Should you buy a new or used bike? Compare costs, benefits, performance, and maintenance to choose the right option for your needs.
Introduction
Purchasing a bike is an exciting decision, whether this is your first bike or you’re upgrading to a new model. But one pressing question frequently emerges: Do you buy a shiny new bike, or is used the way to go? It depends on a number of factors, including your budget, riding requirements, mechanical ability, and the long-term value. This guide will outline the pros and cons of these two choices so you can choose wisely.
Benefits of Owning a New Bike
Buying new is a no-brainer. It’s obvious: The best thing about buying a new bike is peace of mind. New bike: New bicycles arrive with first-use quality, no damage, no wear, and a manufacturer’s warranty. You know every part is operating perfectly, and you’ll probably receive free servicing for the first year, depending on the dealer.
New bicycles also boast the newest technology and features. Today’s bicycles feature innovations in frame design, gear shifting and braking systems, and more lightweight composite materials. If you’re after anything truly state of the art, be it an electric bike or a carbon fiber frame or hydraulic disc brakes, a new bike is your best option.
Customization is another benefit. When you purchase new, you decide the size and color and whether you’ll be adding accessories like panniers, bottle cages, or GPS trackers before you leave the shop. You’ll also get a more comfortable fit that will cater to your height and riding style.
Cons of Buying a New Bike
The obvious disadvantage, of course, is the price. New bicycles are pricy, and depending on the brand and level of features you want, you can spend from $500 to over $5,000. Bikes, like cars, immediately lose value the second you take them out of the store.
And let’s face it: If you’ve just begun dipping your toes into the world of cycling, you might not want to invest a ton of money into a new bike. Your riding habits might change, or you may discover that biking isn’t for you. In these cases buying a secondhand bike is probably a more prudent option.
Benefits of Buying a Used Bike
Secondhand bikes are also much cheaper. It’s not uncommon to find a quality, gently used bicycle for 30-50% of the cost of new. This brings better brands and better bikes within reach of riders working with tighter budgets. A secondhand bike is also ideal if you don’t know how committed you will be to cycling! It serves as a low-cost, low-risk fundraiser, enabling you to dip your toes into the water without a major financial investment. And because all of the depreciation has happened already, you won’t lose much, if any, value should you choose to sell it later on.
Another key advantage is sustainability. It’s more sustainable to buy it used than to manufacture demand for it in a new one.
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The Cons of Buying a Used Bike
Spec: Size 46cm (S) Alloy Fact10 carbon frame Vent us Team fork with Volumetric carbon FSA headset Gazette/5 Star Cycles carbon seat post, Specialized Gripton tires, 160 mm/160 mm front/rear disc brake rotors/calipers Shimano Ultegra components Fizik Nicene Saddle The toughest thing about used bikes is trying to determine their condition. If you’re not mechanically inclined or you don’t have a trusted mechanic inspect the bike, you’ll be taking a chance that your new bike has hidden problems worn parts, bent frames, rusty parts.
Preowned bikes don’t topically come with warranties, and soon after acquiring them, you may find yourself spending on repairs, tune-ups, or replacements. Also, you could also not immediately find the perfect size, style, or color you want, so it’s all about patience and research.
Who Should Do What?
Go new if you have the budget, desire the latest features, like the reassuring comfort of a warranty, and expect to ride on a regular basis for years.
Go used if you’re price conscious, new to biking, want to minimize your impact on the environment, or want to enjoy a more premium bike for less.