Shopping for a Used Bike, What's the Best Deal?

Best Used Bikes, Deal or No Deal?

What are the best used bikes? We all love saving money and getting a great deal. Are used bikes the best for you and really as good as one might think? Learn how to shop smart...

Used Bikes Could Hurt Your Wallet

Hi, Mike here. I think it's very risky to buy a used bike that you have never seen or tested. I have had hundreds of customers tell me how sorry they were that they purchased a used bike to start with.

Warranty?

With used bikes, you get no warranty. No bicycle brand extends warranty coverage to second-hand bikes. In addition, a used bike can need expensive repairs right away.

I feel very strongly about this as I hate to see anyone be unhappy with any bike purchase. So I can give you a few examples:

Hidden Costs?

If a used bike was ridden with a stretched chain the chain-rings and cassette can be damaged. In order to get a used bike with this problem to shift correctly, a new chain ($10-$50), new cassette ($20-$100), and a new crank ($40-$200) are often required. Lots of money to fix.

Wheels on bikes can and should be trued from time to time. But a used bike with a ding or flat-spot in the rim can never be trued. A new wheel is required. Lots of money to fix.

Brake pads not only wear out, they also get hard from age. Safety of course is important on all bikes and a used bike in need of new brake pads must be fixed before riding. A fair amount of money is required.

Used bikes that have not been properly cared for often have bottom bracket, headset and hub bearing issues. Running these bearings ungreased can ruin them. Normally not a safety issue but lots of money to fix and bad bearings makes your bike much less fun to ride.

I could go on and on but I am sure my point is clear. It is often cheaper and always safer to get a new bike with a full warranty.