IS 1500$ too much for a "TREK 5200" with approx 2k-3k miles on it? its an 04/05. bike looks in agood condition

Question

IS 1500$ too much for a "TREK 5200" with approx 2k-3k miles on it? its an 04/05. bike looks in agood condition and alot are selling for that price or more

Answer 1

Hey I just got $1,000 on ebay for my 2004 Trek 5000 with 10K miles on it.  What you're paying for is the frame and components.  With 2-3 K miles on it, I'd expect the components and brakes (all Ultegra, I'd assume) as well as the cassette and chain rings are in almost perfect condition.  Assuming the frame is okay - no cracks, blisters, etc. - and the bike has never been crashed, I'd say it's worth the money.

Answer 2

Excellent bike.  I have owned two of these OCLV frames. But the price strikes me as on the high side.  Remember, while this bike has a lifetime warranty on the frame (and I've seen them break) that warranty is good only for the original buyer.  Its absence devalues the bike considerably.

I sold a used 5500 (same bike, but with Dura Ace components) for $2,000 a couple of years ago, but it included a very high-end wheelset.

I suggest you follow a few sales on eBay to see what others are paying and use this to back up your offer.  $1,500 may or may not be too much.  I haven't researched it lately.  Just did a quick check and found one on CL for $1,200 (see link below).

You didn't say, but whether it includes pedals (and what type) can make a difference of $100 or more in value.  A good used set of ti Speedplays is worth $200.

Finally, carefully check the frame for hairline cracks.  If it has any they will tend to be where the tubes are bonded to the "joints" at the headtube, seattuube, and bottom bracket.

Answer 3

Do you really like the bike?  Does it fit you?  Are you afraid someone is trying to take you for a couple hundred dollars?

The starting point for most good carbon road bikes with full Ultegra seems to be $2500.  Trek's Madone 5.2 lists for $3500+.

At 3K miles, it hasn't seem much use.  If it hasn't been abused, wrecked, or otherwise messed with, the price seems fair.

Answer 4

That sounds high to me.  While I'm sure the bike is very close to new, I would expect a used bike to sell at substantial discount, because the market for used bicycles is small.

If the Trek 5200 is what you had your heart set on, then by all means get it.  But if you're only looking for a bike of that caliber, I'd suggest a little more comparison shopping.  Good deals pop up on craigslist if you're patient.

Answer 5

A new-from-the-shop carbon-fiber bike can cost as little as $2000 these days (especially when you buy a last-year's-model on clearance sale)..  $1500 for a 4-year-old carbon fiber bike with a few thousand miles of abuse on it sounds a bit high.