Buying a new bike can be expensive, but you can stretch your budget by purchasing used. The internet has a plethora of great deals for used buyers, but it also has a few people looking to rip you off – so keep your wits about you. Buying a new bike can be expensive, but you can stretch your budget by purchasing used.
Checklist for Pre-Purchase
Some of the concerns that may arise include whether or not the bike has previously been involved in a serious accident. You must always ask the seller unexpected questions. These will catch them off guard and allow you to determine whether or not they are lying to you. Remember that you can always back out of the deal.
Before you even consider buying a bike, there are a few things you should consider. You can’t just Google “used road bikes for sale” and buy the first one that appears to be in good condition. That is what a complete novice would do. You should be able to tell the difference.
The first thing you should do is determine your size. This is the single most important factor to consider when purchasing a new or used road bike. Normally, you’d be on an upright bike.
A bike, like a good suit, should be tailored to the cyclist, not the other way around. “The wand chooses the wizard,” Ollivander told Harry Potter. You’ll be walking into work every morning feeling like you’ve been hit in the crotch with a sack of bricks if you don’t have the right size bike. That’s fine if that’s what you’re into.
After you’ve determined your size, look for the bike range you require. Visit them once you’ve identified some possible sellers. You must inspect the bike before purchasing it, and you must ensure that you are not being done over! This means getting up close and personal with the seller and asking them rapid-fire questions that they should be able to answer right away.
Examining a Second-Hand Road Bike
When it comes to the actual transaction, the inspection is the most important part. Before any money is exchanged, thoroughly and closely inspect the bike. You don’t want to discover that your bike has a cracked frame after you’ve already taken it home.
You most likely did not bring any magnetic scanning equipment with you. A visual inspection, on the other hand, is more than enough to ensure that you are not being duped. When inspecting the bike, pay special attention to the following areas:
1- Seat Post
Check that the adjustable seat post works properly. You can accomplish this by lifting the bike and then releasing it. This does not imply that you use a crane to lift it 10 feet off the ground. A few inches should suffice. When it drops, pay close attention. If you hear rattling, you should be suspicious.
Furthermore, use a torch to inspect the area around the clamp that holds the seat post in place. Because this is a high-stress area, there should be no holes in the material. This is especially true if the bike has a carbon frame. While you’re at it, check to see if the saddle twists easily in the post to ensure it hasn’t died on the inside.
2- Frame
When inspecting the frame, use a torch to carefully inspect every inch of it for even the smallest crack. Run your fingers along the length to ensure that there are no flaws in the frame. If you go over a pothole at the wrong speed, a small crack can lead to a large fall.
Powdery deposits on the mounting plate for the front derailleur are a sign of corrosion, and we all know what that means. Try swiping a pen or your finger across the surface. Grittiness to the touch and a residue on your finger are both unacceptable.
3- Steering Assembly
Check out the technical specifications of a new bike when purchasing a specific model of bike. You can do this on the websites of the manufacturers. Compare the specifications of the original to those of the bike you’re considering.
If you notice any differences, such as a noticeably different fork that can only have been replaced, inquire with your seller as to why it was replaced.
4- Frame Attachments
Examine the frame’s attachments. Everything, from cable guides to rivets, is applicable. If you see any that are badly rusted, ask permission before scraping away at the corrosion. If it’s only surface rust, you can easily remove it when tuning the bike.
Examine the area between the chain stay and the smaller ring next. A plastic/metal plate should be visible. If this is not present, thoroughly inspect that area. If you notice any scratches, it is likely that the plate was manually removed. This should raise a red flag in your mind.
5- Wheels
Check to see if the wheels are true and the tyres are in good condition. When inspecting the wheels, look for rust around the spoke holes. Examine the rims. If the brake shoes are worn, they may have cut grooves in the rims.
The distance between the brake shoe and the rim is a good way to see if the wheel is true. Then slowly spin the wheel.
6- Drivetrain
To remove the chain from the teeth, use a chain checker (or your hand). If it lifts up past the teeth, you’ll need to replace the chain as soon as possible. If you believe this should be a consideration in deciding whether or not to purchase the bike, go ahead and do so.
In addition, inspect the pedals. The cranks are usually very strong, but they are prone to breaking at inopportune times. Look for cracks in the joints as well as the location of the brand engravings. Any grooves you see are potential danger zones.
7- Cables
Examine the quality of the brake cables where they pass through the seat post and to the rear wheel. This is an excellent location for a cable to be damaged. The same is true for the cable that wraps around the fork. All of these are red flags for you.
