We get it: Buying a brand new bike might not always be within budget (though there are some really great options out there for less than $1,000). If you have been thinking about purchasing one—especially now during the pandemic when many are still wary about public transportation options—but don’t want to break the bank, you should consider a used bike.
Follow these tips on how to buy used bikes, and get the most bang for your buck in the process.
Narrow the Search
Whether you want a road, mountain, or commuter bike, identify three or four models that suit your needs. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our comprehensive guide on different bike styles.
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Make sure you know your size, then search cycling forums and sites like eBay and Craigslist for specific options in your size. You can also check Facebook Marketplace, or look for local Facebook groups that are specifically for selling bike gear. Other websites like Pro Tested Gear and The Pro’s Closet offer bikes that are secondhand but spec’d and serviced by a mechanic before sale.
You should also check your local bike shops to see if they have any demo bikes, used bikes, or refurbished bikes for sale.
Look During the Fall
Autumn is a great time to look for a used bike: As companies roll out next year’s models, more cyclists will be looking to part ways with their old ride. This is especially true for pros, brand ambassadors, and amateur teams, all of whom can regularly get or offer steep (or full) discounts on newer-but-used bikes as they move into a new season or year. Local bike shops or brands are also looking to refresh both their stock and demo fleets with the newest the market has to offer around this time.
Scrutinize the Frame
Small chips and scrapes in the paint are usually okay. But rust spots and frames with dents or cracks on the tubes are no good, says Nick Martin, founder of The Pro’s Closet; those are weak spots and areas where the frame could fail in the future.
Look closely at areas that are under the most stress while riding (think: underneath the bottom bracket and around the frame joints, where cracks are more likely to form). But give the entire frame a close look—cracks could form just about anywhere, and you don’t know if the bike was involved in a crash or mishandled.
Inspect the Parts
Replacing wheels—and other major parts like a suspension fork or a drivetrain—can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so make sure these critical parts are in top shape, says Barry Luck, former director of Changing Gears, a (now-defunct) used bike shop and non-profit in California.
Tires themselves are easy (and affordable) enough to replace, and a wobbly wheel can usually be fixed with a little truing from an experienced mechanic—it’s really the wheel rims you’ll want to look over closely for damage or extreme wear from bikes that use rim brakes. Rim brakes will wear down the surface of rims over time. Modern aluminum rims often have a line indicator for wear; once that starts to wear away, you should think about replacing that wheel. Carbon rims also wear down with rim brake use (and here’s how you can spot it).
If you’re picking up the bike locally and are able to, your best bet is to do a quick test ride. Shift through all the gears and test the brakes. If you’re still not sure and it’s okay to ride, ask the seller if you can take the bike to a shop for inspection or have a friend with a high bike IQ take a look.
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Check Feedback and Price
If you buy from eBay, make sure the seller has a return policy and a rating that’s at least 95-percent positive, Martin says. Websites like Craigslist are riskier because they don’t provide seller feedback, and the platform is often used by scammers. If that’s the kind of website you’re using, it’s a good idea to buy locally and inspect the bike in person.
When you do find a bike that you’re interested in, cross-check its price on sites like Bicycle Blue Book to make sure you’re getting a fair deal. Don’t be afraid to try negotiating the price, especially if the bike is in need of a thorough tune-up, unless the seller or selling platform expressly prohibits it.
Add Final Touches
After finally getting your used bike, take it to a local shop for a thorough tune-up. While there, and depending on just how used the bike is, pick up new tires and grips or bar tape to help make the old bike feel like new. If your bike fit isn’t perfect, consider swapping the handlebar and/or stem, and getting a more comfortable bike saddle. Going with reasonably priced parts should cost less than $200—and could mean the difference between a deal and a dud.
