Second Hand Bikes

No problem buying from ebay and other online sites.  Pay attention to the usual: good feedback rating, no hidden charges, complete descriptions, clear pictures of the actual item, not one "ripped" from the mfr. website, etc.  If you see something in question in a photo or if they describe a flaw, ask for a picture of it.  My current bike, with the exception of the saddle and handlebar tape was entirely built up with parts I got from online companies and ebay.  It was fun and I actually saved money and built exactly what I wanted.

Yea, I've bought several with decent although not perfect results. 

First was an old road bike (for about $100 plus shipping).  It was a good bike for my first full year of tri's and my HIM.  The size was off (it was advertised as a 55 cm, but was really a 56-57 from a manufacturer who routinely makes big frames). 

Second was my Klein tri-bike (more than the above, but still not outrageous).  It's been "in the family" now for almost 3 years and is the bike I rode at CdA this summer.  I'm very happy with it, and even found a set of wheels for it via E-bay. 

The way I looked at it, I was willing to throw away the purchase if it wasn't what I wanted, so it had to pretty much be a deal for me to bite.  I suppose I could have taken components and swapped them from one frame to another instead of "throwing away" the purchase. 

It seems the late-model bikes entry-level bikes aren't discounted much, so depending on what you want, it may be almost as expensive as buying new.  Some of the more expensive bikes are significantly cheaper second-hand. 

Nothing wrong with it.  My dad, sister and brother in law went that route.  My dad called the guy from ebay and had a good chat with him about the bike, why the guy was selling it, etc.  I bought mine from the LBS because they were having an awesome sale and b/c I am a big girl and wanted the Lifetime garantee on the carbon fiber frame.  It doesn't have a lifetime if you are 2nd hand....otherwise, I would have bought online.

Just be careful, as usual. I got a GREAT road bike with one ebay transaction, and got taken on the  next.  I tried to return the bike and it got lost on the way back...long story short, even with insurance, I'm still out the money.  So I"m a bit scared of it now, I'd prefer craigslist and seeing it in person.