Reasons to look behind purchasing a second hand bike

There is nothing wrong with getting a good deal – we all want to pay less – but you should make sure that your good deal isn’t too good to be true. 

It is always a good idea to do your research before making a purchase. If you have a specific model or manufacturer in mind, go online and look for reviews or ‘first-look’ articles that summaries the bike’s pros and cons, paying special attention to performance, comfort, and safety. 

As with anything, there comes a point where the money you save initially with a low-cost purchase ends up costing you more in repairs and wasted time. If you are looking out for buying a second hand bike purchase, look no other than Bikes24.com. 

• Where can you look for resourceful buying tips?

YouTube is a great source of easily consumable information, so look for videos from manufacturers for specifications and technology information, as well as videos from impartial people or companies providing their opinions.

If you are not looking for a specific bike but rather a type of bike, there are plenty of ‘best of’ lists to help you know what to look for and the options available to you, such as our best budget mountain superbikes starting at the best market price for second hand bikes.

Buyer’s guides, such as our road bike buyer’s guide A buyer’s guide is a useful resource because it provides comprehensive information on what makes one bike superior to another and goes into detail on each aspect of a bike such as a frame, wheels, and drivetrain.

Furthermore, if you want a little more security with your used bike purchase, second-hand bike dealers like Bikes24.com take the hassle out of purchasing a pre-loved steed. 

• What are the tips that are needed to keep in mind?

All bikes purchased from a reputable trader like this are inspected, serviced, and cleaned, and they come with a limited warranty and a roadworthy certificate for your peace of mind. 

When purchasing a used bicycle, make sure to ask a lot of questions. 

• What’s the point of selling it? 
• What changes have been made? 
• What is the history of its use? 
• Has it ever been destroyed? 
• When was the last time it was serviced? 
• Who performed the service?
• Where did they get it? 

The list goes on and on.

If the seller becomes agitated about any of this, you should reconsider the purchase. Knowing how to inspect a bike for damage and wear requires practice, which most good bike shops will provide for a small fee. 

Also Read Why electric bikes are the perfect option for delivery purposes?

• Frame a budget that can fit in a used bike with good condition

The frame is the foundation of the bike, it is critical that it is sound and free of flaws. Furthermore, if the frame is in good working order, getting other parts like chains, tyres, brakes, and so on is far less expensive than replacing the frame. 

Check for scratches, dents, chips, or unusual bends when determining whether or not a frame is in good working order. These are most likely the result of a collision or a dropped bike. 

It is especially important if you are considering a carbon frame, as a small crack could result in catastrophic frame failure and significant damage to you. When inspecting an alloy bike, look for rust or paint bubbling, which could indicate corrosion.

• Saves loads of money and time 

Buying used and second hand bikes has always been an excellent way to save a few cash expenses, but such a savings is not without risk. Second hand bike scooty is within budget. 

The price, paperwork and services are quite budgetary. It needs no other secondary costs and hence there are ample reasons behind finding people purchasing the second hand bikes. 

All of these components can be replaced, but at a cost, so it is worth evaluating their condition because it could end up costing a lot of money. To begin, inspect the cranks for any damage similar to what you look for when inspecting the frame, such as scratches, dents, chips, or bends.

While a single deteriorated component isn’t a guarantee that the entire drivetrain needs to be replaced, it is more likely than not that if one part needs to be replaced, the others will as well. 

Other things to consider-

• The brakes, like the derailleurs and shifters, should move freely and without resistance. If you squeeze the brake callipers (the part that attaches to the frame and contacts the wheel) and there is resistance, or they become stuck when closed, they may need to be replaced.

• Few components have a greater influence on ride quality than the set of the wheel, and few will cost you more to replace, so pay close attention when evaluating the hoops. 

• First and foremost, give them a good spin and ensure that they spin straight. If it is more than a few millimeters, any bowing or movement could be a deal breaker. After that, look for a concave shape on the rim braking surface, which indicates that it has been worn down and is about to fail.

• Tyres can be easily replaced, but at a cost, so they should be in good condition when you buy the bike. Look for a square or flat section down the centre of the tyre, which indicates that it is time for a replacement. 
• The majority of tyres will have a wear indicator in the form of a small hole in the centre of the tyre. When you can no longer see this hole, it means there isn’t enough tread left on the tyres, and they need to be replaced.

Before we conclude-

A successful model from a well-known brand is usually more expensive than one from a lesser-known brand. So, choose a make and model combination that is within your price range. Another reason for this check is spare part availability.

The second hand bike purchase from reliable and trustworthy seller is all in affordable range. Suspension is a wear item that requires regular maintenance. Push on the suspension, listening for any squeaking and feeling for any sticking or excessive resistance. 

• Conclusion

With rising prices and global shortages affecting bike stock, learning how to buy a used bike may be the best way to your next new bike day. It is also worth asking when the owner had the suspension serviced last.