Used Bicycles: Learn What To Look For Before Choosing One

Bicycle transportation is about as economical as you can get. They don't need gas, have low maintenance requirements, last forever, are nonpolluting, go anywhere, are healthy, and you don't need a license or insurance. Follow these steps if you are considering a used road bicycle for your transportation needs.

Because bicycles last for decades with little maintenance, used road bicycles in good working order are widely available for very little money. Although new bicycles are usually sold with a warranty, by careful inspection, quality used bicycles can be purchased for less than the cost of a week's worth of groceries.

The best place to find used road bicycles is the local bicycle shop. The discount bicycles available for sale at local bike stores should have already been inspected, adjusted, and checked to make sure they are in good working order. Private sales through newspapers, websites, garage sales and flea markets are another good option, so long as the prospective purchaser feels comfortable inspecting the bicycle first.

Providing a check up on a bike begins at the frame and continues until each major piece of the machine has been reviewed. A used bicycle will often reveal scuffs and grazes, a normal sign of use. Whenever major damage is present in the frame, such as a break or a bend in the metal, is a sign that the bike may not be safe to ride. Damage to the main supports on the bike (the frame, the handlebars and/or the brakes) can be unsafe.

The handlebars must be set securely in the steering column. Handlebars that shimmy may lead to steering trouble. If the frame, seat and handlebars seem to be in good shape, it is time to test the brakes. To do this, you should stand off to the side and give the bike a little shove, then alternately try each of the brake levers.

Brakes in both the front and the rear should be able to brake the wheel firmly enough to make a full and immediate stop when full pressure is applied. Try this same thing while you are on the bicycle, but take care not to throw yourself from the bike by applying too much pressure. Any brake pads that have become worn out need to be replaced.

Next, check the drivetrain. Wiggle the gear sets by the pedals, as well as the gear set attached to the rear axle. Side-to-side motion of the gears or the pedals indicates worn bearings. Check the chain for any unusual signs of damage. Check the gear shifting apparatus to make sure each gear can be cleanly engaged.

Lastly, the wheels and tires should be inspected. The wheels should be a round shape, not oval. When the spokes are grabbed they should be even and firmly seated. While looking straight down, spin the wheel. There should be little to no side-to-side motion if the wheel is good. Take the bike for a quick a ride if it passes inspection before making a final decision if it should be purchased.

Discover more useful tips about buying used bicycles at Used-Bicycles.net. Browse hundreds of used road bicycles for sale in our virtual showroom. with more discount bicycles added daily. Watch our video collection and read our blog for more tips, reviews, and how-to's relating to the world of cycling!

- Daniel Wright