Buying A Second Hand Bike

[Wester]

What are the things to check for when buying a second hand mountain bike to be sure that you are getting a good bargin and not buying a bad quality bike

Any advice on the subject please

 

[tyred]

Check the wheels are true (with reasonably even spoke tension), the tyres are serviceable, the bottom bracket and headset have no play, the wheel bearings have no play and spin freely, the sprockets/chainwheel teeth aren't too badly worn and the gear system works cleanly and smoothly. Also look the frame and front forks over for any obvious serious rust (unlikely) and accident damage (always possible). Check the brake operation of any bike before you ride it.

 

[Wester]

Check the wheels are true (with reasonably even spoke tension), the tyres are serviceable, the bottom bracket and headset have no play, the wheel bearings have no play and spin freely, the sprockets/chainwheel teeth aren't too badly worn and the gear system works cleanly and smoothly. Also look the frame and front forks over for any obvious serious rust (unlikely) and accident damage (always possible). Check the brake operation of any bike before you ride it.

How would you know if the sprockets/chainwheel teeth are not to badly worn ?

 

[tyred]

Have a look at this - http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html - you will see some photos of a worn sprocket. Some more modern freewheel/cassettes have strange shaped teeth in the first place to aid gear shifting but wear of this type should still be visible.