Thinking of buying a 2012 bike this winter, racing it through my A races in July 2012 and selling it immediately afterwards. One thing I am worried about is buying a first gen bike that hasn’t been vetted for long enough, and problems coming up, thereby dropping the value. Maybe I will focus on the 2012 version of bikes that are out now (2012 Speed Concept, 2012 DA, etc…), but can’t promise that something new wont catch my eye.
Does anybody have experience doing this? What kind of markdown did you end up selling for? Any tips on what to look for?
At LEAST 25%. As a buyer, I lose the warranty possibility with buying it used. And by July you can find retailers that have already introduced some markdowns on their bikes
I’d say easily 25-30% depending on how many miles you log and how perfect it is after a season. A good season of training/racing means it likely needs new tires, cables, chain, and cassette - plus no warranty or local shop service that doesn’t cost you, and like mentioned above you are trying to sell a used bike that is likely available at a discount from retailers.
Why are you thinking of only keping a brand new bike for only one season assuming you like it?
Beacause I am getting married the September after my “A” race (Placid), and will be taking a hiatus for wedding/honeymoon etc… I want to go out with a BANG at Placid though! Worry not, this won’t be my only bike, and I will not be bikeless at any time.
Best bet will probably be for me to buy a used 2011 Shiv, Speed Concept, DA, etc… and get a good discount from retail, then sell it next July. I would imagine the loss in that scenario would be less than the 25-30% on a new bike.
If you start with a lightly used 2011 now and sell it again next July you’ll be much less out of pocket on both ends of the deal. The original owner has to take the hit from new and the value drops much less from used when you want to sell it.
Beacause I am getting married the September after my “A” race (Placid), and will be taking a hiatus for wedding/honeymoon etc… I want to go out with a BANG at Placid though! Worry not, this won’t be my only bike, and I will not be bikeless at any time.
Best bet will probably be for me to buy a used 2011 Shiv, Speed Concept, DA, etc… and get a good discount from retail, then sell it next July. I would imagine the loss in that scenario would be less than the 25-30% on a new bike.
The used bike market is pretty weak right now. I don’t buy that many bikes, but love to watch the e bay. There are some killer deals that go by without even getting an opening bid. Like one of the others said, I would rather be the guy buying a lightly used bike and let the seller take the big hit. After the initial 1/3 or 1/2 loss on retail value the bike will sit at the same value for a couple years if it is in perfect shape.