I agree with Jim's POV completely, and not becuase I work at a shop. For someone looking to gain access to cycling or riding a bike on a regular basis, getting a decent new bike (if it fits their budget) is usually the best overall value for that person. With new bikes, one gets all new compnents, a service warranty, and usually a good deal on accessories at the POP. One also gets to ride various sizes and models and choose their favorite in their timeframe and comfort level (assuming the shop is not overly pushy).
With used bikes, you get used components with typically unknown history and reliability. Sure, if the person buying the used bike is mechanically inclined, or has easy access to services/knowlege, time, extra money, or prior cycling experience to choose, repair, and service a used bike, then it could be a good value. From my experience it is not a good value monetarily or time wise for someone to invest in a non bikeshop, overhauled, used bike for their first bike. It will usually turn into a money/time pit, and generally deter someone from riding by bumming them out. I've seen it happen time and again. Used bikes can be a good choice for people who are already invested in bikes, cycling, tinkering, etc. I second the vote for the Jamis Coda Sport. Lots of sizes, steel, versatile, reliable durable components, and generally fits the proposed budget. A very good value overall IMHO. Though ultimately, it is up to Dustin's sister to choose the bike that is right for her needs and goals. Gabe On Thursday, April 11, 2013 7:04:16 PM UTC-7, Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery wrote: > > I admit to harboring a stereotype that this young woman just wants a > comfortable, reliable bike to ride, and does not care to get into a project > refurbing an obscure antique. Perhaps I'm wrong. > > I realize that some used bikes are a good deal, and need little or no TLC > to be a good rider. But it takes some skill to identify these. And even if > you only find high quality used bikes on your local CL, it's easy to feel > pressured to buy one that isn't ideal. At a bigger shop, at least a > customer could try several bikes side by side. Plus, there's a warranty, > maybe a deal on accessories, etc. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
