Why are used racing bicycles so expensive?

Question

I'm replacing my mountain bike which has had its day. For a change this time, I fancy a racer as opposed to a mountain bike. I've just spent the last hour on ebay and let's just say I'm not a happy man. It seems the going rate for a USED racer is £500. Why are these bikes so d**n expensive?

(For the record, used mountain bikes are selling at about £75).

Answer 1

I don't think you know what you're looking for TBH.

I would look for an entry level road bike if I were you. Check out Speciallized, Trek, Giant  and Felt, etc, etc They all do gret entry level road bikes.

Answer 2

Road bikes or racing bikes are expensive due to the following reasons. They can be just one reason or a combination of more than one or all.

1. Weight= The lighter the bike in overall weight, the easier it is to ride, making it easier for the rider to race with. Giving them a better advantage to go faster thus win the race.

2.Parts= Just like mountain bikes, road bikes have high end parts that cost to manufacture, do R&D and the materials used. For example, engineers have to spend countless hours on R&D in aerodynamics for an aero frame, then use carbon fiber or some expensive material.

3.Brand name= Just like everything capitalist, Brand names are often and the unfair decision makers that justify a $5K Cannondale Saeco replica versus a $200 Schwinn.

If weight is something you can skimp on for now the popular brands like Trek, Specialized, Tommaso and Giant have starter models just right above $600 dollars.Once the speed=gram counting fever hits you, you can upgrade parts of your bike for a lighter overall weight.

Hope this helps, I would keep the mtn. bike if I were you. You never know when you are going to hit those dirt roads again. I know I did.