On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 16:31:52 -0400, Michael S. Moorhead
wrote:
When is the best time of year and where should we be looking for used
bikes?

At stores, end of season is coming up, or maybe here already.

Better: people's garbage. I found a very good Peugeot that
needed a little work and is now a rather nice road bike.

Of course, you have to be not embarassed to pull a bicycle
from somebody's garbage on garbage day, and it's hard to
find one when you want one. When I wanted one, I could not
find one for months. Since I've gotten it, I see them all
the time [and salvage some].

How old is old? Does quality fade off dramatically after 5 years or so?

Technology becomes obsolete. However, you can replace parts
whose technology isn't to your liking easily enough.

About what could one ask for ~$300?

That should get a moderately nice used road bike, if you buy
from the owner. I get the feeling that you won't find many
used road bikes at LBSs.

Consider, also, that you can get new low-end road bikes for
about $500 at LBSs; and if you have a Dick's Sporting Goods
near you, they have a Diamondback road bike that seems to be
better quality than you'd expect from a seemingly department
store bike, and it goes for about $300.

Thanks,

Mike Moorhead

--
Rick Onanian