Buy a Used Bike

Buying a used bike instead of a new one is a great way to save some money, and nowadays there are lots of different ways you can find used bikes. Whether you want something to ride casually around town, commute, or hit the mountain trails with, there are tons of good quality second-hand bikes out there waiting to find a new home. Always try to buy a bike in person so you can visually inspect it and take it for a test ride. Be patient if the used bike of your dreams doesn’t appear right away. There’s surely one waiting for you out there!

Steps

Looking for Used Bikes

  1. Choose what type of bike you want based on the riding you will do. Narrow your hunt down by deciding whether you want a road bike, a mountain bike, or a commuter bike before you start. Start looking for road bikes if you plan to do only urban riding on paved roads, mountain bikes if you want to ride mainly off-road, or commuter bikes if you want to do some combination of the two.[1]
    • Some good brands of bikes you can look out for to find a good deal are Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, Jamis, Klein, LeMond, Mongoose, Raleigh, Schwinn, Specialized, and Trek. These brands all make a wide variety of bikes in different styles and price ranges, so you’re sure to find something that suits you!
    • A used bike should cost anywhere from 40-80% of the new price. If you find a bike you like and aren’t sure what a fair price for it is, you can check on https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/.[2]
  2. Search for used bikes at bike shops whenever possible. A bike shop that sells second-hand bikes is the most reliable place to purchase a used bike because they fix and tune them up before selling them, which saves you time and money! Call around to bike shops in your area and ask if they sell used bikes.[3]
    • Another benefit of buying a second-hand bike from a bike shop is that you can get them to install different components or modify a bike to customize it before you purchase it. That way, you can walk out the door with the bike of your dreams!
  3. Look for used bikes in local classifieds if you can’t find one at a bike shop. Search online classifieds sites like Craigslist, Backpage, Gumtree, and Kijiji or browse the classifieds section in the local newspaper. Reach out to the seller when you find a bike you’re interested in and schedule a time to go see the bike in person.[4]
    • Unless you have experience fixing up bikes or are willing to spend extra money getting it tuned up at a bike shop, always try to find a bike that you can inspect and test ride before you buy it.
  4. Check local thrift or consignment shops if you can’t find anything else nearby. This is another option when you have no luck with bike shops or classifieds. Call around to thrift shops and consignment stores in your area and ask if they have any bikes for sale.[5]
    • Keep in mind that these kinds of shops don’t do any maintenance on bikes and the bikes might sit there for a while, so you’ll definitely have to get the bike tuned up if you end up buying one this way.
  5. Order a used bike online as a last resort. Check online auction sites like eBay or bike trading sites like Bikemart for the type of bike you want to buy. Look at the photos and read the product description carefully and make note of any issues the bike has that you might have to pay to fix. Read the seller’s reviews if they have any to make sure they are trustworthy. Order the bike if everything looks good, wait for it to arrive, then assemble it if it comes taken apart.[6]
    • Don’t be afraid to ask an online seller for additional info. Many bike owners keep receipts of work that was done to their bikes or parts that were replaced, which can give you an idea of what shape the bike is in.
    • Keep in mind that you will probably have to get any used bike you buy online tuned up when it arrives. If you have experience working on bikes or have a friend who does, it can save you some money in this department.

Inspecting the Bike

  1. Examine the frame for dents, cracks, and rust. Get up close and personal with the bike’s frame to make sure it doesn’t have any major damage. Look very closely underneath the bottom of the frame and at the joints of the frame, where cracks in the tubes form more easily. Don’t purchase the bike if you see any of these issues.[7]
    • It’s OK if the frame has some minor scratches or paint chips. These inevitably occur over a bike’s lifetime. The important thing is to make sure that the frame doesn’t have any damage that can compromise its strength.
  2. Check the chain and gears for rust and warping. Look carefully at the bike’s chain, gear sprockets, and gear cables and make note of any rust. Inspect the gears to make sure they aren’t bent and try pulling the chain away from the gears to make sure it is tight.[8][9]
    • Gear sprockets are the metal rings with pointy teeth that hold the chain.
    • Keep in mind that these parts are relatively inexpensive to replace if they are a little rusty or in bad shape. If that’s the only thing wrong with the bike, you could still consider buying it and just plan on putting a little more money into fixing it up.
  3. Wiggle the wheels, crank, and headset to make sure they are not loose. Grab one of the pedals and try sliding the crank back and forth laterally to the frame to make sure the crankshaft assembly is secure. Lift up the front and back wheels and try wiggling them side to side to ensure that they are not loose. Push the front wheel of the bike against a wall while holding onto the handlebars firmly to check that the headset is not wobbly. Don’t get the bike if any of these parts are loose.[10]
    • The crank is the part of the bike that the pedals are attached to, which moves the wheels when you pedal. The headset is the front part of the bike attached to the frame, including the fork, which is what holds the front wheel, and the handlebars.
  4. Look at the tires to see if they are worn out or cracked. Inspect the tread profile to see if it is worn down. Examine the sides of the tires closely for cracks in the rubber.[11]
    • The tread profile is the textured grip on the bike’s wheels. If the bike wheels look smooth or completely bald, it is worn down.
    • If the tires are worn down or cracked, it doesn’t necessarily mean the rest of the bike is in bad shape, you will just have to buy a new set of tires and replace them. All tires wear out over time.
  5. Inspect the brakes and brake cables to make sure they are in good shape. Look at the brake cables to see if they are rusting or frayed at the ends. Squeeze the brake handles to ensure that they move smoothly and easily. Examine the brake pads to check if the rubber is worn down.[12]
    • The brake cables are the cables that run from the brake handles to the brake pads on the wheels and are what actually move the brakes when you squeeze the handles.
    • You definitely want to ensure that the bike has working brakes before you take it on a test ride. If they look like they’re in bad shape, don’t bother with the test ride.

