BUYING A USED BIKE CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. TO AVOID PICKING A LEMON, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
We understand that purchasing a brand new bike isn't always feasible (though there are several excellent alternatives available for around $1,000). If you've been considering buying one, especially now that many people are wary of public transit alternatives due to the epidemic, but don't want to break the bank, a secondhand bike is a good option.
Follow these guidelines to discover the ideal secondhand bike, find a new home for it, and get the most bang for your dollars.
Narrow the Search
Identify 3 to 4 models that meet your demands, whether you desire a road, mountain, or commuting bike. Check out our full guide to different bike types if you're not sure where to begin.
Keep in mind your size, then look for particular possibilities in your size on cycling forums and websites like eBay and Craigslist. You may also seek local Facebook groups dedicated to selling bike gear or use Facebook Marketplace. Other websites, such as Pro Tested Gear and The Pro's Closet, sell used bikes that have been maintained by a technician before being sold.
Check with your local bike stores to see if any demo bikes are available for purchase.
Look During the Fall
Autumn is a fantastic time to hunt for a secondhand bike since when businesses release new models for the next year, more riders will be wanting to sell their old ride. This is especially true for pros, brand ambassadors, and amateur teams, who may all earn (or provide) substantial (or entire) discounts on new-but-used bikes when they enter a new season or year. Around this time, local bike shops and brands are eager to update their stock and demo fleets with the latest on the market.
Scrutinize the Frame
Small paint chips and scratches are typically unnoticeable. Rust patches and frames with dents or fractures in the tubes, on the other hand, are not good, according to Nick Martin, proprietor of The Pro's Closet; these are weak points and regions where the frame may break in the future.
While riding, pay particular attention to the regions that are the most stressed (think: underneath the bottom bracket and around the frame joints, where cracks are more likely to form). But take a close look at the entire frame—cracks can appear anywhere, and you don't know if the bike was in a crash and mishandled.
Check Feedback and Price
If you're buying something on eBay, check to see if the seller has a return policy or a rating of at least 95 percent favorable, according to Martin. Craigslist, for example, is riskier since it does not give the seller feedback and is frequently used by fraudsters. If you're utilizing that type of website, buying locally and inspecting the bike in person is a fantastic idea.
When you locate a bike you want, double-check the price on websites like Bicycle Blue Book to be sure you're getting a good bargain. Unless the vendor or selling site bans it, don't be hesitant to attempt negotiating the price, especially if the bike is in desperate need of a comprehensive tune-up.
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