How to Buy a Used Road Bike

This bike might be worth a hundred bucks.

Buying a used road bike is not all that different from buying a used car. While you will likely shell out less cash for a bike, you still have to consider where its been, how it was ridden and if the previous owner is honest. Finding used bikes is, generally, not an issue. You should even be able to stumble upon several all-time deals. Picking out these diamonds is the potentially rough part.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of road bike you want. A race-style road bike with drop handlebars is more aggressive (your back bends more for better aerodynamics), while a hybrid bicycle offers an upright position, yet still rolls quickly on pavement. You will likely find both styles wherever you look, but it is nice to know what you want before you search.

2. Scour a variety of sources looking for good bikes at reasonable prices. If you live in a medium to large city, Craigslist is a good place to start. In places ranging from New York to Seattle, you will find hundreds of road bike listings. Stop by bike shops near you that sell new bikes. Some deal in used, as well, but those that don't can usually lead you to consignment shops and other places that stock used bikes. Contact local bicycle clubs. Some might have bulletin boards where members offer up old rides. At the very least, a bike club might send you in a fruitful direction.

3. Scrutinize bikes that you think you might want to purchase. If you don't know much about bikes, ask the owner to write down the bike's specifications for you. Ask for the bike's year, make and model, and frame material, as well as what types of parts are on the bike. (If they don't say Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo, the three big bike component companies, consider running.)

4. Take this information online and do some research to make sure you are not about to bite into a lemon. Better yet, ask the seller if he will let you bring the bike to a local bike shop for their opinion. Offer up some collateral or ask the seller to come with you. Most bike shop employees will have the knowledge and the inclination to give you an honest opinion. They likely ride bikes, too, and don't want to see you get ripped off. Plus, they can tell you if you are getting damaged or outdated goods or could score something better for just a little more.

5. Make sure the bike fits. A bike that does not fit can cause health problems (sore back, hurt knees and so on), plus it is just not all that fun to ride. Don't be tempted to take the medium at an all-time good deal when you should really hold out for a small. Stand over the bike. There should be an inch or two of room between your crotch and the bar on the bike that extends from the seat to the handlebar. When test riding the bike (which you need to do), make sure your knee bends slightly at the bottom of each pedal stroke. If not, adjust the saddle to make that happen. If it won't, move on.

6. Take down the seller's contact information if you buy a used bike. If something goes wrong, hopefully they will stand by what they sold you. They should also be willing to answer any questions you have once you start riding the bike.

Tips & Warnings

• As Paul Dorn notes at his bike commuting website, you are usually better off buying a new bike. Used bikes tend to not come with warranties or the service and maintenance packages commonly included when you buy a new ride at a bike shop.

• If it is too good to be true, be skeptical. For instance, if somebody is selling the type of Trek Madone Lance Armstrong rides for $500, well, there's a good chance you are looking at stolen goods.

References

• Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips: Suggestions for Buying a Bike