last week while on vacation, both of my wheels/tubes/brakes were stolen off my bike.
it’s a 2015 Trek Marlin 5 that i’ve had for several years… i just recently got back into riding it, otherwise it hasn’t seen much of the roads and trails.
the Trek store in my area quoted $527 before tax for new replacements of everything, even with the cheapest tires he could fine. he said if all of the parts were there, my bike would sell for $900+.
so my question is, do i put that $ into my current bike or do i buy a new bike for a little bit more?? neither are ideal financial options obviously and i’m not in any particular rush to do 1 option versus the other. just wanted to kinda start seeing what my options were!
basically- what would you do if you were me lol
by throwawayaccnt444
10 Comments
New bike is always the right answer!
The 10 years difference in tech will be noticeable.
Pick up used wheels on MarketPlace when a deal presents itself. You’ll have an extra bike for friends.
I’m sorry this happened to you!
Maybe I don’t understand the Trek Marlin line, but I think you can get a new, more modern version of a Trek Marlin 5 directly from trek for $850: [https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/marlin/f/F321/marlin-5-gen-3/57363/5337027/?campaign_source=Google](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/marlin/f/F321/marlin-5-gen-3/57363/5337027/?campaign_source=Google)
If we’re talking US dollars, I’m really surprised by the quoted prices. If it’s just wheels/tires/disc rotors you need, I’d think you could find a much cheaper used locally on craigslist or facebook marketplace.
If you have no issue with the bike other than the missing wheels, I’d recommend looking for a used wheelset and riding what you have. Bikes have changed since 2015 for sure, so if you are looking for more modern features, you can consider it.
So first things first, I am sorry this happened to you, that really freaking sucks. Here are some things I’d ask myself if I were in your position:
1. Does this bike have sentimental value to me?
2. What other features, advantages, and benefits would the newer bike grant me for my riding purposes that this one doesn’t?
3. Do I just want a new bike?
4. Which bike lock is the best option for me?
I would say if question 1 is answered with a yes, and you don’t intend on doing a lot of riding with the bike that would otherwise justify looking into a new bike, then just get your current one repaired.
That being said, if you want a newer bike, you may as well just spend the extra few hundred on the new one, chances are you’ll get a bike that doesn’t have quick release thru-axles and hopefully any potential thief wouldn’t be walking around with a hex key to take your axle out and your wheel.
You can always check in with some other local bike shops and get a second opinion or quote on your parts, if you’re not 100% confident and need more professional input. But definitely, regardless of what you intend to do, most definitely get yourself a bike lock as extra theft deterrent.
I wish you the best of luck!
$900+ for that bike is astronomical. I assume the person at the shop was either completely out of touch with current used bike prices or there was a misunderstanding.
That bike would sell used for well under $500, probably under $300, so spending that much to replace the wheels makes no sense. Also that wheel replacement price is… not insane, but based on the most expensive possible way to replace a set of run of the mill wheels, by buying everything at full retail plus shop labor.
I am sure you can find a decent lightly used replacement wheelset for under $150, which would get you back on the trail.
Of course, a new bike would be nice too if you can swing it.
who steals just the friggin wheels yeash. you can get wheels for that bike on amazon for cheaper. you can also keep an eye out for someone selling a wheelset on pink bike or FB market place.
The guy saying your bike ‘would sell for $900+’ is a red flag, you can get a better, new bike for less. 1/4 of his ‘estimate’ would be closer to reality (depending on local market).
If all you need are wheels, tires and rotors you can pick up used ones on local FB marketplace or similar for ~$100.
Call around to all local shops.. someone likely has a take off set that another customer didn’t want after an upgrade.
Looks like 135mm/100mm 29er with quick release? Check Velomine.
I’m sorry that happened to you! That bike is not worth 900 used, but if you like it fix it up. You could get a used set of wheels with tires and what not on marketplace. Or buy a replacement bike and pass this one along to someone who’s willing to give it some TLC. I’ve bought entry level / decent DT Swiss mtb wheels with tires, rotors and a cassette for $150 bucks.
Find a cheap bike on marketplace with the same size wheels.
Go to a non-trek shop and get a quote. New wheels, tires, and rotors should be under $400. Potentially under $200. And even cheaper on marketplace or craigslist. You could also try to find a used bike with wheels that will fit your bike and swap out the wheels — a used bike with appropriate wills will likely be under $400