How to Buy a Used Bike

1

Choose what type of bike you want based on the riding you will do.

Choose what type of bike you want based on the riding you will do.

2

Search for used bikes at bike shops whenever possible.

Search for used bikes at bike shops whenever possible.

3

Look for used bikes in local classifieds if you can't find one at a bike shop.

Look for used bikes in local classifieds if you can't find one at a bike shop.

4

Check local thrift or consignment shops if you can't find anything else nearby.

Check local thrift or consignment shops if you can't find anything else nearby.

5

Order a used bike online as a last resort.

Order a used bike online as a last resort.

6

Examine the frame for dents, cracks, and rust.

Examine the frame for dents, cracks, and rust.

7

Check the chain and gears for rust and warping.

Check the chain and gears for rust and warping.

8

Wiggle the wheels, crank, and headset to make sure they are not loose.

Wiggle the wheels, crank, and headset to make sure they are not loose.

9

Look at the tires to see if they are worn out or cracked.

Look at the tires to see if they are worn out or cracked.

10

Inspect the brakes and brake cables to make sure they are in good shape.

Inspect the brakes and brake cables to make sure they are in good shape.

11

Ride the bike over terrain similar to where you plan to ride it, if possible.

Ride the bike over terrain similar to where you plan to ride it, if possible.

12

Shift gears up and down and ensure they shift quickly and smoothly.

Shift gears up and down and ensure they shift quickly and smoothly.

13

Test the brakes to make sure they work properly.

Test the brakes to make sure they work properly.

14

Ask yourself whether the bike feels good overall and is fun to ride.

Ask yourself whether the bike feels good overall and is fun to ride.

How to Buy a Used Bike

Steps

Choose what type of bike you want based on the riding you will do.

Search for used bikes at bike shops whenever possible.

Look for used bikes in local classifieds if you can't find one at a bike shop.

Check local thrift or consignment shops if you can't find anything else nearby.

Order a used bike online as a last resort.

Examine the frame for dents, cracks, and rust.

Check the chain and gears for rust and warping.

Wiggle the wheels, crank, and headset to make sure they are not loose.

Look at the tires to see if they are worn out or cracked.

Inspect the brakes and brake cables to make sure they are in good shape.

Ride the bike over terrain similar to where you plan to ride it, if possible.

Shift gears up and down and ensure they shift quickly and smoothly.

Test the brakes to make sure they work properly.

Ask yourself whether the bike feels good overall and is fun to ride.

Rate This Guide

Comments (0)

How to Buy a Used Bike

Steps

Choose what type of bike you want based on the riding you will do.

Search for used bikes at bike shops whenever possible.

Look for used bikes in local classifieds if you can't find one at a bike shop.

Check local thrift or consignment shops if you can't find anything else nearby.

Order a used bike online as a last resort.

Examine the frame for dents, cracks, and rust.

Check the chain and gears for rust and warping.

Wiggle the wheels, crank, and headset to make sure they are not loose.

Look at the tires to see if they are worn out or cracked.

Inspect the brakes and brake cables to make sure they are in good shape.

Ride the bike over terrain similar to where you plan to ride it, if possible.

Shift gears up and down and ensure they shift quickly and smoothly.

Test the brakes to make sure they work properly.

Ask yourself whether the bike feels good overall and is fun to ride.

Rate This Guide

Comments (0)

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