Tips on buying second hand bikes

There are plenty of bike shops that sell second hand bikes, and it's a great way to get a decent model for a bargain price.

You can get second hand bikes from many different places.

Specialised second hand bike shops, which generally buy from auction houses and then rebuild the bikes, or regular bike shops which sell one or two occasionally.

Bike hire shops, which will often sell their bikes on after a certain time, e.g. 18 months. These can be good deals, as they will have been regularly serviced.

Markets, though you should be aware that markets have a VERY bad reputation for selling stolen bikes.

Newspapers and cycle magazines - newspapers will be a little like markets; you need to be careful you are not buying a stolen bike, and know enough to avoid buying a dud. Cycle magazines can be good options for more expensive bikes.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

When you're buying a second hand bike, it's a good idea to check the bike carefully, looking especially at the following:

The frame is the right size for you. A wrong size frame may be uncomfortable, less efficient and if too big, unsafe to ride.

Bent, dented or cracked frame or forks. Check the joins closely. If any of the above, do not buy it, it has probably have been involved in a collision of some sort.

Buckled wheels and missing or broken spokes. May cost you between £5 - £40. Missing, broken or jammed components, e.g. brakes or gears. May cost you between £5 - £60 per part.

Rust on the frame, scratch with a finger nail to see how deep it is. If it is deep rust, do not buy it.

Rusty or worn chain and cogs (chains and back cog sets should be replaced together). May cost you between £20-£60.

Loose handlebars or stem could be a jammed or loose headset. May cost you between £10 - £60.

Pedals that crunch as they go round: the bottom bracket may need replacing. May cost you between £10 - £20.

Tyres - worn tyres get more punctures. New tyres cost from £10 up. Some older bikes may have tubular tyres. If you get a puncture they can be a pain to repair, although it is quicker to change a tubular than it is to change an inner tube.