Ten Things to Know Before Buying a Used Bike

During the new bike shortage in 2020 it was a banner year to a buy or sell a used bike.  Why not give some life to an old bike?  With a steel or aluminum frame and the ability to replace components that are bent, rusted, worn, or dried out (in the case of rubber), you can take almost any bike and make it usable again.  If you are on a budget and just getting into cycling and do not know how enthusiastic you will be for riding over time, it is a good way to get rolling without making a large investment, saving some cash for the accessories you will need.  But buying a pre-owned bike is not without pitfalls so here are some tips for making the right selection.

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Risks of Used Bikes
Before undertaking the search and purchase of a used bike, you should be aware of the risks:

• Unless you are experienced with bike mechanics, it may be hard to do a thorough assessment of a bike.  You will need to determine if a bike’s bearings are secure, brake pads not worn, wheels round and true, cranks are not bent, handlebars are straight and generally determine what items are cosmetic and which are more serious.  If you misjudge a bike's rideability, it could be a costly mistake.   
• Purchasing the wrong bike can be a safety issue.  
• You might end up replacing so many parts to make it rideable that the used bike ends up costing more than a new one.
• If you select a used bike to save money but it is still an old bike and it is not fun to ride, then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy, you do not ride, not because cycling is not fun, but because the bike is not the right one for you. 
• Older bikes, while sturdy, tend to be heavier than new bikes and will take more effort to ride.

 
What you Need to Know
Here are some things you need to know as you begin your search:

1. Where to shop - If there is a non-profit bike shop or bike shop that sells used bikes in your community, start there first.  You will be able to purchase a fully serviced and repaired bike that is in working order, at least initially.  It might be a little more expensive, but at least you will reduce the risk of an unexpected expense.  This is preferable over online marketplaces like Craig’s List or Facebook Marketplace, or even a friend, unless they are an exceptionally skilled bike technician.  An individual seller make not have the expertise or interest to outline the shortcomings in the bike they want to sell. 
2. Try before you buy – With the online marketplaces filled with shiny photos you might be tempted to buy without actually having your hands on the bike, but this is risky.  Photos may not show all the damage or how the components are working.  If you do shop online make sure photos are of the current state of the bike, and not from the brand’s website.  It is always best to physically see the bike and take it for a test ride.  
3. Check if it’s been stolen – You probably want a bike as cheap as possible, but it is bad karma to buy a bike that is stolen. 
   *  Ask the seller why they are selling the bike.  There might be a legitimate reason, i.e. they are moving, have too many bikes, or they want to upgrade.
   *  Check if the bike is listed on a stolen bike registry.
   *  Ask for proof of original purchase or chat up the seller to get a feel if it is actually their bike, i.e. ask where they bought the bike, how well the gears work, and what was their last big ride.  If the answers just don't feel right, walk away. 
4. Do a mechanical check - Standing next to the bike check if you see any of these conditions:
   *  Cracks or bends in the frame
   *  Gears and chain with excessive wear 
   *  Bearings in the wheels, headset, or bottom bracket loose or grinding
   *  Wheels bent
   *  Brake and shifters do not freely move
   *  Tires dry or with cuts
   *  Handlebar tape or grips torn or ripped
   *  Seat post frozen in place
   *  Cables with kinks or rust
   All of these can be fixed (except the cracked frame--avoid that immediately) so they are not deal breakers as long as the price is right.  If you think the price does not take a defect into consideration, it is an opportunity to renegotiate the price, telling the seller you will have to have that item fixed. Unless you are mechanically inclined, be sure to factor in both the cost of the part and bike shop labor in your negotiation.  If the seller is not agreeable, pass on the bike.  If a bike appeared okay when you inspected it and you purchased it, but after a few rides it does not seem right, take it to a bike shop and have it checked out for your own safety.  
5. Be wary of a dirty bike – a bike that has not been cleaned indicates the owner has not taken care of it and the components may have suffered.  If the seller has not taken the time to clean it to maximize the sale price, you should be cautious.
6. Prepare to change the pedals and saddle – The three points of contact a rider has with any bike are the saddle, pedals, and handlebars.  While the handlebars are less personal, the pedals and saddle are.  If the ones that come on the bike do not suit you, that does not mean you should dismiss the bike outright--just save some money to replace them.
7. Save some budget for accessories - Besides the pedals and saddle there are other accessories you may need such as an air pump, water bottle, rack, fenders, cycling apparel, bike lights, cell phone holder , helmet, bike bag, and lock.  Do not blow your entire bike budget on the bike itself.
8. Buy a bike that is the right size for you -  Unlike buying a new bike where the retailer can offer multiple sizes and colors, a used bike is one of a kind and if you have been looking awhile or find a great deal, you may be tempted to go with one even if it is a size too small or large.  While there is flexibility in bike fit by adjusting the seat post or stem height, these adjustments can only go so far.  A too small bike will not be comfortable and a too large bike is just unsafe if you hips rock when you pedal.  
9. Make note of the bike brand – In general a vintage bike from well know bike shop brand will be a better purchase than a bike from a big box store or newer internet company you’ve never heard of.  The market is flooded with cheap bikes that look shiny, but the components are hard to adjust, wear out quickly,  are not be comfortable to ride, and not a good value over time.
10. Prioritize function over style – While a pink cruiser with a wicker basket is stylish, if you are looking for a bike to commute on or go on long bike club rides, it might not be the best choice.  Just like if you are shopping for a new bike, you should consider what type of riding you plan to do and purchase a bike that will satisfy that need. 

If all this seems overwhelming, know that you can always save up your money and purchase a new bike that has a manufacturer's warranty from a bicycle retailer where the staff is trained to do a needs assessment, a bike fit, and provide support after the sale.   New or used, the most important thing is to get out and ride.  ​