Resale value of a used bike?

[robc]

Just wondering how one comes up with a decent expected resale value for a used bike. What kind of depreciation hit do you take? I want to grab a new rig, but have to sell the old first.
I have a 2002 Cannondale F500 I wanted to sell maybe to a coworker and need a fair starting price. Alum hardtail, LX/XT components, V brakes, few minor paint scratches, stock everything('cept of course for tires and chain). What would you expect for a similarly spec'd bike? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Rob

[Tex]

I'd say go to ebay and see what people are getting for them there. Or go to mtbr.com and see if you can find something similar there. That will at least give you a good starting point.

[soupboy]

of retail is a good starting point. You can then adjust from there for use, condition, upgrades, etc.

In general higher end boutique bikes will depreciate more slowly as well as frame sizes that fit the masses (i.e. not really small or really big).

I've had my best luck by getting bikes cleaned up, taking good photos and selling on eBay. High end stuff will move quickly at reasonable prices on MTBR.

[Trevize1138]

I know James Ford will back me up on this one, but if I were you I'd keep the bike and spend the extra money for a new bike as well. You may find yourself regretting you ever got rid of your older bike after you sell it, and they money you get for it to make the new bike "cheaper" won't seen nearly as worth it.

A 2nd bike offers so many possibilities, not the least of which is as a singlespeed project! =)

The benefit you'll get from having 2 bikes: one a "serious" racing machine with all the gears, suspension and that and one "fun" singlespeed (throw platforms on it just to learn yourself some non-clipped-in bike handling skills).

Of course, you'll find yourself wondering why you spent all that money on a new bike after you check the calendar and realize it's been a couple months since you touched the new bike. Singlespeeds can be more fun than you probably ever realized. :)

[Wolfchimp]

Funny enough....he already has a SS. A Redline Monocog to be exact.

[robc]

Porter is right. I already got the mono. And you are right, they are fun to ride!

Problems with keeping the old and still buying a new one :
- Running out of room in the garage. Already have a tandem, road bike, hardtail and the singlespeed. I am starting to look like an addict. (not that there's anything wrong with that :) )
- With a new geared full susp and a singlespeed, no need for the geared hardtail, so it will really never get ridden.
- Easier to justify to a spouse a new bike if you say you sold the old one first.

Thanks for the info folks. It is much appreciated.
RobC

[Trevize1138]

Porter is right. I already got the mono. And you are right, they are fun to ride!


Ah ... didn't know I was preaching to the converted :) Cool.


Problems with keeping the old and still buying a new one :
- Running out of room in the garage. Already have a tandem, road bike, hardtail and the singlespeed. I am starting to look like an addict. (not that there's anything wrong with that :) )


THAT's some lame reasoning. :crazy: Always enough room for more bikes!


- With a new geared full susp and a singlespeed, no need for the geared hardtail, so it will really never get ridden.


The hell you say! Never hurts to have varied tools for varied tasks.


- Easier to justify to a spouse a new bike if you say you sold the old one first.


Nevermind all that crap I said above, as this is really the only justification that matters. Yeah, try eBay to sell that bike so you can get the new one. :D

[Dominican boy]

Use the old bike as an Indoor Trainer for winter of Rainy Days.
Take out all the brakes and good gear though..