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.

 

[ColinJ]

Big Google is watching us!!

I posted this a couple of hours ago...

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.

And now this just popped up for me on YouTube...

 

[Dogtrousers]

Is it nicked? Is it crash damaged? Has it been ridden into the ground?

 

[Phil4000]

Thanks all, some handy advice here.
Currently trying to get Halfords to locate a clearance bike they have on their website. For some reason they don't advertise where the bike is, wont transfer it to your local store, wont post it, and have to ring around to locate the item.

 

[biggs682]

My advice would be check to make sure seat post and if a quill type stem that both are free to move and adjust ok.

Then take it for a ride and check the fit and function of all components.

If all good start bartering

 

[Big John]

It's no guarantee that the bike is fine but turn the bike upside down and look at the underneath of the bottom bracket shell. If its not corroded and the paintwork is good then there's a chance it's either been looked after or hardly used. All the other tips are excellent and if you consider them all (maybe write them down on a bullet list) then you should be good to go. Don't rush the inspection either. There appears to be a lot of bang for your buck out there but also scammers who'll rip you off if they can. If it doesn't feel right then it very well might not be. Good luck 👍

 

[Dogtrousers]

. If it doesn't feel right then it very well might not be.

Don't hesitate to pull out of the sale if something spooks you. You may piss the seller off a bit, but until the deal is closed you don't owe them anything.