{"id":45887,"date":"2023-01-31T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=276581"},"modified":"2023-01-31T18:35:49","modified_gmt":"2023-01-31T17:35:49","slug":"the-complete-guide-to-buying-a-used-bike","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-complete-guide-to-buying-a-used-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"The complete guide to buying a used bike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Advice to help you buy a second-hand bike with confidence <\/p>

By Oli Woodman\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 31 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Buying a second-hand bike is usually better for your bank balance, especially considering how economic factors have driven up the price of new bikes considerably.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s more sustainable, too. Cycling as a mode of transportation is eco-friendly, but manufacturing and shipping a bike across the world isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Bike supply chain logjams can make finding a used previous year\u2019s model easier than the latest version.<\/p>\n

The internet is awash with barely ridden and well looked after bikes at better than half the retail price. However, it\u2019s cheaper not to buy one at all, and there are good reasons why you don\u2019t need a new bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You do risk overpaying for a dud model or, worse, being duped by a fraudster though.<\/p>\n

Therefore, if you\u2019re looking to grab a bargain second-hand bike, read our advice first. It could save you a wad of cash, or stop you falling into the traps that surround making such a purchase.<\/p>\n

What questions should I ask when buying a second-hand bike?<\/h2>\n
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If the seller\u2019s description doesn\u2019t answer your questions, make sure you ask for all the information you need.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Where should I buy a second-hand bike?<\/h2>\n

Your experience level should inform your decision on where to buy a bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can find a lot of good deals online, but we don\u2019t recommend buying your first bike online unless you\u2019re an able mechanic or you can get someone who really knows bikes to do a basic bicycle safety check<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wherever you choose to look, more experienced riding pals will be more than happy to help your search.<\/p>\n

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of different places to buy a second-hand bike.<\/p>\n

Local bike shop<\/h3>\n
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Bike shops sometimes sell second-hand bikes alongside new models.<\/span><\/figcaption> James MacDonald\/Bloomberg via Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Some bike shops sell second-hand bikes. The bikes will often be serviced prior to sale and come with a warranty. Some bikes will be sold with future tune-ups included in the price.<\/p>\n

While these bikes could be slightly more expensive than buying online, you will have peace of mind that the bike\u2019s in good working order.<\/p>\n

The shop could also offer bike finance<\/a> on more expensive second-hand bikes.<\/p>\n

eBay<\/h3>\n
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Have a few specific models in mind.<\/span><\/figcaption> BikeRadar<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In theory, you can search for second-hand bikes worldwide on eBay. This can make your selection bafflingly large, but you can use filters to narrow down your search.<\/p>\n

Prices may appear higher than elsewhere online because sellers compensate for eBay\u2019s fees on the transaction.<\/p>\n

This may be a price worth paying for the security: your purchase is protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee should anything go wrong (provided you pay through eBay). Be wary if a seller insists you pay them directly.<\/p>\n

You can message the seller through the eBay app or website in a browser, so you don\u2019t need to swap contact details to ask questions about the product.<\/p>\n

According to the seller\u2019s preference, you\u2019ll either be able to make them an offer against a \u2018buy now\u2019 price or bid against other people. Competitive auctions get out of hand quickly. Exercise restraint and pull out once the bids exceed your budget.<\/p>\n

Another tip is to target bikes that few people are following and only bid in the closing minutes of an auction (\u2018sniping\u2019 in eBay parlance). Bidding early may inflate the final sale price.<\/p>\n

Facebook Marketplace<\/h3>\n
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It\u2019s your dream bike, but is the price right?<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The social media giant\u2019s selling platform also has good deals on second-hand bikes. However, without buyer\u2019s protection, you need to be even more cautious than on eBay.<\/p>\n

Sellers tend to want you to collect in person, so searching locally is advisable unless you\u2019re prepared to travel a long way.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re after a cheap bike<\/a>, you can adjust the price filters to suit your budget.<\/p>\n

Unlike eBay, there are no auctions. You make offers by suggesting prices to the seller through the Facebook Marketplace messenger.<\/p>\n

Other online marketplaces<\/h3>\n

Gumtree and Craigslist work in a similar way to Facebook Marketplace. Sellers list bikes, but you have to text or email them with questions or offers.<\/p>\n

Specialist second-hand bike sellers<\/h3>\n
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The Pro\u2019s Closet has a physical store as well as an online shop.<\/span><\/figcaption> The Pros Closet<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Online bike shops such as the Pro\u2019s Closet based in the US sell \u2018certified pre-owned\u2019 bikes. The site\u2019s vast selection includes cheap mountain bikes <\/a>as well as higher-end bikes.<\/p>\n

Pro\u2019s Closet says it checks out all the bikes traded in and replaces any worn parts.<\/p>\n

The prices may be higher than a private seller or online marketplace. But Pro\u2019s Closet says you can return the bike and get your money back if you\u2019re not happy within 30 days. It also guarantees to buy the bike back from you for 18 months after purchase.<\/p>\n

In the UK, Cycle Exchange offers a similar service selling used versions of the best road bikes<\/a> and gravel bikes<\/a>. The brand says a qualified mechanic checks each bike before sale.<\/p>\n

The Bike Project, a UK-based charity, is a better place to look for less premium models, such as cheap hybrid bikes<\/a>, that a mechanic has still given a once over.<\/p>\n

Forums<\/h3>\n

Some forums, including BikeRadar\u2019s<\/a>, have classified sections where people sell second-hand bikes.<\/p>\n

The volume of bikes for sale is likely to be lower than on the aforementioned dedicated selling sites. They\u2019re worth keeping an eye on though because sometimes the deals are exceptional.<\/p>\n

Word of mouth<\/h3>\n
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Heard it on the pace line.<\/span><\/figcaption> Joseph Branston \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Buying from someone you know has many advantages.<\/p>\n

If you ride with them, you\u2019ll already have seen the bike up close. You\u2019ll know what sort of riding they\u2019ve done and how well they maintain it. Post-purchase, it\u2019s easy to consult them if anything goes wrong with the bike.<\/p>\n

If they\u2019re a close friend or fellow cycling club member, they could offer a mate\u2019s rate that\u2019ll beat any deal you\u2019d find online. Plus, you\u2019ll save on travel and postage.<\/p>\n

Listen out on club runs and social media groups in case someone wants to sell their steed.<\/p>\n

What questions should I ask when buying a second-hand bike?<\/h2>\n
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Older frames can last for many years with new parts.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bicycles can bring a lot of emotion out of people, and listings often contain people\u2019s pride and joy, so it\u2019s common to see lengthy and detailed descriptions \u2013 these are good and should inform you well as a buyer.<\/p>\n

However, if the seller\u2019s description doesn\u2019t give you all you need to know about the bike you intend to buy, be sure to ask any questions you want the answers to.<\/p>\n

The more detail the better, and while a particularly sparse advert shouldn\u2019t put you off, you will need to do the legwork to find out the information you need to know.<\/p>\n

Before you commit to buying, be sure you find out the general condition of the bike, including any parts that are broken or may need work. Many owners keep receipts from maintenance work or parts, just as they would do with a car\u2019s service history.<\/p>\n

Questions you should consider asking when buying a second-hand bike<\/h4>\n