So…I’m talking to a friend of mine today out of the blue, and he asks me if I know of anybody who’d be interested in buying his 404’s. I’ve had a serious case of wheel lust for these things for some time, but before I take this as some kind of divine intervention and decide that I MUST have them, I thought I’d solicit some input on what would be a fair price to offer for them. They’re '03 700c tubulars and have a couple of IM’s and 1/2’s on them, but not alot of training miles. Knowing this guy takes care of his stuff, I’m sure they’re in great shape, and I’m taking them out on my 40 mile loop after work (and counting the minutes ‘till quittin’ time, too) to see how they feel. So…with all that in mind, what do you think would be a fair price - keeping in mind that he is a friend and I wouldn’t want to offer less than fair market value. I have a number in my head, but I’m just looking for other opinions. Thanks for your input.
I say you just hand him a copy of the TSR charter, and tell him to cough up the goods.
Well, I’d consider it except that he’s selling them to raise money for a major car repair…I feel bad for him 'cause I know he loves them wheels, too.
Since you can buy brand new ones on ebay for about $900, I wouldn’t pay more than $700-725 for them. I have a pair and I love them, but just b/c he’s a friend don’t overpay.
You can find them on ebay…in fact, do some searches and see what the market is looking like and don’t take into consideration tires or skewers…both are cheap and you’ll need to buy new tires anyway if you’re racing long distance.
They are great wheels - but they seem to be getting down in price…and each year they get even more sexy, so don’t get caught with a used pair you overpaid for when a newer set might satisfy you longer!
I would look at the www.roadbikereview.com classifieds under wheels and find some comps. $700 sounds about right to me.
The 404's are great wheels. Like the other posters have said, don't overpay. Right now the list price is $1350 but you can find great deals. 2.5 years ago I paid $650 new. A couple of weeks ago a guy who rides with my group and thinks he is in with the tri biggies was bragging that he got 404's new for $750. I think that is about the bottom price you will see for new ones and it might be a good price for a good used pair. Don't worry. They don't wear out. I have been riding them full time for 2.5 years and haven't even needed to have them trued.
dealer cost plus shipping (no i’m not a dealer) is around $900 if I remember right, just a ballpark as that’s usually a number not so open to the public. So if you find them that much cheaper count yourself lucky. A friend of mine got a pair last year for $750 buy having a friend who was buying a custom bike add them on to her total, she got a discount with the bike purchase.
Hey y’all - thanks for your input. I took 'em out for a 40 miler yesterday and they were great…think I’ll make an offer and see what happens. Of course, part of the deal is that I have to unload some wheels and other misc. stuff to raise about 1/2 the cost…looks like it’s yard sale time!