Used Bike Guide

You can save a lot of money shopping the used bike market. Although inexpensive bicycles can be purchased at big box retailers, there is something exciting about searching for a second-hand bicycle with a story. Our guide lets you know what to look for so you don’t end up buying a lemon.

Type of Bike – firstly decide what type of bicycle you are looking for (see our previous Chatter article for more information on bike types). Bicycles come in different sizes (big box retailers use tire size, whereas specialty shops list by frame size) be sure the size is close to your size – one can always adjust the headset and seat for a better fit, but there are limits to that strategy.

Vendors/Where to look – you can buy used bikes at bike shops (some deal exclusively with used inventory, but most have discounts on used bikes), thrift/consignment stores (nearly every store has a bike section), from online sellers (look for a solid return policy if purchasing sight unseen), or even craigslist or Facebook marketplace (you can often inspect the product in person before purchasing). If you’re buying from an individual, consider meeting at a bike shop to have a technician check out your potential purchase.

Components – For a higher quality bicycle, look for a multiple part crank-arm instead of a single piece. This is the part that attaches to the pedals and the front gear. Low quality manufacturers use a single piece that snakes through the bottom bracket. Bikes with quick release wheel skewers offer ease of changing out wheels.

Inspection Checklist – almost any bike you purchase used will need some tuning up. Keep an eye out for a bad investment with this simple checklist:

• Frame – avoid rusty frames – sanding and painting a bike frame is no easy task. Small dings and paint chips are fine (in fact they give your ride distinct character). Avoid dents and cracks on the frame tubes. Look closely at the joints and tubes, including under the bottom bracket – especially those small cracks that are likely to form near the welds.
• Tires/Wheels – see that the wheels spin true (with little wobble or rubbing). A large wobble may indicate a broken spoke that will need to be replaced or a bent rim that would need to be replaced. Check the braking surfaces of the wheels for excess ware or chips/dents that may keep the tire from seating properly. Cracks to the tires or worn out tread indicate they need to be replaced.
• Brakes – Grab the brakes and pull evenly on them. Do the brake leavers spring back easily? Do the cables move freely? Is there adequate stopping power? Replacing brake cables and pads is inexpensive and adjusting brakes is quite simple.
• Drivetrain – look for rust on the chain, front chain rings, and the rear freewheel/cassette gears. A bicycle that has been kept outside will absolutely develop rust on the chain (an easily replaceable component). Replacing chain rings and freewheel is a far more costly investment. Shift through all the gears on the front and back. If lacking movement, determine if the derailleur is able to be moved directly with your hand or the cables are locked up. Replacing cables is inexpensive – replacing derailleurs is not.

Market – once you’ve decided on the bike and who to buy it from you’ve got to decide how much to pay.  Check prices on bicyclebluebook.com to make sure you’re getting a fair deal. Remember, there is no deal that is too good to pass up. There is always another bike. If you approach each deal with the ability to walk away then you are in the best of places.
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After your successful search take your bike to the next level with a proper tune-up. Our local bike shops can really make that bike perform amazingly well. Invest in new tires, grips/grip tape to make your new-to-you bike feel like butter – which in-fact is a beautiful thing.