What to ask for when buying a bike?
An original purchase receipt is a great thing to ask for. Each frame holds a unique identification number: ask for a picture of it. These can be checked against numbers on the national database to find out whether a bike is stolen. If you have doubts, don’t purchase. Is the seller reliable?
What should I consider when buying a second hand bike?
Try not to blow your entire budget on the bike itself. Think about setting aside around roughly 10 per cent of the bike’s value for potential maintenance costs. A second-hand bike bought from a private seller won’t come with a warranty, so if it develops a fault you’ll need to cover the cost of repair.
Can you buy a bike from someone else?
Chances are you’ll find a similar bike from a better seller at some point in the near future. If this is the case, be patient and try to keep your cool. Making rash decisions based on desires to buy a bike from someone dodgy can spell disaster.
Is it OK to buy a bike too big?
Don’t be tempted to buy a bike that’s too big or too small just because it’s a good price. If you can take it for a test ride, all the better, but expect to be asked to leave your phone, wallet or ID with the seller.
Is it good idea to buy used bike?
With bikes, frames and tech in the cycling industry continually updating, and prices elevating as a result, buying a used bike is a fantastic way of saving a little cash, but there are risks involved. As such there’s a few tips and tricks you need to take into account before laying down your money on a pre-loved steed.
What to look for when buying a bike in Australia?
The critical thing to remember here is that if you’re buying a cheap bicycle, it’s because you want to save some cash. A cheap bike requiring a lot of repairs is not a cheap bicycle. Every new bike sold in Australia should come with reflectors, a ‘warning device’ of some kind, usually in the form of a bell, and pedals.
What should I look for when buying a used motorcycle?
If an owner hands you a file of receipts, that is a Very Good Thing. If the bike is generally well cared for — it has matching tires, shiny, waxed paint, and the owner has obviously replaced wear items like grips and seat covers — that’s a good indicator of what kind of bike you’re looking at.
Do you need to inspect a bike before buying it?
A damaged frame or fork makes a used bike virtually useless. Since this is the one part of the bike that can’t be replaced, you’ll want to make sure it’s in good working order before you decide on a purchase. Ideally, you’ll be able to inspect the bike in person to determine if there are signs of damage.