Would you buy an ex-demo bike?

[1982john]

The full price is £650 the bike is discounted to £500 but there is an ex-demo which is my size for £350.

It's on a website so I can't see it before hand and I can't afford the £500 price. What do you think? Do these just get smashed around? I used to work for a car company and people treated demo cars like crap!

[Paulatic]

In answer to your heading, yes I would.
Would I buy the one you are looking At? I've no idea without seeing it.

[al_yrpal]

If its a road bike why not? I bought a Cannondale test MTbike a few years ago, but, I was able to see it first, although it was scratched here and there it was fine. You might have scratches but nothing should be worn out. You can ask about defects before you buy.

Al

[squeaker]

Yes, but I'd want to see a few photos first, esp. those showing any 'blemishes'

[pwa]

With that price drop yes, i'd buy it and accept the odd minor scratch or scuff. Should be a genuine bargain.

[mercalia]

you need to ask for details about blemishes?

any dents?
any rust?
scratches?
how worn out is the drive train?
what warranty given?

I am sure others here can add other things to ask

[robgul]

Subject to the type of bike - I would avoid MTBs that have been demos.

Otherwise at that difference in price it's probably worth a punt (there's always ebay!) - BUT how far away is it? - can you go and see it and take it away with you? Cost of getting there is the obvious question.

... and why not make a cheeky offer at £300?

Rob

[1982john]

Thanks all - yes it's a road bike.

[foxyrider]

Just remember that you still have rights even on a used bike. It may be ex demo and be almost perfect or it could have a worn drivetrain and loads of scratches. The shop should ensure it works before you take it away and point out if stuff will need replacing - a knackered drivetrain could easily cost the amount you are hoping to save to replace.

On the plus side, most demo road bikes don't get abused or even ridden much so go take a look.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Look at it first.................yes........take a mate who knows his stuff.

Probably sold as seen, even so it will be road safe, it would have to be.

[Boyd]

would you buy secondhand bike? If the answer is yes why wouldn't you buy a demo bike. There not cars. People are happy to buy Bikes from the....1930s. Ride it nohanded, if it rides true no problems with frame. A bit unlikey anyway that a shop would sell a seriously dameged bike.

[eileithyia]

Intrigued by what is referred to as a 'demo' bike. ie on display in a shop and ridden around the car park before customer places an order? Depending on i's use then yes probably. I bought an end of season hire bike off the co., we hire from, out in Mallorca and leave it out there. But i knew that between each hire contract the bikes are given a full check over and are well serviced.

[Psamathe]

As eileithyia says depends on the "demo" use. If just a few rides by a customer round the car park then I doubt it would be sold as ex-demo. If sent off to different journalists for reviews/tests then it might have experienced a lot more wear and tear (even from just being shipped around).

If it were just a few rides from a shop by a customer then I doubt it would be discounted that much (in fact I'd expect it to be sold as new).

Why not ask the seller for details of the "demo" use ?

Ian