Five Simple Tips for Buying a Used Bicycle

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Q: Do you know what is the hardest part of learning to ride a bike? A: The pavement.

Riding a bike is a favorite pastime of people of all ages. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you live, this is an activity that can be fun, exciting, and good for your body.

Many people consider the benefits of buying a new bike, including the fact that it is in perfect condition. However, there is often a problem with this: the price.

For some, buying used is the only way to go. If you find yourself in this position, maybe searching for a used bike at an estate sale, these five tips will guide you down the right path:

1. Use the eye test. Does it look like the bike is in good condition? Does it look like the bike has been beaten up, day after day, for the past few years? Your eyes don’t typically lie, so a good visual inspection is the best place to start.

2. Focus on the frame. A used bike won’t be perfect. You may find some scrapes, scratches, and missing paint. This is common. What you want to avoid is frames that are rusting and/or dented.

3. Check the tires. Despite the fact that you can change the tires, this may not be something you want to do right now, as it will cost you a few bucks.

4. Jump in the saddle. This doesn’t mean you have to ride the bike around the neighborhood before making an offer. It does not mean that you should sit on the seat, get a feel for the bike, and make a determination as to whether or not it is the right choice.

5. Compare the price of used to new. With the help of an online search, for example, you can quickly determine if the bike is priced to sell or a bit too much when compared to the new price.

If you have any other questions about buying a used bicycle, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have plenty of experience in this area.

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