There are fantastic deals to be found used or OEM take-offs. However you really need to A. know what you are looking at, B. do your research regarding value thoroughly and C. not be in a hurry. Few are willing to do this. To illustrate, I plan to purchase "new" brakes prior to a bike trip at the end of the summer. I know exactly what I want and what the average prices are across the internet. I have had several come available, but I know I can do better on price and I am not worried about set up as I can do it myself. As noted, I am in no real hurry. I believe the same approach can be employed on entire bikes as well, but it requires more time, eye for detail and willingness to accept issues that may arise.
May 9, 2018, 7:38 a.m. - Raymond Epstein
There are fantastic deals to be found used or OEM take-offs. However you really need to A. know what you are looking at, B. do your research regarding value thoroughly and C. not be in a hurry. Few are willing to do this. To illustrate, I plan to purchase "new" brakes prior to a bike trip at the end of the summer. I know exactly what I want and what the average prices are across the internet. I have had several come available, but I know I can do better on price and I am not worried about set up as I can do it myself. As noted, I am in no real hurry. I believe the same approach can be employed on entire bikes as well, but it requires more time, eye for detail and willingness to accept issues that may arise.