Want advice on how to purchase a second-hand mountain bike? Whether searching for your first mountain bike or a higher-end build without paying premium pricing, purchasing a secondhand bike is a terrific option for many individuals. Many of us drive used automobiles, correct? So why not purchase a second-hand bicycle?
Unlike the used automobile market, however, there are no assurances that the secondhand bike you’re about to purchase is in excellent condition. Has it been frequently serviced and maintained? Are the components in proper operating condition?
Will it need a complete tune-up? Unless you’re purchasing from a respected bike store that refurbishes and resells second hand bikes, you’ll need to do your homework to ensure you’re getting a fair (and safe) price.
In this article, I provide my best recommendations and suggestions for purchasing a used bicycle, including what questions to ask, particular items to check for on the bicycle, and the best shopping locations. Let’s get moving!
LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PURCHASING A USED MOUNTAIN BIKE, INCLUDING QUESTIONS TO ASK, WHERE TO SHOP FOR USED BIKES, AND MORE.
Here is an article on my website that you must read, its about How To Make Your Bike Faster, Quieter & Smoother?
Where To Look
There are many ways to find used bikes today, but these are the ones we use most often. First, try The Pro’s Closet if you want to buy a used bike and feel like you’re in a bike shop.
This shop for used bikes is known for its great customer service and wide range of bikes. There are also websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace that can be used. These websites are better for people who want to buy a used bike close to home and see it in person before they pay for it.
A third choice is to use apps on your phone, like OfferUp or LetGo. Most of the time, these apps don’t only have a few choices, but if you’re patient and keep looking, you might find what you’re looking for.
Finding A Good Deal
A website called Bicycle Blue Book is one of our favorite ways to find out how much a used bike is worth. You can search BBB’s database to find out how much bikes are worth.
Even though this site isn’t perfect, it is one of the best ways to quickly determine how much a bike is worth so both the buyer and seller can feel good about the deal.
What To Look For When Buying A Used Bike?
There are some big pros and cons to buying a used bike. The most obvious plus of a used bike is that it costs less.
On the other hand, the warranty on a used bike rarely goes to the new owner. If something goes wrong, this could cost you a lot of money. Here are some considerations when purchasing a secondhand bicycle.
Never Buy A Dirty Bike:
If you find a used bike covered in dirt and grime, it probably hasn’t-needs to be taken care of. This could mean that the suspension needs to be fixed or that other parts have worn out too soon due to lack of care.
A clean bike is more likely to show if the frame or parts are broken. Lastly, a clean bike shows that the rider is proud of it.
Be Aware Of New Grips And Tires:
One of the most common ways to sell a used bike is to put on new grips and tires to make it look brand new.
When looking at a used bike, pay close attention to the drivetrain and suspension parts, as they are often much more expensive to replace. When busy with new, less expensive accessories, it’s easy to forget about a worn-out drivetrain.
Look For Upgrades:
Many bikers like to add expensive carbon parts and other upgrades that don’t do much to change the bike’s resale value but make it much more valuable to them.
For example, a great deal on a bike with wheels is worth more than the bike itself. So look over the bike carefully to see what changes have been made.
Inspect For Damage And Wear:
If you pay attention to the following parts, you can quickly tell if a bike has been used a lot. First, check to see if rocks or other trail debris have killed the ends of the crankset. Next, check the wheels to ensure no holes or dents in the rims.
You could also squeeze the spokes to ensure they are all tight. While you’re there, spin the wheels to ensure they turn straight.
The bike’s frame is another important place to look. Always buy a bike in a well-lit area to see if the frame has cracks or dents. Finally, if it’s a full-suspension bike, ensure the front and back triangles are connected well and have little to no slack.
Do Your Homework On Pricing:
As we’ve already talked about, the Bicycle Blue Book can be a good way to find a fair price, but it’s not the only tool you should have. Find similar or identical bikes for sale with the same parts if you can. This will assist you in making a reasonable offer.
Rarely should you try to make a deal over the phone or online? It’s best to make a reasonable offer when you have cash or a reliable way to pay—money, after all, talks.
Look For Modern Standards:
This one can be looked at from two different points of view. A “dated” bike, like one with 26-inch wheels, may have a good price, but it could be hard to find parts for it if you need to or want to. It’s also challenging to find 26-inch tires these days.
Still, if you want to get into the sport for the least amount of money, it’s perfectly fine to start with an older bike. Serious riders, on the other hand, will want a bike that can keep up with their skills as they improve.
These riders will want to find a platform that meets modern standards, like Boost hub spacing, internal dropper post routing, a tapered head tube, and, of course, either 29- or 27.5-inch wheels.
Read More : The 5 Best Bike Bags And Boxes Detailed Review In 2023.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy Used:
When you buy a used bike, you need to learn much about it, which could lead to expensive repairs or mechanical problems. Most new bikes come with a warranty and have been put together by a professional.
On the other hand, a used bike might have been fixed by a less-than-skilled home mechanic. Buy a lemon if you don’t notice mechanical problems during your test ride. If you don’t want to save money by taking a chance on a used bike, You could be better off saving money for a new purchase.
Pre-Ride Inspection:
You should be proud if you just bought a new (or used) bike. But before you head out on the trails, you should quickly check your bike. First, check every bolt on the bike to ensure it is tightened to the right specs.
Then, check your tires to see if they have tubes or not. If they don’t have tubes, the bike probably needs some new tire sealant. You should also check the parts of your suspension to see if the oil is getting past the seals.
If this is the case, you should look into a suspension service. Checking your chain will keep your drivetrain from wearing out too quickly and save you money in the long run.
If you’re new to cycling, don’t hesitate to take your bike to a pro and ask for a safety check or a pre-ride inspection. This service will cost you at a shop, but if you don’t know how your bike is doing, it’s money well spent.
No Matter What You’ve Got, Get Out And Ride:
The most important rule is to get out on the trails as soon as possible with any new or old bike. It makes no difference what you ride as long as you have fun.
Here is an article that I have written about 15 Essential Bike Tools You’ll Always Want To Have On Hand.
