What to look for if buying a used bike

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2011-01-03 11:53 PM

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Subject: What to look for if buying a used bike
Hello I am looking at buying a used bike off of Craig's List.  I know I need to look for rust and corrosion around the handle bars and screws and stuff, but what are some of the things that I need to look for so I don't buy the proverbial "money pit"  Thanks in advance for the info.

2011-01-04 1:31 AM
in reply to: #3275801


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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike

I would look to see if the bike has been sitting for a long time, as that can cause some costly  issues.  Try to find a bike that has seen recent use, maybe the seller just wants to upgrade.  Ask if it has been in any crashes, look for dings, cracks etc. on the paint.  New tires can be a budget killer too.

2011-01-04 6:45 AM
in reply to: #3275801

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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Cassette wear and crank wear. Look carefully at the chainrings (front gears) and see it they're shark-toothed or still triangluar. This will be your best indication of high mileage.

Also, buy a bike with at least 9 speeds (gears in the back) and be sure the shifters work very well. Anything less than this will be hard to get parts for and indicates the bike is quite old
2011-01-04 8:09 AM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Personally, I would want to have had a fit done before hand so I know that the used bike I am buying is the correct bike for me.  Not all bikes fit everyone (even if the size is close).  Some bikes are best for people with longer legs and others are meant for people with longer torsos.  At the very least, use one of the online fit calculators to see what your stack and reach are and what frames would fit you best.  Otherwise you may end up having to replace the frame later on.

I would also look at the wheels to ensure they are true and spin nicely and the braking surface is smooth.  Drive train is also a good place to focus on (really any of the moving parts).  Make sure you can shift to all the gears smoothly and the chain is in good shape - you can get a chain measuring tool fairly cheaply if you want to check for wear. 

If possible also see if you can have your LBS take a look at it before you buy it.  They may be able to see things that you dont.
2011-01-04 8:12 AM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
mjengstrom - 2011-01-04 9:09 AM

Personally, I would want to have had a fit done before hand so I know that the used bike I am buying is the correct bike for me.  Not all bikes fit everyone (even if the size is close).  Some bikes are best for people with longer legs and others are meant for people with longer torsos.  At the very least, use one of the online fit calculators to see what your stack and reach are and what frames would fit you best.  Otherwise you may end up having to replace the frame later on.

I would also look at the wheels to ensure they are true and spin nicely and the braking surface is smooth.  Drive train is also a good place to focus on (really any of the moving parts).  Make sure you can shift to all the gears smoothly and the chain is in good shape - you can get a chain measuring tool fairly cheaply if you want to check for wear. 

If possible also see if you can have your LBS take a look at it before you buy it.  They may be able to see things that you dont.


Chain wear can be measured with a 12inch ruler. If the distance between 2 pins is greater than 12 1/8", the chain needs replaced. If it's more than 12 1/4", the entire drivetrain is suspect.
2011-01-04 11:56 AM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Fit first and foremost.  Nothing is a bigger money pit then buying a bike the doesn't fit and then having to buy another bike.

2011-01-04 3:08 PM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
I bought my first road bike off of craigslist.
I kept a crazy-close eye on the postings & then sent ads that appealed to a friend of mine who's BIG into bikes.
His advice really helped.
ENJOY!
It's a fun process & WELL-worth it in the end!
2011-01-04 4:07 PM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Fit comes first, above everything else. If you don't already know the dimensions of the bike you need, then stop looking until you do. Get that answer first, then do a lot of research so you know the brands/models that will fit, and when you see those, jump on 'em.
2011-01-04 4:46 PM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Thanks yall.  I did have a question for you you pitt.   You said

"Chain wear can be measured with a 12inch ruler. If the distance between 2 pins is greater than 12 1/8", the chain needs replaced. If it's more than 12 1/4", the entire drivetrain is suspect."

can you explain further...what pins?

2011-01-04 6:15 PM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Wolfey8412 - 2011-01-04 5:46 PM

Thanks yall.  I did have a question for you you pitt.   You said

"Chain wear can be measured with a 12inch ruler. If the distance between 2 pins is greater than 12 1/8", the chain needs replaced. If it's more than 12 1/4", the entire drivetrain is suspect."

can you explain further...what pins?



Sure. On the top of the chain (above the chain stay) line up a ruler on any pin center. At exactly 12.0 inches, another pin should hit that ruler mark. If it's at 12 1/8", replace the chain. If more than that, consider a cassette and a chain replacement. Make sense? Easier when you see it.
2011-01-04 6:38 PM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Wolfey8412 - 2011-01-04 2:46 PM Thanks yall.  I did have a question for you you pitt.   You said

"Chain wear can be measured with a 12inch ruler. If the distance between 2 pins is greater than 12 1/8", the chain needs replaced. If it's more than 12 1/4", the entire drivetrain is suspect."

can you explain further...what pins?



Check the Park Tools website for some graphics.

2011-01-04 8:27 PM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
Awesome!! thanks.  Thats a darn good piece of knowledge. 
2011-01-05 12:44 AM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike

A word on fit - it's important, but it's not the end-all be-all.  For any given person, there are clearly going to be some number of bikes that don't fit and some number that do.  Once they're close enough, then it's personal preference and issues like cost, mileage, etc are more important than a few millimeters this way or that.

How to tell the diference?  The usual rules of thumb about standover height and all that get you close, then a rides around the block will let you know if that was close enough.  After that you can dial in the position over time, with or without a "professional" fitter.  If you've never ridden a road bike before, then it's a good idea to find a trustworthy LBS and/or bring a more knowledgeable person along with you.

2011-01-05 10:19 AM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
brucemorgan - 2011-01-05 1:44 AM

A word on fit - it's important, but it's not the end-all be-all.  For any given person, there are clearly going to be some number of bikes that don't fit and some number that do.  Once they're close enough, then it's personal preference and issues like cost, mileage, etc are more important than a few millimeters this way or that.

How to tell the diference?  The usual rules of thumb about standover height and all that get you close, then a rides around the block will let you know if that was close enough.  After that you can dial in the position over time, with or without a "professional" fitter.  If you've never ridden a road bike before, then it's a good idea to find a trustworthy LBS and/or bring a more knowledgeable person along with you.



Right Bruce. There's a difference between the right sized bike and fit. You buy the correct size bike and achieve the perfect fit later. It's simply a leap too far to expect a bike to "fit" perfectly, but if you buy the correct frame size, good "fit" is easy to achieve.
2011-01-05 10:53 AM
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Subject: RE: What to look for if buying a used bike
pitt83 - 2011-01-05 8:19 AM
brucemorgan - 2011-01-05 1:44 AM

A word on fit - it's important, but it's not the end-all be-all.  For any given person, there are clearly going to be some number of bikes that don't fit and some number that do.  Once they're close enough, then it's personal preference and issues like cost, mileage, etc are more important than a few millimeters this way or that.

How to tell the diference?  The usual rules of thumb about standover height and all that get you close, then a rides around the block will let you know if that was close enough.  After that you can dial in the position over time, with or without a "professional" fitter.  If you've never ridden a road bike before, then it's a good idea to find a trustworthy LBS and/or bring a more knowledgeable person along with you.

Right Bruce. There's a difference between the right sized bike and fit. You buy the correct size bike and achieve the perfect fit later. It's simply a leap too far to expect a bike to "fit" perfectly, but if you buy the correct frame size, good "fit" is easy to achieve.


Unless "fit" includes the difference between, say, a 77 degree seat tube angle and a 73 degree seat tube angle...

Just sayin'.
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