What You Need to Know Before Buying a Second-Hand Bike!
According to a study carried out by Troc-Vélo, many people are attracted to the second-hand market by the cost of new bikes. Buying second-hand means reducing your environmental impact and saving money at the same time. But buying second-hand is not without risks. Some crooks sell you damaged or stolen bikes. That's why in this article we give you our advice on how to buy your second-hand bike safely.
Do some research!
First of all, before buying a second-hand bike, we advise you to research the model, make, new price and year of manufacture. This information will give you an idea of the real value of the bike you want to buy, and which model is best for you.
Once you have this information, do some research to find out the average price of new and used bikes. This will enable you to establish a reliable budget and avoid being taken in by crooks.
The condition of the bike :
Let's move on to checking the condition of the bike. This step is vital if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises when riding your bike. Look for signs of damage or poorly carried out repairs.
Take a closer look at the wheels. They should be straight and aligned. If they're not, it's highly likely that the bike has suffered a major impact and is not as functional as it should be. Take a look at the brakes too. These are extremely important to check for the safety of the person using the bike. The brakes must work properly and be correctly adjusted.
The chain must also not be rusty or worn for it to work properly.
Serial number :
Pay particular attention to the serial number of the bike you want to buy. This will enable you to prove that it has not been stolen. A bike's serial number is unique. It is often engraved on the frame, under the crankset or on the back of the frame.
If the serial number is reported stolen, it is illegal to buy the bike. You could end up with a bike that could be confiscated. Do not hesitate to search for the serial number on online databases to find out if it has been stolen.
How the bike works :
If you get the chance, try out the bike. This will ensure that it suits your size and riding style. You can also take a closer look at the bike to analyse any faults.
Trying out the bike will also allow you to test the gear changes to make sure they work properly, without any strange noises. It will also allow you to test the comfort of the bike.
Curious to find out more about buying used vehicles? Have a look at our articles on buying a used electric vehicle or a used scooter.
Maintenance history :
The final point to consider before buying a second-hand bike is its maintenance history. Knowing its history will ensure that the bike has been properly maintained and will tell you which parts have been replaced.
Knowing the maintenance history will also tell you if the bike has any potential problems that may require repair or replacement.
Secure your second-hand bike purchase with Obvy :
Obvy offers a payment method specially designed to secure transactions between private individuals. Whether you're buying or selling between private individuals on ad platforms such as Leboncoin or Vinted, Obvy acts as a trusted third party to help you avoid any scams.
In the event of a counterfeiting scam, you can quickly and easily return the product to the seller and get your money back. What's more, you'll have all the information you need about the seller in the event of legal action.