Wanted - second hand CX - 52cm or XS/S

Hi!
I am quite a newbie to cyclocross (and epic MTB) but I have been looking around (a lot) for a second hand CX bike for the past few weeks and it's getting tough. I do find the occasional great deal but it is almost always large sizes. A very helpful guy in Rathmines answered a lot of my questions today when he showed me a CX Giant (a 2 year old model, I think he said) (XS) which was just the right size (I'm 5.6/5.7) but hard to come by as a second hand bike.
Before I take the jump and go for a brand new bike, could anyone give me any advice on where to look? (I am also looking on Boards and Donedeal).
Alternatively, any tips on a new CX (entry level as I am only starting this year), will be welcome. :) I was shown the Giant 2014 catalogue today and there were a couple of promising options.

Cheers!
C
Give Alfie a call in Expert Cycles in Rathfarnham, he'd be glad to help you out. I think with these things sometimes you're better going new for warranties and back up service etc but all depends on budget of course. Best of luck with your search :)
With the season so close and given your size requirement I would say you have very little chance of finding a 2nd hand bike! Frankly I think you may have a problem buying an XS bike ex-stock too! As Iomair suggested get into Expert Cycles in Rathfarnham where Alfie and Robin will look after you - they're Giant agents and Robin has been National CX Champion for more years than even he would care to remember!!
As a small rider I can tell you it's virtually impossible to get decent second hand bikes and as an XS I imaging its even harder. The only second hand bike I've gotten was from the states. my question is if your 5"6/7' why are you looking for an XS bike???? I'm 5"4' and for some makes I'm on the cusp of small/medium
seen this on donedeal its a 54 might be too big

sure have a look http://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-...d-crux/5621668

but many advantages of going for a new bike over second hand as stated above and there seems to be a markets for cyclecross bikes(around this time of year) so if you wanted to sell it on in a year or too you would have that option!
Originally posted by CC-irl View Post
seen this on donedeal its a 54 might be too big

sure have a look http://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-...d-crux/5621668

but many advantages of going for a new bike over second hand as stated above and there seems to be a markets for cyclecross bikes(around this time of year) so if you wanted to sell it on in a year or too you would have that option!
That 54cm is a size "S" so is right for 5'7....
Thank you so much for all the advice. Seems like I'll have to explore the options for a new bike. Shona, regarding the size, it was just the Giant model I was shown in the shop. It was an XS and was perfect for me, so that was my reference, really. Obviously, I guess all brands differ when it comes to size (right?) and like somebody said, some brands won't stock those small sizes. A 54 might fit in a brand and not in another. Then I was recommended 52cm. I think it'll be a case by case thing....go and see and try. I'll keep an eye on the forums and websites for another few days but probably will go for the peace of mind and offer myself a new beast. :)
Thank you all for your advice again. Very excited to start rolling!