My Most Popular Post Ever And Used Bike Buyers Guide

If you have followed my blog for any length of time you are most certainly familiar with my 28 Reasons NOT To Buy A Mountain Bike From Wal-Mart post.  Chances are that was the first post you ever read on this site in the last year.

That post has been viewed 6,505 times and counting since I wrote it and continues to be the most popular post here at BicycleFrenzy.com.   13 articles have been written on other blogs that linked back to that post.  Readers are still posting new comments on that post and the article has 107 comments at the time I’m writing this article.

That is what this blog is really all about.  Conversation and debate.  If you take the time to read all those comments, it does take some time, you will find a couple of great debates, some interesting stories, and other perspectives on the matter.

Of course some of the things I said in that article were meant as sarcasm and humor.  It was very interesting to see how many people took it really really seriously. 

The big outcome of that post and something I agree with very much is that good used bikes of high quality origin are better and can be found for less money than an often poorly assembled bike from a big box retailer such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target etc.

Now a lot of people have provided tips as to where to get good used bikes.  Craigslist is an excellent source for example.  You could also place a wanted ad in a newspaper, and by all means you should ask around at your local bike shops.  Any good shop will help you out because they know that if you buy a quality used bike that they helped you find that you will most likely come back for other things later.

I also think that if everyone, myself included, is advocating buying a used bike over a new bike from a big box retailer that you might need some tips on what to look for and what to stay away from.  It would be very unfortunate for you to buy a used bike that ends up being worse than a big box retail bike.

What to look for when buying a used bicycle:

1. Proper fit. 
   1. If the bike doesn’t fit it will not be as comfortable or as enjoyable as it could be no matter where you get it from.
2. No Frame Damage
   1. Some broken components or some bent parts may not be a deal breaker because they can be easily replaced.  However, if the frame is cracked, badly dented, or bent you should avoid that bike.
3. No bad modifications
   1. Craigslist is full of road bikes that have been converted to single speeds.  This isn’t a bad modification but sometimes the breaks are removed and the cable guides and caliper mounts are ground off the frame. 
4. Avoid a frame that has been repaired or welded after manufacture. 
   1. This might indicate the frame had been broken and then repaired.  This might not be a major problem if done properly but often times, frames are welded with a standard welder with standard filler rod which is not suited for the alloys normally found in bicycle frames.   This will always lead to cracks and another frame failure.
   2. I should also not that if it is an older steel frame bike that welding might be perfectly ok if it was done with skill. 
5. Don’t worry about flat tires, chewed up seat, or other cosmetics like paint and decals.
   1. Good used bikes will almost always show some signs of wear.  Anything that can easily be replaced don’t worry about.  Anything that makes the bike just look bad, might get you a cheaper price.  Bikes can always be repainted or powder coated fairly cheaply.  If it doesn’t look brand new it might also keep it from getting stolen.
6. Be sure to repair and adjust the bike before you ride it.
   1. Please take care of any safety issues before you take the bike for a spin.  Dry rotted tires, rusted chains, stuck shifters should all get a good once over at a minimum.
   2. You may want to take the bike into a reputable shop and pay the wrenches there to go over the bike.  They will be able to repair it and get it all working properly.  All for less than the cost of a new bike.

Now its your turn

I know my list isn’t exhaustive.  What else should used bike buyers look for or stay away from?  Are there other places they might find a good used bicycle?  Please share your thoughts or tips by leaving a comment. Remember, reader input is what blogs are all about.