Used Road Bicycles: A Buyers Guide To Proper Evaluation
Riding a bicycle is the most cost effective means of transportation. With a bicycle you don’t need gas, only a small amount of maintenance, they don’t create pollution, they are good for your health, there is no license or insurance requirement, and they last for many years and can be ridden almost everywhere. The guidelines that are provided below are intended to help those looking to purchase a used bicycle as a means of less expensive transportation.
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 most effective place to locate used road bicycles is your neighborhood cycle store. The discount bicycles in their inventory have supposedly been assessed, repaired (if necessary), and test driven to assure proper functioning. You can also find items being sold by private individuals in newspaper ads, internet sites, yard sales, and rummage sales. However, such bikes should be carefully checked out before you buy any of them.
When you check out used road bicycles you need to evaluate their main parts. Begin with the frame. Dents and scrapes on a frame are generally the result of simple usage. On the other hand, if a frame is cracked or has a bend in it, you are probably looking at a grave structural defect which could cause the frame to collapse under the weight of the bicyclist. A failure of either frame, handlebars or braking mechanism can result in a bruising, crippling, or even fatal accident.
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.
The front and rear brakes ought to seize securely enough so that the wheel comes to a total stop when applied full force. Test this while you are seated on the bicycle, but use caution so you don’t inadvertently throw yourself off if you grab the brake too vehemently. Brake pads which show wear should be replaced.
Subsequently, inspect the drivetrain. Wiggle the gear sets by the pedals, along with the gear set fastened to the rear axle. Side-to-side movement of the gears or the pedals means damaged bearings. Inspect the chain for some odd indications of damage. Inspect the gear shifting equipment to ensure every gear can be engaged in a precise manner.
Last of all, do an inspection of the tires and wheels. Wheels ought to be round, not oval. Grip the spokes. They should be straight and even, and securely set. Give the wheel a spin while you are standing and looking straight down at it. As it spins, there should be only a very small amount of wobbling, if any. If the bicycle passes your final visual inspection, take it for a little ride before you make your final decision.
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
:: Nov.15.2008 :: Uncategorized ::
