Smells Like Green Spirit

Bikes are a wonderful form of transportation…no fossil fuels burned, no carbon dioxide emitted, it’s great exercise and much quicker than walking…here are some tips when looking for a used bike…

Damaged Goods?
First, check for frame and fork damage…if you see any, better keep looking.

Look at the bike from the side and make sure nothing seems bent or cracked…if there are dents or bulges in the top or down tubes, the bike likely had a wreck at some point. Rusty parts can be too weak or can be expensive to repair, so look out for rust also.

Check to make sure the wheels aren’t rusted or corroded, and that they don’t wobble when they spin.

Any parts that are worn out will need to be replaced, (such as the tires or chains) adding to the price of your bike, so take them into account when purchasing the bike.

Take Her for a Spin!

Be sure you test ride the bike to make sure it rides smoothly, that the brakes work properly, that the bike height is comfortable. Comfort is key to satisfaction with your new bike!

What sort of a bike do you need? Mountain bikes aren’t very practical for the city, and if you’ll be locking your bike outside in a big city with regularity, consider the chance your bike might be stolen if it’s an expensive brand.

Speaking of brands, if you can, do some research on the brand of used bike you’re considering purchasing. Certain brands are cheaply made and not worth purchasing used, whereas other bikes were built to last.

Don’t be afraid to haggle on the price of a used bike!

Great places to find used bikes:

A bike shop is one of the best places to buy a used bike, because it will be the most roadworthy, but other places to look are…

Craig’s List
Thrift Stores
Garage sales
Police Auctions
Freecycle
Working Bikes in Chicago

For more detailed information visit Bike Universe

Share This