Advice on Buying a Second Hand Bike

Secondhand Bikes & Used Cycles - Help & Buy Guide

Buying a Second Hand Bike

Buying a second hand bike is pretty simple but here's a few guide lines you need to follow so you get a decent quality bike and a good deal at the same time. Note: there is a lot of junk out there and also beware of bikes that may be stolen - there's no way to know this for sure but kep your eyes open and take a good look at the person you're buying it from!:)

First if you are not very much in the know about bikes then always find a cycling buddy to take along with you to check out the second hand bicycle before you buy it. You will with a bit of digging find a great deal out there somewhere but make sure whatever you buy hasn't been thrashed too much - take a good look at the overall condition of the bike parts and the frameset especially.

How to know if a bikes been stolen

This is tricky - check out the guy selling it to you first if possible. Is it s kid selling a particularly expensive bike? - do owner and bike match - ask a few questions about where they bought it. See if there's a postcode on the bike which you can check with the police. Also see if it looks like a code or postcode has been scratched over - often the mark of a stolen bike.

Buy Second Hand Bikes in London

In London - places you can buy second hand bikes and cycles includes several specialized second hand bike shops that often buy new and old bicycles from London auction-houses. These auction house bikes should be thoroughly checked over so it's a good idea to buy a bike from one if you get the chance.

Used Bikes from Bike Shops

Most bike shops these days steer clear of second hand bicycles since they can be more trouble than they're worth - especially if the bike gets returned - a new bike shop doesnt need upset customers. However, some bike shops - and there are one or two in London listed here, do end of line, sale bikes, reduced cycles and a small number of second hand and used cycles that have perhaps been part exchanged.
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Used Bikes & Bicycles from Newspapers

A great place to look but always check out the seller - bikes in newspapers are sometimes stolen bikes.

Where to Buy a Second Hand Bike

Try these second hand websites for second hand bicycles and used products
www.loot.com - second hand bikes, cycles & bicycles

Used Bikes from Bicycle Hire Shops

Many bicycle hire shops will sell their hire bikes after a period so have a look for bike hire shops in London or UK and chances are these bikes will in general have been looked after. Don't buy a bike from a back street trader or street market as it may be stolen.
List of shops and bike stores selling second hand bikes in London

Used Bikes & Second Hand Bike - things to check

Here's a list of things to look for when you buy a second hand bike.

The Frame.

Check its the right size. Advice on bike sizing. Get the wrong sized bike and it will be uncomfortable and possibly unsafe. See that the frame is not overly rusted or about to fall apart in any areas of the welding. Dents may indicate if the bike has been in a crash or not.

Headset and Handlebars

A new set of bars will cost you around