2nd hand shocks?

[Rik]

I'm looking into buying new bouncy bits for my FSR, the rear shocks blown and i want more travel on the front
so.... obviously i'm gunna be tight (not much spare $$) and was lookin into 2nd hand stuff
i got a feeling its a bit dodgy, people only sell stuff when they wanna get rid of it, and they usually get rid of it for a good reason

what are some pointers with 2nd hand bits? i have a feeling i'd wanna deflate/remove springs and feel the dampening, it'd be very nice to see/feel the shocks in action on a bike, but sometimes thats too hard for the seller
more specifically, i have interest in:
Fox Alps 5r (http://au.page.sold.yahoo.com/au/auction/510331291?)
and
Bombshell Wicked Wendy (http://au.page.sold.yahoo.com/au/auction/510331355)

what should i look out for and what should i avoid with making purchases like these?
thanks lads

[Big John]

Well just because "it's for sale doesn't mean it's bad, I would judge the price on age, use and how much it will cost to get rebuilt. I would figure how much a rebuild is on top of the price of a used shock and see how it compares to a new unit.
Kepp looking there are some good deals out there!

[oldfart]

I'd stick to the major brands like Fox or Rock Shox, Manitou, Marzocchi. Chances are a used shock will need a little tlc sooner rather than later and parts will be easier to find for the popular shocks. The Alps 5 is getting a little long in the tooth though. That's about 4 or 5 years old now. Bombshell? I've only ever seen adds for their stuff. I think its low end. I have never seen any one in Vancouver on a Bombshell.

[ssaddict]

Older Fox Alps series shocks were very reliable and easily rebuildable, so you'll probably be fine there. I'd stay away from any Bombshell products that are second hand, brand new I wouldn't purchase one and used would even be worse. Very much like Hanebrink technology or lack there of....