Advice on Buying a Second Hand BikeSecondhand Bikes & Used Cycles - Help & Buy GuideApvd © 2005 Bonthrone Bikes UK Buying a Second Hand BikeBuying 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!:) How to know if a bikes been stolenThis 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 LondonIn 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 ShopsMost 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. Used Bikes & Bicycles from NewspapersA great place to look but always check out the seller - bikes in newspapers are sometimes stolen bikes. Where to Buy a Second Hand BikeTry these second hand websites for second hand bicycles and used products Used Bikes from Bicycle Hire ShopsMany 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. Used Bikes & Second Hand Bike - things to checkHere'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 HandlebarsA new set of bars will cost you around £10-40 pounds depending on how much you wanna pay - presumably not much:) The Bike WheelsA new wheel will cost around 20-30 quid so check the wheels are in good condition. Spokes are cheap but fitting them will cost you more. The Pedals Needed?New pedals will cost you between £20-50 for a decent pair should they need replacing. Chain & Freewheel (Cogs / gears)Chain and freewheels should be changed at the same time so they wear evenly and so that gear changing actually works! A new chain is a tenner and fitting a new rear sproket will cost 15 for the cassette and around £20 to fit. Decide if the bike is worth it before you buy it. Want to Buy a New Bike?...If you've decided what type of riding you want to get into and have decided to buy a brand new bike then call us and get an amazing deal on a mail-order bike or order one straight away from our web site if you already know what bicycle you want. See our bike categories below. Can't find the help you need on bikes or second-hand bikes?.. call us!If you want to purchase a used or second hand cycle or bicycle related product and are unsure about what to buy, or find we are not the cheapest - call us on 020 7731 5005. Related Articles |
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