Take the frame for example: are there any cracks or dents? If there are any visible defects, we recommend not buying that bike. It’s important to begin your checks with the most expensive components first, working your way over the bike to its cheaper parts. However, looking for these things can be tricky and daunting, especially if you’re new to buying used bikes or aren’t an expert. These are two of the most important things a second-hand bike buyer can do. Make sure the bike hasn’t been subjected to neglect and check whether the frame has been damaged. Word of mouthĬracks on frames are rare, but can indicate the bike has had a hard life. They’re worth keeping an eye on though because sometimes the deals are exceptional. The volume of bikes for sale is likely to be lower than on the aforementioned dedicated selling sites. Some forums, including BikeRadar’s, have classified sections where people sell second-hand bikes. The Bike Project, a UK-based charity, is a better place to look for less premium models, such as cheap hybrid bikes, that a mechanic has still given a once over. The brand says a qualified mechanic checks each bike before sale. In the UK, Cycle Exchange offers a similar service selling used versions of the best road bikes and gravel bikes. It also guarantees to buy the bike back from you for 18 months after purchase. But Pro’s Closet says you can return the bike and get your money back if you’re not happy within 30 days. The prices may be higher than a private seller or online marketplace. Pro’s Closet says it checks out all the bikes traded in and replaces any worn parts. The site’s vast selection includes cheap mountain bikes as well as higher-end bikes. Online bike shops such as the Pro’s Closet based in the US sell ‘certified pre-owned’ bikes. The Pro’s Closet has a physical store as well as an online shop. Bidding early may inflate the final sale price. Exercise restraint and pull out once the bids exceed your budget.Īnother tip is to target bikes that few people are following and only bid in the closing minutes of an auction (‘sniping’ in eBay parlance).
Competitive auctions get out of hand quickly. You can message the seller through the eBay app or website in a browser, so you don’t need to swap contact details to ask questions about the product.Īccording to the seller’s preference, you’ll either be able to make them an offer against a ‘buy now’ price or bid against other people. Be wary if a seller insists you pay them directly. This may be a price worth paying for the security: your purchase is protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee should anything go wrong (provided you pay through eBay). Prices may appear higher than elsewhere online because sellers compensate for eBay’s fees on the transaction.
This can make your selection bafflingly large, but you can use filters to narrow down your search. In theory, you can search for second-hand bikes worldwide on eBay.
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