City Cycling - Buying Used
We have read all the previous articles in the city cycling series and are still interested in cycling. Starting to see dollar signs before our eyes, these are the thoughts booming in our head, "I can't spend this kind of money, what if I don't like cycling?" Legitimate point! Getting into any hobby can be expensive starting from ground zero; fortunately, we don't have to acquire any of our equipment brand new.
There are excellent sources for acquiring previously owned equipment. Actually, acquiring previously owned equipment is a great way to ascertain what is best for us. When shopping for just the right saddle for an upcoming season of cycling, we can sample several styles before determining the best fit. Brand new, these saddles cost from $150 to $250 each, buying 3 or 4 not knowing if the fit is right, can run us into the poor house. Whether looking for accessories or a complete bike for that perfect city cycling experience, some of our best resources are:
eBay.com - If we're new to eBay, only buy from sellers with a high positive feedback rating. Funding our selection with Pay Pal is preferred due to their excellent buyer protection policies.
Craigslist.com - We should take someone with us and meet in a public place.
Garage Sales - Do our research first so that we don't pay too much.
Police Auctions - (One of my favorites, I have purchased many bikes this way, fixing them up and helping new cycling candidates.)
Storage Unit Auctions - Wait in the background and after someone else buys the whole unit and offer cash for that promising bike we spotted.
If we're not confident, we should take along an experienced city cycling friend. After locating that perfect previously owned city cycling jewel, it is always wise to swing it by the local bike shop for a good once over by a qualified mechanic. Take the time to properly outfit it with all the appropriate components for comfort, functionality and road safety.
What if after riding our well sought after, mechanically certified, fully outfitted jewel we discover it's not for us or after many miles of enjoyment, we are ready to upgrade? Chances are, because of our TLC after resurrecting it from an uncertain fate, we will be able to recoup or profit from our investment by advertising it as an upgraded previously owned cycling jewel.
Whatever source facilitates our need, remember to do our due diligence, know what we are looking for and its average current market value. An excellent source for determining market value is to search the eBay completed listings database for our desired equipment. Good luck!
There are excellent sources for acquiring previously owned equipment. Actually, acquiring previously owned equipment is a great way to ascertain what is best for us. When shopping for just the right saddle for an upcoming season of cycling, we can sample several styles before determining the best fit. Brand new, these saddles cost from $150 to $250 each, buying 3 or 4 not knowing if the fit is right, can run us into the poor house. Whether looking for accessories or a complete bike for that perfect city cycling experience, some of our best resources are:
eBay.com - If we're new to eBay, only buy from sellers with a high positive feedback rating. Funding our selection with Pay Pal is preferred due to their excellent buyer protection policies.
Craigslist.com - We should take someone with us and meet in a public place.
Garage Sales - Do our research first so that we don't pay too much.
Police Auctions - (One of my favorites, I have purchased many bikes this way, fixing them up and helping new cycling candidates.)
Storage Unit Auctions - Wait in the background and after someone else buys the whole unit and offer cash for that promising bike we spotted.
If we're not confident, we should take along an experienced city cycling friend. After locating that perfect previously owned city cycling jewel, it is always wise to swing it by the local bike shop for a good once over by a qualified mechanic. Take the time to properly outfit it with all the appropriate components for comfort, functionality and road safety.
What if after riding our well sought after, mechanically certified, fully outfitted jewel we discover it's not for us or after many miles of enjoyment, we are ready to upgrade? Chances are, because of our TLC after resurrecting it from an uncertain fate, we will be able to recoup or profit from our investment by advertising it as an upgraded previously owned cycling jewel.
Whatever source facilitates our need, remember to do our due diligence, know what we are looking for and its average current market value. An excellent source for determining market value is to search the eBay completed listings database for our desired equipment. Good luck!
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