Used Bicycles
1 Answer
Most people are apprehensive and reluctant to buy hand-me-downs, especially when it comes to items with which their lives have to depend on – a prime example of which is a bicycle. Compared to other vehicles, a bike is usually inexpensive, but if you are really tight on budget, you can get a great deal by buying a used bike. A brand new high-performance bike could cost you hundreds of dollars. The price of a used bike however, usually falls between 30 and 40 dollars. If fate is on your side, you can even shell out less.
It is not difficult to find previously owned bikes for sale. The most common places to find them are thrift stores, garage sales and police auctions. Thus do not take the first bike that you see. Instead, you may want to consider the following tips to guide you to finding your dream bike discarded by someone else.
First, consider your needs. Ask yourself what you are going to use the bike for. There are several types of bikes, each designed for a specific purpose. If you need something to get you to school from your house, choose a road bike. If you plan on riding it on off-road terrain most of the time, a mountain bike is best for you. If you need something to race with your friends, it is a racing bike that you should buy.
Second, decide on the brand to choose. After figuring out what type of bike suits you, do a little research online about the various brands of bikes. You can also ask around. If you know someone who is into biking, ask what brands he or she can recommend.
Once you have found the bike that suits your needs and tastes, look for major problems by inspecting the bike. Some bike problems are reparable, but others aren’t. Make sure the frame, wheels and forks are all in good condition. A little rust isn’t a major problem. What you want to avoid is bent metal. Check the brakes, the lights and other parts.
After making sure that everything is in an acceptable condition, try the bike on the road. By doing this, you’ll find out if it is comfortable to ride. Does it fit well? Do you find the handlebar too long? Does it make weird sounds? Is turning a little difficult and rigid? Is shifting smooth? These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself.
If you have no idea about this technical stuff, ask the seller if you can take it to a bike shop and have a qualified mechanic inspect the bike. He or she can easily spot any glaring problems and can also give you an estimate of the repair costs. Most of the time, shops do inspections for free.
It is not difficult to find previously owned bikes for sale. The most common places to find them are thrift stores, garage sales and police auctions. Thus do not take the first bike that you see. Instead, you may want to consider the following tips to guide you to finding your dream bike discarded by someone else.
First, consider your needs. Ask yourself what you are going to use the bike for. There are several types of bikes, each designed for a specific purpose. If you need something to get you to school from your house, choose a road bike. If you plan on riding it on off-road terrain most of the time, a mountain bike is best for you. If you need something to race with your friends, it is a racing bike that you should buy.
Second, decide on the brand to choose. After figuring out what type of bike suits you, do a little research online about the various brands of bikes. You can also ask around. If you know someone who is into biking, ask what brands he or she can recommend.
Once you have found the bike that suits your needs and tastes, look for major problems by inspecting the bike. Some bike problems are reparable, but others aren’t. Make sure the frame, wheels and forks are all in good condition. A little rust isn’t a major problem. What you want to avoid is bent metal. Check the brakes, the lights and other parts.
After making sure that everything is in an acceptable condition, try the bike on the road. By doing this, you’ll find out if it is comfortable to ride. Does it fit well? Do you find the handlebar too long? Does it make weird sounds? Is turning a little difficult and rigid? Is shifting smooth? These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself.
If you have no idea about this technical stuff, ask the seller if you can take it to a bike shop and have a qualified mechanic inspect the bike. He or she can easily spot any glaring problems and can also give you an estimate of the repair costs. Most of the time, shops do inspections for free.