fall into that hygeine category of no shorts/bibs or hydration bladders/water bottles.

I'd rather sell a $20 item here, than have to deal with a craigslist flake taking up my time at home or work.

Folks I've bought from here are completely candid. I appreciate that.

So for the record, I've bought off the forum the following "lightly-used"
saddles
posts
stem
CF bars
brakesets
framesets
jerseys
helmet

haven't bought a grouppo (yet) mainly because around here I want a compact 172.5 and a 13-29 or if sram 11-28. Most of you guys dont' use that kind of set up and that leaves me just buying the whole group at once rather than cobbling over many months.

[DHallerman]

So for the record, I've bought off the forum the following "lightly-used".

That phrase gets to the core -- one core at least -- why I started this thread.

One person's lightly-used is another person's not-in-such-good-shape.

And with items like cassettes, I've found exaggeration about how light that use has been, and it's harder to tell use with that item -- for me at least -- than with brakes, say.

With headsets, certainly a used CK could be great -- and that one depends on seller. Also, it's the type of item that can readily be damaged when removed, so without knowing how it's been removed, I have doubts.

I certainly understand those people who posted they couldn't afford stuff without buying used.

I s'pose I was just asking where people's buying borders can be found, and what might make those borders shift.

Dave, who still wouldn't buy used bike shorts but that's a border as individual as which saddle is most comfortable

[Acotts]

Toothbrush
Toiletpaper
Tissue paper
Prophylactics
Deoderant
Thonged Mankinis
Syringes
Leather pants

...other than that. I am pretty much fair game.

[Steve in SLO]

Toothbrush
Toiletpaper
Tissue paper
Prophylactics
Deoderant
Thonged Mankinis
Syringes
Leather pants

...other than that. I am pretty much fair game.

You had me at thonged mankinis ;)

[rwsaunders]

Shorts and socks

Tubes and tires

Helmets

Opened tubs of chamois creme...unless William swears that it was Liz Hatch's

[William]

Opened tubs of chamois creme...unless William swears that it was Liz Hatch's


http://photos.upi.com/story/t/090f05edcbaaa17170175a214a4e5778/Minnesotas-Franken-sworn-in-as-senator.jpg

[rugbysecondrow]

Prophylactics




These aren't bad once you get to the unused portion. ;)

[hookookadoo]

when you think about how much mark-up exists in new cycling products, especially "current year" new products, it is hard not to buy used. It is very similar to the new driver market in golf where the newest driver may cost $500 but by the following year it is down to $189. yikes! Wish higher end bikes did the same thing but they seem to stay in the 70-80% of retail value range even two years after their original model year. Colnago a great example of this and I am sure there are others.

[DHallerman]

when you think about how much mark-up exists in new cycling products, especially "current year" new products, it is hard not to buy used. It is very similar to the new driver market in golf where the newest driver may cost $500 but by the following year it is down to $189. yikes! Wish higher end bikes did the same thing but they seem to stay in the 70-80% of retail value range even two years after their original model year. Colnago a great example of this and I am sure there are others.

Good point.

But buying "new" for me does not often mean new-on-the-market, but simply not-used -- rather than used in ways that aren't clear from sellers who ill-describe their goods.

Many not-used but not new-on-the-market parts also are priced substantially lower than originally.

[Ahneida Ride]

Is it ...

used or abused .... :confused:

The second hand market dilemma.

[BobbyJones]

I find myself buying less and less used stuff nowadays. Thanks to internet dealers along with the inflated prices people are asking (Thanks to ebay) it's often easier to just buy new.

I guess the only things I wouldn't consider buying used at all would be a carbon fork / stem / bars. And clothing. Still haven't crossed that barrier, but with pair of good bibs now going for $150+ I'm looking twice at the "tried once, didn't fit" ads.

[ChuckK]

....

[Pete Serotta]

buy used.....BB Dave's Zebra Suit :banana: :banana:

[Acotts]

I wont buy a used retainer and/or head gear. I cant believe those things were still around when I was in highschool. What a monstrous contraption.

You can add contact lenses, fillings, and calf implants to that list as well.

I once had a good deal on some used calf implants sitting in my lamp. But I just couldn't pull the trigger.

[Acotts]

You had me at thonged mankinis ;)

rest assured, I do buy and use pre-owned butted mankinis.

[Tobias]

I ride used equipment all the time …... except for their maiden voyage. Used is used, what’s the difference?

I mostly buy new, use it, and keep riding it used.

[AndrewS]

I buy used stuff. (Except clothing. There's nothing chick about Goodwill.) My cut-off is all about being able to visually measure wear.

I've never heard of a method to measure wear on a cassette other than trying it out, so I don't buy used cassettes (unless I know a lot about how they were used).

It is also difficult to determine how much de-lamination or corrosion a frame might have inside, so I favor used ti or aluminum over used carbon or steel frames. (Or anything else structural and carbon, like a post, bar or stem.)

Everything else you can see or feel if it works. If you buy a BB that is "mint", and if feels like a sandbox or has pitted cups, you go get your money back. If you buy a carbon frame that starts cracking at the BB two weeks later - the previous owner couldn't have known the frame had that little life left in it.

Generally, if a chainring looks okay it won't be a problem. Chainrings have too much chain wrap to slip like a worn cassette without looking terrible first.