MidnightRider
Well-Known Member
I have been looking for a 2nd hand bike to do up / add to my collection and realise I don't know the up to date ways of checking to make sure the bikes I view are not stolen.
- What are the best ways of protecting myself and not encouraging the theft market?'
- Recommended safe ways of paying for a bike? I am not keen on bank transfer as I don't have internet banking.
- Are there any other legal / financial problems I should be aware of when viewing and purchasing 2nd hand?
I am already checking out Council supported community bike hubs, but am a little more cautious of independent 'community' bike projects run by only 1 or 2 individuals, perhaps I am being paranoid with this. I have recently bought a pub/shopping bike to do up a bit more from a council backed sales place, they had so many volunteers I thought it would be difficult to do dodgy deals as likely someone would call it out, also they make a thing about checking to make sure donated bikes are legitimate. Unfortunately the nicer bikes all seem to be sold by private individuals, making payment more complex and risks higher - I really don't want to accidentally purchase someone elses stolen treasure, not only for legal grounds but because I know how emotionally attached to bikes people can become.
Thanks for any advice.
- What are the best ways of protecting myself and not encouraging the theft market?'
- Recommended safe ways of paying for a bike? I am not keen on bank transfer as I don't have internet banking.
- Are there any other legal / financial problems I should be aware of when viewing and purchasing 2nd hand?
I am already checking out Council supported community bike hubs, but am a little more cautious of independent 'community' bike projects run by only 1 or 2 individuals, perhaps I am being paranoid with this. I have recently bought a pub/shopping bike to do up a bit more from a council backed sales place, they had so many volunteers I thought it would be difficult to do dodgy deals as likely someone would call it out, also they make a thing about checking to make sure donated bikes are legitimate. Unfortunately the nicer bikes all seem to be sold by private individuals, making payment more complex and risks higher - I really don't want to accidentally purchase someone elses stolen treasure, not only for legal grounds but because I know how emotionally attached to bikes people can become.
Thanks for any advice.