Taking the Bike for a Test Ride

  1. Ride the bike over terrain similar to where you plan to ride it, if possible.[13] Try to simulate the riding conditions you would typically ride the bike in if it were yours, so you know it can handle whatever you throw at it. Take a road bike on a spin around paved roads and ride the bike up and down hills, for example.[14]
    • If you’re shopping for a mountain bike, it might be more difficult to take it on an off-road test ride since the current owner probably won’t want you to take it too far! However, you can look for some unpaved terrain nearby like dirt pathways between streets or a little park to ride through.
  2. Shift gears up and down and ensure they shift quickly and smoothly. Put the bike into all its different gears while you’re test riding it to make sure you’ll be able to tackle all the terrain you plan on riding on. If the gears feel rough or delayed when you shift, it’s probably not the right bike for you.[15]
    • Try shifting gears at different speeds as well to make sure they don’t shift roughly if you’re going slower or faster.
  3. Test the brakes to make sure they work properly. Good brakes are super important for ensuring that you stay safe while riding your bike, so remember to test those out too. To test the brakes, just get up to a fairly fast speed on a flat surface and then squeeze on the brake levers. The brakes should stop the bike quickly and smoothly even when you’re going fast. If they don’t, that’s probably a red flag.[16]
    • Make sure to do this in a safe, open area, like an empty neighborhood street or parking lot, and not on a busy road where you could get in an accident.
  4. Ask yourself whether the bike feels good overall and is fun to ride. You’re going to spend many hours on your new bike, so make sure it’s one that you feel good on and enjoy riding! Avoid purchasing a bike that you don’t love, even if it’s in great shape and everything works well.[17]
    • If there is just something minor you don't like about a bike, like an uncomfortable seat, remember that you can always replace parts and customize the bike to suit you perfectly.

Tips

  • If you’re inexperienced with bikes, get a friend or family member who is knowledgeable about bikes to help you with your search.
  • Minor cosmetic damage on used bikes is normal. The most important thing to do when you inspect and test ride a used bike is to make sure that everything works well, both for your safety and so you don’t have to put a lot of money into repairing the bike.
  • Wear the clothes you plan to ride in on a regular basis when you test ride a bike. This will help you decide how comfortable the bike would be to ride under normal conditions.

Warnings

  • Always wear a helmet when you ride a bike. If you don’t have one yet, borrow one to take with you when you go look at a bike and test ride it.
  • If you have to buy a used bike online, make sure that it is from a reliable seller with good reviews and has good pictures and a detailed product description that tells you what kind of shape it’s in.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/bikes/buying-guide/index.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.bikearlington.com/what-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-used-bicycle/
  3. ↑ http://www.bikearlington.com/what-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-used-bicycle/
  4. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/tips-for-buying-second-hand-bike-340839
  5. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/gear/6-tips-for-buying-used-gear-without-sacrificing-outdoor-performance/
  6. ↑ https://www.bikeradar.com/features/how-to-buy-a-used-or-second-hand-bike-online/
  7. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a20008824/how-to-buy-a-used-bike/
  8. ↑ [v161271_b01]. 18 February 2020.
  9. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/tips-for-buying-second-hand-bike-340839
  10. ↑ https://www.bikecitizens.net/how-to-find-an-affordable-second-hand-bicycle/
  11. ↑ https://www.bikecitizens.net/how-to-find-an-affordable-second-hand-bicycle/
  12. ↑ https://www.bikecitizens.net/how-to-find-an-affordable-second-hand-bicycle/
  13. ↑ [v161271_b01]. 18 February 2020.
  14. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/bikes/buying-guide/index.htm
  15. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/tips-for-buying-second-hand-bike-340839
  16. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a20030260/how-to-nail-your-next-test-ride/
  17. ↑ https://www.bikecitizens.net/how-to-find-an-affordable-second-hand-bicycle/
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Buy_a_Used_Bike&oldid=303483"