Used bike pricing guideline %-wise?

Check out this site, it is pretty decent at predicting used  bike value.

http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/default.aspx

Search Ebay (mostly) and the classified here and on slow twitch for the specific bike.

Ebay now shows you recent sold, and items that failed to sell.  This gives you a pretty good idea of general price value.

Sometimes you can't find the specific version / year, but you can usually get an ok idea.

I was watching one on ebay.  The auction just ended.

It was a 2011, described as "super clean" and less than 500 miles.  It sold for $970, plus $74.99 shipping.  That's just $392 less than I can get a brand new one for, including taxes.  That seems like not enough of a discount to miss out on the warranty and the bike shop fitting, and the follow-up included services.  Am I out of line thinking that? I'm an uber-newbie when it comes to bikes, so feel free to tell me like it is.  I won't be insulted by my ignorance if pointed out, or your knowledge.

It's almost impossible to have a rule of thumb - there are just too many variables (beyond the obvious - age, condition - including, in no particular order):

• Is the frame/wheelset/group still in production?
• Is this stock geometry, or custom?
• Is this a stock build (components), or custom?
• If the latter, are the parts contemporaneous?
• How rare is the bike/group?
• How desirable is the bike/group?
• Is this lipstick on a pig (ie, awesome components on a crap frame)
• vice versa?

Bike bluebook or market shopping are the best bets; beyond that, figure out what you want/need/value, and make your own determination - you can get some stellar values if you are willing to overlook fashion for performance (downgraded FD; alloy cockpit)

SYJ

As an uber-newbie you almost certainly want to go to the bike shop for proper fitting, adjustments, etc.   Save the "bargains" for those who are comfortable with issues relating to fit, adjustments, repairs etc.

i have found that this time of the year the demand is super high for bikes on ebay.  i would expect to pay 10-15% more now than if you shop for a used bike in the winter months.  also, some bikes (like cars) hold their resale values better than others.  cannondale, cervelo, others hold very well.  i would guess 50-65% of msrp is what these are selling for on ebay this time of the year.  my rule of thumb is 2 year old bike (lightly used), high resale frame like cannondale, 50% of msrp is a great deal (60% seems more the norm).  i find wheels devalue about 10% more than the bikes.  some bikes (and wheelsets) sell so close to new prices this time of the year on ebay that i don;t even look at buying until october or so when the demand slows drastically.

cheers

paul

cervelo s2

cervelo p2

cannondale caad9