If you’re looking to buy a bike, there are a few common routes you can take. You can: 

1. Purchase a brand-new 2025 model year bike from a retail store, such as your local bike shop or online

2. Find a used/pre-owned bike on local and online marketplaces

3. Buy a new, older model bike, such as a top-tier 2023 model, at discounted prices

If you're familiar with BikeExchange, you likely know that our business model shines at the latter option: offering factory-fresh bikes in the latest and previous-generation models at lower prices.

We’re not discounting the value of a preowned bike. You can find absolute bangers for your buck on eBay or Facebook marketplaces–unique bikes you’ll never find in retail outlets. We even have a section of BikeExchange dedicated to certified pre-owned bikes where you can find amazing deals.

There are pros and cons to all bike-buying options, some more impactful than others. Here’s what you should know when going down each of these routes.

Does Buying a Brand New Bike Make Sense?

Purchasing the latest model bike straight from a retail store, local or online, is like buying a first-class ticket to get the latest cutting-edge features, but it comes at a premium for the privilege.

The Bright Side

Picking up the latest model means you'll enjoy:

• Factory warranty protection and dedicated service support

• Experiencing the latest technological advancements and performance features

• Customization options for your exact preferences

• Peace of mind with no hidden history or maintenance concerns

The Reality Check

Unless you have limitless funds, buying new model year bikes can come with some considerable drawbacks:

• Paying the highest possible price point for a brand-new model

• Immediate depreciation once you ride it home

• Delayed gratification from shipping, assembly, or supply chain matters

• Higher insurance premiums (if applicable)

Most bike manufacturers update their color schemes and graphics annually while saving significant engineering changes for multi-year cycles. Often, the only difference between a 2025 and 2024 model is a fresh paint job or decal design. While these aesthetic updates help drive showroom appeal and annual sales, they typically command a premium price without delivering any substantial performance advantages. 

In many cases, you're simply paying more for this year's trendy colorway rather than meaningful technical improvements. This reality makes it worth considering whether paying full retail for the absolute latest model is truly necessary for your riding needs.

Navigating the Used Bike Marketplace

The pre-owned bike market offers a world of possibilities for riders looking to maximize their budget. While it requires more research and patience than buying new, the potential of unearthing real value can make the extra effort worthwhile.

Find Hidden Gems

We're not going to beat around the bush. The used bike market can be a gold mine of opportunities, especially for savvy cyclists who know what they're mining for. A well-maintained pre-owned bike can deliver:

• Substantial savings, often 30-70% below original retail prices

• Access to rare or discounted bike models of desire

• More immediate availability; instantaneous when purchased locally

• Potential for high-end technology at mid-range prices

The Downsides

However, navigating the pre-owned market requires careful consideration. Here are common mistakes to avoid or the inherent downside potential of buying used:

• Buying the wrong size bike because it was a great deal

• Frame damage, especially hidden cracks under fresh paint jobs

• A dirty, rusty, or poorly maintained drivetrain (chain, cassette, chainring)

• Skipping a proper test ride and shifting through all the gears several times

• Failing to inspect suspension components for leaks or unusual wear

• Bottom brackets that feel gritty or sound creaky

• Worn-down, stretched-out chains (a chain checker tool is a great investment)

• Getting lured by suspiciously low prices or not verifying the bike's serial number

• Signs of poor maintenance, like rusty components and seized or stripped nuts

Success in the used market often comes down to doing your homework. Research common issues for specific models, understand fair market values, and always inspect thoroughly before purchasing. 

While that carbon fiber dream bike at half price might look tempting, factor in the cost of potential repairs or component upgrades when calculating the true value of your purchase.

The Sweet Spot: New, Previous-Generation Bikes

Finding a factory-fresh bike from a recent model year represents the perfect middle ground between buying new and used. These bikes offer almost identical technology to current models but at significantly reduced prices, creating an optimal value proposition for savvy cyclists.

Look at it this way: if you have $3,000 to spend on a performance road bike, you can buy a 2023 Felt VR Advanced Ultegra Di2 with Reynolds carbon wheels for $2,899, 47% off the retail price of $5,499. You're getting an elite-caliber carbon road bike for half the price.

Big Benefits with No Downside

• Pristine condition with zero wear and tear

• Full manufacturer’s warranty

• Substantial savings (often 25-50% off original retail)

• Modern technology and components

• Immediate availability without supply chain delays

• No hidden maintenance history to worry about

• Factory-fresh components without the depreciation hit

• Professional assembly and setup

• Access to premium brands at mid-range prices

These bikes occupy a unique market position. They are unboxed predecessors with pristine components, but they have yesterday's price tag.

Most bike innovations occur in multi-year cycles, with only incremental changes between consecutive model years. The technology and performance differences between a 2024 and 2022 model are typically minimal, yet the price difference can be substantial.

You're getting identical performance and engineering, just in last season's colors, at 60-75% of the price - simple math that makes perfect sense for savvy cyclists.

Bottom Line

When weighing all your options, new previous-generation bikes emerge as the clear podium topper in the race for value. You dodge the steep depreciation of the latest and greatest models while avoiding the uncertainty and potential headaches of the used market. It's the sweet spot that smart cyclists seek: maximum value with minimal compromise, delivering peace of mind without emptying your wallet. For most riders, this approach simply makes the most sense.