Despite Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's claim that the recession is over, most Americans aren't buying it. I'm not sure what you think of Bernanke's outlook, but the last two years of economic downturn have taught me a lesson in frugality I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
My husband bought a new bike recently — new to him anyway. After visiting nine different bike stores and confronting the truth that he could not afford to put thousands of dollars toward a bicycle, I directed him to Craigslist. Not only did he find the bike of his dreams, he ended up having a few to choose from. Within a week of looking he found a barely used 2008 Cannondale for $650, a bike he saw at a store a week earlier for $1,250.
I've used Craigslist quite a bit but never for pricier items because it seemed to risky to me. After this experience I'll be turning there when I'm on the market for something new. A quick look on the site yesterday showed hundreds of barely used elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and treadmills averaging around $200; that's at least an 80 percent discount off retail prices and has me seriously considering buying a piece of equipment for my home.
Have any of you had good experiences using Craigslist to find fitness equipment?
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Lowie
Jimmy Choo
I really wanted to buy a used tri bike on e-bay or craiglist. The problem is that I ride a 47/ 48/ xxs frame ... I couldn't find one anywhere near me or anything on e-bay that was what I wanted (and in my price range). Ended up having to go new but my LBS fits me for free every few months and tunes up my bike for free, so the extra few hundred I spent on the bike was worth it
1My treadmill came from Craig's list. I spent $1650 on it when it's $5000 new. I'd highly recomend it.
If you're a Mac gal like I am, it's a great place to pick up and sell Apple gear. Apple keeps it's resale well, and it lasts a long time.
2I used Craigslist to sell my dressage saddle and had good results with that. Never bought anything off of it though.
3The next elliptical trainer I buy will probably be from Craigslist because I'm sick of buying cheap, new retail stuff when I could be getting something of higher quality used at a lower price. I'm holding out until I see someone list a Precor on there...highly doubtful, but it could happen!
4i've never bought fitness equipment but we've bought couches, and things like that from craiglist. I LOVE craiglist! We've aldo been going to garage sales. We found a projector that came with the projector, screen, surround sound speakers, 5disc DVD player for $500. The projector ALONE is more that $500! We were so excited! Time for movies in the yard!
5I bought a Jack Lulanne juicer for $50. Retails for over $100 new.
6Spectra, I held out until I saw a top of the line Precor. Quality is worth waiting for!
7Totally! I've been browsing myself for a "new" bike, and in the meantime, I bought every piece of furniture for my new apartment off of Craigslist. In times like these, why don't we help each other out with great deals on our old stuff? And secondhand = recycling, so it's good for the environment, too...
8I got a barely used Fluidity bar when they first came out for $50, and they were like $300
9This is a great idea! My hubby and I want to continue our running routine during the snowy winter months and hope to do so indoors. I never thought about buying a treadmill on craigslist. Thanks for all of the positive feedback from others on fitsugar, we are going to check it out.
10Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.