how to buy a used bike

THIS IS NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST

this is a quickly thrown together illustration of things to check for.

buying a used bike can be a huge rip-off if you don't know what to look for.

i forgot to mension many of the super obvious things like:
*are there pedals?
*does the bike roll
*make sure all the pieces are there
*don't buy a bike with a bent or cracked frame
*don't buy a bike with a bent or cracked fork
don't buy a bike with out checking it out first

chances are, if you buy a used bike, you'll have to spend some money to fix it up

even if you get your bike for free, invest in a good $40+ lock, especially if you are in an urban enviroment

figure about average $15 to fix most of the issues mentioned in the video:
loose bottom bracket
wheel true
hub adjustment
head set adjustment
new brake cables
brake adjustment

thing that probably can't be fixed include:
wrong size bike
seized seat tube
cracked or bent frame

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• buying
• a
• used
• bicycle
• bike
• rip-off

[Charlestonthedrummer]

if theres play in the bottom bracket thing what do i do?! someone helllppp!

[razorhand]

@Charlestonthedrummer If there is play in your bb, overhaul it. 1 of 3 things are going to happen:

1. you may discover that you have a cartridge style bb, then you'll just have to put in a new one

2. you or the mechanic may pull apart your bb and discover that the whole mess is shot to hell with pits etc, then you'll jest have to put in a new one.

3. the bb looks fine from the inside, simply add fresh grease and ball bearings and adjust appropriately

[jus10y]

Thanks. Solid quick overview.... Not sure what's up with the nasty comments.

Great job!

[FSoTa]

That is a great video!!!!

[FameAppeal]

Thanks so much for the honest, sincere video, just tweeted your video check me out at @fameappeal

[killsomething2]

thank you! this helped me! :)

[bwong811]

very useful information on buying bikes on criagslist =)

[kimadawest]

Thank you, this was very helpful. I haven't owned or ridden a bike in at least 20 years and was thinking it might be worth having one since I don't have a car. After seeing this I'm so overwhelmed I've decided not to buy a used bike. And since I can't afford a new one I think I'll just keep taking the bus if I have to go farther than I can walk.

[zazenzach]

thanks :)

[gurielzeigerman]

Actually the standover method is horribly inaccurate when measuring bike fit. You have to sit on the bike, ride it, make sure your legs are slightly bent when the pedal is in the lowest position, and make sure you're not too stretched out reaching for the handlebars and not to squished in.

[Charlestonthedrummer]

@razorhand thankyou, the bike is only a few weeks old and its making dodgy knocking noises

[mustang19ms]

what about rust on the wheels, is that a bad sign?