Buying a new Bike - 2nd hand V New

[RuzzDuzz]

Hi all, looking after some direction RE buying a new bike. It will mainly be for riding with kids, but also for doing laps around the local park and maybe a few days light trail riding (this will be minimum though). I know you get what you pay for but as a starter, what brands are good around the $500-600 mark? also, happy to look at a second hand bike but looks like everyone wants top $$$, so when you factor in getting second hand, then having it serviced etc, its getting close to the $500+ mark (which is ok I guess if you know what your looking at, but when you have NFI looks like a better option to buy something new!)

I'm 95kg, 176cm tall. reasonably fit. What frame size is best for me if I'm looking second hand? any other general advice? New Bikes I've considered so far are:

https://www.reidcycles.com.au/collectio ... black-grey
https://www.99bikes.com.au/merida-cross ... -grey-2020
https://www.99bikes.com.au/apollo-trans ... -lime-2018
https://www.reidcycles.com.au/collectio ... bike-black

second hand I've looked at a few Giants and some Treks on marketplace & Gumtree but still on the fence about 2nd hand v new (and pondering on size etc). I know people say the Reids are sub par quality but they look accessible!

In addition, aside from 99 bikes megastores, where have good value entry level bikes in SYD?

thanks guys and sorry I know this gets asked all the time!

Cheers,

[MattyK]

In before the next person tells you to avoid cheap suspension forks if possible.

Size-wise, a "medium" in most brands would probably be in the ballpark, but ideally you'd get to test ride and see what fits and what you like the feel of. Otherwise refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart.

If it's mostly for paved surfaces with the occasional gravel trail then get the slickest tyres you can find.
The Reid Transit is getting warm but if possible I'd aim for 8 speeds on the rear minimum.

2nd hand market I would avoid unless you have a good friend to help you hunt, find faults, and avoid junk.

And to restate it once again: you only regret spending more once. This looks OK if you can stretch: https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2021- ... -city-bike

[10speedsemiracer]

+1 for what Matty said, no need for an entry-level sprung fork (ever).

You will also need to narrow down exactly what sort of bike you're looking for, as the above selection includes a cheap hardtail MTB, two cheap Hybrids and an Urban bike.

Would suggest the urban bike as the better option, even if just from a weight perspective, however a good Hybrid with a lockout fork may be fine. On the used market, look for a Trek Fx, Giant Cross City or bikes of that ilk.

The Polygon that Matty linked is a better option..

[bychosis]

In your budget I’d be looking at second hand. Should be able to find a great bike - but - you need to be able to size it and look for faults. That’s the hard part. It isn’t difficult to google the model and get a RRP. Allow some $ for a bit of a service if you aren’t able to DIY.

Look for something around $300 and you should be able to get a good deal.

[MattyK]

Buying 2nd hand then paying someone else to service it I just think doesn’t make any sense. You could easily be at $300 of parts and labour before you knew it. Chain, tyres, cassette, brake pads, cables, truing wheels and regreasing and adjusting bearings etc. Cheap if you know what to do, have the tools and know where to find parts online but not for the average punter.

You could find something near new for maybe 70-80% of new price but that may not be true in the current shortages

[10speedsemiracer]

Buying used allows the buyer to skip the whole 'entry-level' layer of components, and maybe buy a similar lightly-used bike with mid-range components for a little less than a new entry-level POS.

Like, would you rather a brand new Reid with a 7sp freewheel + Tourney (mmm, flexy) and no-name mechanical discs (nice 'n' squealy) for $600, or a 3 year old Trek or Giant with a freehub rear and hydraulic discs for $400-ish ?

It might need a new chain and pads, $60 parts and $30 labour.

[MattyK]

Again, that’s fine IF you know what you’re looking at.

[bychosis]

Again, that’s fine IF you know what you’re looking at.

That is the catch. If you are prudent you can pick up a barely used bike at a good price. If it is not too scratched, no rust evident on bolts and tyres aren’t flat and it’s clean it is hard to go wrong. Check the brakes work, everything that spins does so freely and the gears shift OK and it’ll likely be gold to ride for years.

[AUbicycles]

Buy second hand if you are savvy enough… though exactly as mentioned, what is the cost of getting it in good knick… if there are unexpected issues, then it can add up and look bad against a new bije with warranty and no worries.

With second hand there can be value for money over a new purchase…. But also traps. But in context… if you get a ‘great value’ deal… what does that really mean if you are not trying to win a race…. It means fit / suitable for purpose should the aim and not too much thought lost of small details.

Some of the basics will help such as forget front suspension forks and check the condition … well looked after, any major issues and in test riding, does it work like it should. If there are issues… it can be sonme that you may use to haggle on the price.