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I've spotted a second hand 2017 Bird Zero AM2 for sale on pinkbike, asking price: £995
As someone who is enthusiastic but knows very little, I would massively appreciate any advice. Specifically about the value of this at £995 and what to look out for when buying second hand, especially as it is a 3 year old bike. Or if it is overpriced, might you suggest any alternatives new/old.
Some background about me. The extended family have clubbed together £1000 to spend on a bike for my birthday. I want to get out onto the South Downs with my partner on some rolling trails (now that we are allowed to!) but in the future I also want to take the bike to Cannock Chase/Llandegla mtb trails and out into the Lake District for some proper mtbing. I'm 6'5 and have only ridden hardtails in my youth and feel that a hard tail is appropriate given my budget.
Your link didn't work - guessing it's this bike? - https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2545391/
I'd say £995 was a bit on the high side. Bird sell the new (12 speed) version of that bike for just over £1300. 60% of new price and then 10% off per year old is a useful rule of thumb for second hand. But they're nice bikes, I'd say you're on the right track.
https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-am-boost-2018-sram-nx-12-speed/#configuration
If you're tall enough for an XL bird, a 29er might be worth considering.
Careful of the 'From' price, I've just specced up a Bird Zero with all the cheapest (or next to cheapest) options available, with Deore 12 speed and it comes out at £1740, which is a fair way from £1300.
To get it at £1396 you have to spec Rockshox 35's, no dropper, and cheap dual compound tyres.
Add a dropper, pike select, decent tyres and you're at £1700.
Thanks both for your advice.
I was thinking a similar thing with the wheel size. As a tall lad, a 29er seems more appropriate but I was hoping the XL size of the frame would make the 27.5" work for all 6ft5 of me.
Combining your advice: Lets say £1700 new. 60% of is around £1000. And three years use makes a fair price around £700-750. I would try it for a ride around the block before buying of course, but it is going to be hard to gauge it without taking out on any trails.
In regards to good 29ers. Any tip offs on good deals on the market now? Every man and his sprog seems to be buying bikes and anything I add to the shortlist is out of stock.
In terms of new bikes, I saw the following, both are under budget but struggling to see too much of a downside to an entry level bike at this stage. Not sure how much more bang for buck I get by getting something more expensive. Thanks again for your advice.
Can't get my head around the sizing (is 19" a L or XL).
Onza PAYOFF 29"
Or could wait for this to come back in stock in XL
Vitus Nucleus 29 VRS
Both are under budget but trying to think if I need anything more that an entry level bike at this stage. Not sure how much more bang for buck I get by getting something more expensive closer to £1000 but suggestions are welcome!
Just for info, I sold my year old Vitus escarpe FS bike for £900 in September, that was a £1850 bike at RRP. So £1000 for a 3 year old bike worth the same price or slightly lower new is a bit much IMO. And it looks fairly well used.
This was my listing: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2599061/
Right now it's probably the worst time in years to be buying a bike.
Everyone is buying bikes right now, new bikes are out of stock everywhere, some used bikes are going for more than they were when new new on ebay and used prices in general are much higher, and so is demand.
If you want to buy new you'll struggle to find something in stock, and if you want to buy used you'll pay an inflated price.
Got ya. Might hold off and stick to the road for now. Hopefully will be able to get hold of a 15yr old Giant SE to see me through this year. Albeit an unsafe way to see it out. Or maybe new is the way to go, if I can find any in stock.
Bossnut is a great bike for the money and a great intro to full suss. Saying that for XC rides on the downs the canyon probably makes more sense. Canyons are good too.
But you said about lakes / trail centres a so if you plan on that, I think the bossnut would be great. You could add a dropper later.
Both are decent bikes and you'll have fun on either round here 😉.
Bird seem to hold their value really well, not sure if it's the transferable frame warranty or something else?
Both useful info, thanks. The Bird is a no go, I've got a message to say it is no longer for sale.
J