Police auction bikes?

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crdf

Well-Known Member
Location
Croydon
Hello everyone. I'm thinking of buying a bike for myself, but I can't afford a new one right now, so I was looking for alternatives. And this is what I found, (there will be a catalogue published the Fri before). I
was wondering if anyone has been to these auctions and if you can actually try to bike during the visiting times? And how much would the prices go up?
I'm just really keen on getting a bike and it is going to be some time before I collect any money, but I am also worried that if I get a second hand I might need too much money after that for repairs.
 

Pale Rider

Legendary Member
Looks like stolen and recovered bikes.

You would need to weigh up quickly the condition of the bike likely cost of any fettling.

I expect some of the bikes go for next to nothing, so there will be value to be had if you know what you are doing.

A competent home mechanic could probably do quite well at the auction, but if you are not one of those, I suggest you stay away.
 
I've been to one in Birmingham. You couldn't try anything beforehand, it was pretty much 'look but don't touch' - that was more than bikes though, electrical goods like tvs and Playstations too. Everything was sold as seen.

If you are going for bikes, you probably stand a better chance of visually examining the condition of the bike, but it's always a gamble, and you only need one other person in there just as interested to really put the price up.

Worth a shot though. The one thing I do remember though was that some of the cheaper bikes were sold in bulk lots of ten rather than singly - different auctions work differently though. Remember as well that what you bid is usually not what you pay - they charge more than the final bid after tax etc is added.
 
OP
OP
crdf

crdf

Well-Known Member
Location
Croydon
First thanks a lot for all the answers. I really didn't consider the price will be without tax. Hacienda thanks for the link. I'll keep an eye on it. Too bad frame size is not mentioned and a lot of bikes are sold on bundles.Maybe I should check this guys out: http://www.re-cycling.co.uk/#try

Looks like stolen and recovered bikes.
A competent home mechanic could probably do quite well at the auction, but if you are not one of those, I suggest you stay away.

That was kind of what I was thinking, but then I don't see how I can assess a second hand bike out of a gumtree add, since I am not experienced with bikes.
 
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