By squeezing the brakes and suddenly letting go, you can ensure that the cables are taut. The lever should almost instantly snap back. If it doesn’t, or if the level has too much wiggle room, you’ll need to tighten the cables.
8- Take a Spin!
This is the turning point. Before purchasing a bike, always take it for a test ride! Above all, you must be certain that the bike is a good fit for you. Consider putting it through its paces to ensure that it is at its peak performance.
Ride it without using your hands to ensure that the wheels are true and that you can keep the bike in a straight line without going off road. To check the overall balance, test the brake response and make some sharp turns. You’re ready to buy if you’re satisfied!
The Risks of Second-hand Road Bikes
Bikes are among the most easily stolen vehicles on the road. This means that when purchasing a used road bike, you must ensure that it has not been stolen. You don’t want to lose your money as well as the bike to the cops when they come looking for it. Before purchasing the bike, there are a few simple steps to take to ensure that you are not purchasing someone else’s stolen valuable:
1- Price
If the price is far too low for a bike of that caliber, a warning siren should sound in your head. Who in their right mind would sell that bike for that price? You must tread carefully around a bike with a price that appears to be too good to be true.
2- Reason for Sale
Inquire with the seller about the reason for the bike’s sale. Even if it is an accident, it is still preferable to having it stolen. One thing to keep an eye out for is a seller who appears nervous. Anyone who is overly eager to complete the transaction should be avoided. The best thing you can do is ask if they have a receipt from when they purchased the bike.
3- Use a Database
There are numerous online databases that allow you to register your own bike, such as Bike Register. These websites will allow you to check the frame number of the bike you’re interested in to ensure that it hasn’t been reported stolen or missing.
4- Pictures
If you are purchasing the bike online, ensure that the online listing includes images of the bike for sale. Don’t buy bikes with listing images taken from the internet. These are usually distinguishable because they have a stock, professional appearance. This is one of the best ways to determine whether or not the bike is genuine. Contact the seller and ask as many questions about the bike as you want. This includes both the work done on it and its application. A true biker will be able to answer without any difficulty.
Pointers for Buying Second Hand Bikes
Use A Specialized Service
When looking for used bikes, online services such as Bikesoup or eBay are a good place to start. Forcing sellers to provide contact information or housing feedback from previous buyers establishes accountability. Using recognized classified services helps to combat online scams by allowing buyers to meet before parting with any money. Just make sure you meet a stranger in a safe location, especially if you’re taking cash.
Sites such as eBay provide feedback from previous users, allowing buyers to make an informed decision on the seller’s trustworthiness before making a purchase. Sellers must also go through PayPal, which uses Buyer Protection. This means that if your item does not arrive, is damaged in transit, or is significantly different from what you ordered, you can still get your money back.
Face-to-Face Meeting with the Seller
It is not always possible to find the bike or the dream of your dreams in your immediate vicinity, forcing you to look further afield. So, what happens when you find the two-wheeled beauty you’ve been looking for? So, go see it for yourself.
Analyze the Competition
Don’t go into this blind; look into the prices of similar bikes from that year, brand, or configuration before you start talking about it. You can easily fight your case for a lower price if you have researched the competition. This will not only give you confidence going into things, but it will also demonstrate to the buyer that you mean business and are eager to buy.
Do Bargain
Don’t be afraid to haggle after you’ve done your research. Make sure you have examples of previous sales on hand. Before you begin haggling, make a number in mind and offer less than that: starting low will eventually lead you to the middle ground, which should be your preferred price if everything works out.
Examine the Bike for Signs of Wear and Tear
It may seem obvious, but make sure to inspect the bike for any damage, especially to the frame. Cracks should be regarded as major red flags, particularly around the seat post and rear stays, where they are most likely to fail catastrophically and cause serious injury.
Where Can I Get A Used Road Bike
Your local bike shop is a great place to find used road bikes. These people usually refurbish bikes that are sent to them, so you can get a serviced bike. The issue is that the majority of these bikes are professional bikes.
If not, you can look it up on the internet. Craigslist and eBay are the best places to look. These accept PayPal payments online and usually offer money-back guarantees. This means that your investment is secure even if the seller defrauded you. You can also use these to purchase spare parts for your bike that have been well-maintained.
When shopping on sites like Gumtree, be cautious. Although the site is very trustworthy, the private sellers on it are the same as those found everywhere else. Furthermore, they do not provide buyer protection, making it a risky business.