Interesting points made here. Regarding Pro's Closet... The bike I asked a quote on was literally mint, no carbon issues, no paint cracks, all covered in 3m protection. All components were well maintained and top spec and lightly used. The bike was a bike that was in high demand and I checked their site and they only had v1 Ripmos no v2 Ripmos. So for the price they offered me: $5100, and it was about to sell on pink bike for $7100 as I was talking to a guy back and forth. Sending him all pics he requested and answering all questions. However, it went "Buy it Now" on ebay for $7400. Again, loaded bike, full XTR, I-9's, new tires, carbon seat, bars, etc, etc.
If you are buying or selling it is not a pain. Just be patient and you'll be surprised on what you will find to buy or how it might sell. Sold my Hightower during the pandemic in 4 weeks and when I sold my Ripmo v2, it took 7 weeks time. I will say this though. What kind of bike is it and what specs does it offer? Lower end spec bikes will be longer to sell but a desired popular bike with lower spec will be easier to sell. For example, it might be easier to sell a Yeti or a Santa Cruz versus selling a Diamondback or a YT. Just like the auto industry, used Toyota 4 Runner's sell quicker than Ford broncos or jeep Cherokees. Also, if the bike looks good and you put many pics of the bike and list all components in your description and some other info that is pertinent, it will sell quicker.
I've some bikes that I have put to watch on pinkbike and ebay that have 1-3 pics and just list the bike, the year and not much else. I watch them to see how long they take to sell and some of these are there for months. Then I see others that I watch with 10 pics and large descriptions and they sell in weeks. So that helps the buyers.
I will also say this about the comment that there is a reason bikes are being dumped because they've used them up is not exactly true. Some people buy new bikes every season or when a new model is released and have not destroyed them. Some people see, as I do, if I want to sell this next season, let me cover it up with some 3m frame protection. Then, when I sell it I can remove that and show how amazing the frame looks and no frame cracks or paint cracks.
I was looking to buy a used Yeti about 8 months ago and couldn't find the color I wanted in the size I wanted, but... What I saw in the market were some really nice Yeti's well maintained and plenty of life left. I would say reasonably priced for Yeti's as well. So there is some good stuff out there and not all used up. Yes, there is also some garbage and you can tell in the pics. And there are a few you will see that have a bike they've put maybe 50-80 miles on, which might be about 10 rides or less, and they are asking full retail. Just keep it moving with them too.
Also, if a seller will not send you other pics when you request them then move on. They must not want to sell it that bad. I try to be transparent about everything and want the buyers to have the best experience and feel good about their purchase.
Oh yeah, some companies that have a reputable reputation, some allow for crash replacement on a second owner. This means it's not a no-cost frame replacement but a replacement frame that might be at half price or 60% off. Reputable companies that have been doing carbon for a time have good reputations on their carbon. Such as Santa Cruz, Ibis, and Pivot to name a few. Some others, not so much. I'm a bigger guy at 215lbs and never have cracked a carbon frame. Not to say it won't happen but it doesn't happen as often as it used many years ago.
