**Used bike. I picked up a 7k 1 yr old bike on the classifieds forum for just over 3k w/race wheels ( which I sold). Could go new, but lots of folks want latest and greatest and frequently dump ‘young’ bikes in great condition. **
Indeed. I occasionally go onto eBay and have a skim through various higher profile bike brands, and styles, both road and tri and see what’s available. I’m often taken aback by the quality of rigs and the deals that are out there in the used market. Good grief, how often do people turn-over their bikes over.
I’ve never bought a used Tri frame - reason being good enough deals on NOS (new old stock) and then I cherry pick components to build-up what I want for that project. I’ve done 3 bikes like this.
Most frames are good, but you never know, and certainly the older carbon frames seem to get more flexy over time.
Buying used is interesting, lot’s of broken “IM” dreams on craigslist.