How can i

[daveplums]

Be sure that the used bike I am buying isn't stolen?

 

[Biker Joe]

You could ask the seller for proof of purchase. Other than that I don't know.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Ask lots of questions about ownership. Do they have an original receipt, why are they selling, do they sound like they know the bike, or are their answers generally vague?

If it's on an online auction site is there lots of detailed pics, or just a random, poorly taken pic outside a pub/shop/park bench?. Is the description detailed, or does it say things like Shimano gears rather than Shimano Tiagra 9 speed gearing for example?

If you ask for the frame number you can also check it against databases such as THIS one.

If the seller won't give you the frame number, or says there isn't one, or you just feel they are being vague then simply walk away would be my advice, there are loads of genuine sellers out there so why take a risk?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Check the frame number with a shop.. Some bike companies such as specialized permit owners to register the bike

 

[daveplums]

Thanks . Very helpful. I suppose advertisements in specialist cycling mags and sites are more likely to be legitimate purchases? Would I be correct in this assumption?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Thanks . Very helpful. I suppose advertisements in specialist cycling mags and sites are more likely to be legitimate purchases? Would I be correct in this assumption?

You'd think so wouldn't you, but I'd say not necessarily. Thieves might well be scumbags, but sadly they're not all stupid.

Keep your wits about you, and if you're unsure take someone with you so you've got a second opinion.

[EDIT] I'm just worrying that this is making the whole second hand thing out to be a minefield, it's not IME. Just follow the basics, trust your gut, and don't rush into anything if you're not happy about anything at all.

 

[daveplums]

For peace of mind, would you bite the bullet and pay the extra £200-£300 and buy new?

 

[vickster]

What are you buying? A new bike will come with warranty, a 6 week service (if from shop rather than online that is), all the components will be new so nothing will need to be replaced as potentially on a used bike

Ask for proof of purchase as above, double check the frame for any police marking, gut feel. Be suspicious if they want to meet you in a random carpark. Pay cash on collection, not paypal if using fleabay

I would buy new unless used is an extremely good deal (£200 isn't that big a difference depending on what it is)

Otherwise, you could use cycle to work scheme and make a saving that way

 

[classic33]

I'm at odds with some on here. If I was selling the one piece of information I'd with hold would be the frame number.
Purely because that is owner specific information. Whats to stop the person having got the frame number, claiming that the bike is actually theirs to begin with? Sorting that mess out when its reported can take time. Especially when it was second hand when you bought it. Proof of purchase isn't always going to back you up 100%.

 

[Leaway2]

You can check the frame number on bike register sites

https://www.bikeregister.com/bike-checker

for example.

 

[Sittingduck]

Use your instinct

 

[Cuchilo]

Use the force .