Second Hand Bikes

So you want to pick up a second hand bike? Can't say we blame you. In this economy, every penny counts. And of course, riding a bike is both great exercise and enjoyable. Below are some things to keep in mind when evaluating second hand bikes. We're assuming you're; 1) price sensitive; and 2) utilizing the bike for basic transportation (5 - 10 miles a day at most).

There are a couple areas we'd encourage you to focus on when choosing a second hand bike. First and foremost, be sure to consider the fit and feel of the bike. If possible, try the bike out in person. Ask yourself, how comfortable do you feel sitting on it? You want to avoid second hand bikes that force you into an uncomfortable posture. Straddle the bike - do you have enough room to comfortably stand? How are the handle bars positioned relative to the seat? If you're tight on budget and can't afford to replace the seat, is the cushioning adequate?

Next, think about where you'll primarily be the riding the bike. Are you riding around a flat city? If so, a one-speed bike will probably suffice. If your commute has you riding up and down hilly terrain, then perhaps you should look into a second hand bike with multiple speeds.

From here, be sure to evaluate the brakes. We highly recommend hand brakes. Since we're talking about second hand bikes, depending on the age of the bike, you may run into bikes with side-pull setups (as opposed to center-pull or V-brakes). Pay careful attention to the quality of the side brakes. Many older road bikes had side-brakes which would be considered low quality by today's standards. While not necessarily a deal breaker, be sure you know what brake setup you're looking at. At the very least, use this to negotiate a better price on an old second hand bike.

Lastly, look at the condition of the bike itself. How's the air pressure in the tire? Do the tires need replacing? Are the brake pads rubbing up against the wheel? Does the chain need some oiling?

All in all, it's possible to get some great bargains on second hand bikes. But be sure to do your research, and know exactly what you're buying.