Used bikes; what to look out for, how much to pay.

[Phil4000]

Following on for my previous thread, I'm considering saving a few quid and going used.

Any tips on what to look out for, when getting a used bike? I'm considering age, would look at obvious signs of wear and tear, check wheels for any buckling, and generally make sure everything is operating ok.

Cheers.

 

[Oldhippy]

If purchasing on gumtree, ebay or privately check it isn't nicked.

 

[ColinJ]

check wheels for any buckling...

Assuming that it has rim brakes - check the braking surfaces of the rims for wear.

Ideally, those surfaces should be smooth and flat. After a lot of braking they can become significantly concave and are in danger of splitting apart.

Either avoid buying a bike with worn wheel rims or factor in the price of replacing the wheels.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Worth checking out the stores for EOL bargains this weekend, often extra discounts over bank holiday weekend.

So many "go to stores" I've used in the last ~20 years have gone, but besides your Halfords/Decathlon/Evans on the high street, a few others I'm aware of with decent reputation online include...
Pauls Cycles (where my ebike came from last year)
RM Cycles (where I nearly bought same ebike from)
Tredz

Many places will do additional discount via British Cycling, Blue Light Card membership etc. of up to ~10%.

 

[Sharky]

Seat post not seized

 

[DCLane]

Seat post not seized

That. Plus are there worn parts, etc. which indicates a lack of regular maintenance.

Older bikes are fine as long as they're maintained; son no. 2's BeOne has done 26,000+ miles but is still fine as it's been well maintained.

There are a lot of hardly used COVID purchases appearing at the moment for very little money.

 

[EckyH]

Look for rifts in the paint work - could be signs of cracks in the frame.

E.

 

[All uphill]

Take a look at the thread in General Cycling Discussions here on Cycle Chat, Bicycle Recycling Charities.

You will find a list and map of places that will sell you a guaranteed used bike. You'll also be supporting a project that has many good outcomes, such as reducing scrap, helping people into work

 

[Punkawallah]

Most important, check the seat post + headset are not seized, and check the bottom bracket is not wobbly.
Next check the frame where the head tube meets the rest of the frame for cracks/deformity, and the tyres for pressure, tread wear or cracking walls.
Lastly lift the rear wheel off the ground, turn the cranks and check the gears work.