How to buy a used bike
August 30, 2008 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under save-money
Used bikes were all I had as a kid. While I would have liked a shiny new bike, I get that new bikes cost much more, while many used bikes can be had for a song, so I’m not too depressed about it.
Used bike buying tips:
If tires are cracked, pass the bike up. New tires defeat the savings on a used bike. If the tires are simply not totally inflated, you can fill them up.
If there’s rust, don’t buy the bike. Rust can mean corrosion which means an important screw could literally break off while your child is in mid-cycle (yikes).
Fit the bike to your child (or you). If you’re buying used, and want to use it right away, only buy a bike that fits the person. If you find a killer deal on a child’s bike, but the bike is too big, go ahead and buy it, but wait until your child is bigger. The wrong size bike can be a hazard.
If screws and bolts and all the other little parts are not completely tight, the bike might still be a good buy (if there’s no rust). A handy person or bike shop can fix loose items up fast and cheap.
Dirt is not an issue. A dirty chain can be de-gunked with cleaner. A dirty bike needs only soap and water, and if you’re really motivated some paint. Another option are decals or stickers, which can jazz up an old bike.
Bent parts – pass that bike up. Pounding out bends, unless you’re a bike person, can be tough.
A missing seat might be cost effective to replace, if the bike is cheap enough, and if you can find the right type of replacement – check around before buying.
*Note: Most studies note that helmets should be bought new. There’s no complete proof, but many think that a used helmet may be less effective than a new one. Plus, you want to make sure you buy the right size, and not all helmets note size right on them.
[image via stock.xchng]
I absolutely love my old bike! I found it on Craigslist – I paid a lot more than I ever thought I would for a used bike (they are getting scarce!) but if I had paid that amount in a department store I would have gotten junk!
We generally get our bikes at the local police auction. Quite often, they sell lots of two–which works out well for us, as we can take parts for one to use on the other. This summer, we got two bikes for $40–and I’ll sell the 2nd bike at a garage sale for $10 or $15 and get some of that back.