What to Look for in a Used Bike

(Page 2 of 2)

Oct. 30, 2007
By Megan Phelps 
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If you live in a relatively flat location, a three-speed or cruiser bike can be a lot of fun. If not, you'll definitely want something with a few more gears.

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Be sure to choose a bike that's the right size so that it rides comfortably. If you're not sure, a bike shop can easily help you figure out what size you need.

Now make it road worthy. Once you've purchased a bike, it's a good idea to take it to a bike shop for a tune-up. It's inexpensive and they can let you know if there's anything seriously wrong with the bike — the brakes, for example. You'll also want to pick up any basic biking equipment you don't already have.

The main things you'll need are a lock and a helmet. Also check into lights for night riding, and a basket or panniers to give you some storage space. (You can easily make your own panniers, or even build a bike trailer to haul larger items. Either of these can make it much easier to use your bike for errands.)

You should also definitely consider fenders if the bike doesn't already have them. They're inexpensive, and they keep you from getting sprayed with all the mud and grit that get tossed up by the wheels.

Check out more bike resources. If you're going to ride often, you might want to learn how to do a few bike repairs yourself. A good basic book to get started is Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance. Another good resource to check out for all things related to bikes is www.bikeforums.net.

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Comments

  • Adam 2/7/2008 3:45:24 PM

    A quick rule of thumb for spotting a quality bike is to avoid
    bikes with "one piece" crank arms (they're the skinny round ones).
    Aluminum rims are greatly preferred over steel ones. And look for
    wheels with quick quick release levers.

  • PATRICIA mackenzie 11/8/2007 12:00:00 AM

    As far as upgrading or renovating a used bike: here in the Great
    Lakes area/Northeast, there aren't many used bikes for sale. When
    there is one available, usually renovation is needed. BUT there is
    a problem - a big one: LACK OF PARTS, including TIRES. I am on my
    third bicycle, one of them brand new from WalMart. One bike went
    down to over 600 miles on worn tires and needed new - can't get for
    size (26x1 3/8); one went down to a person (fat) who played with
    the front wheel and appears to have kicked the spokes out of true
    (plus a bad tire which I was able to get); and the third, the new
    mountain bike: bad innner tube, got replacement under warranty,
    then back brake went bad and can't get part from manufacturer or
    WalMart. WalMart is giving me my money back, when I can get the
    bicycle to them, and I purchased it a year ago July. But finding a
    good used bike is exceedingly hard, especially in my "size" - my
    legs needed a taller bicycle as I am a little too tall for the 26
    inch. There is absolutely nothing available here to buy, used or
    new, inexpensively while I wait to get my other one back. I have
    waited eight years and am still walking.

  • EV Rider 10/31/2007 12:00:00 AM

    Electric Bikes are beginning to emerge as serious forms of
    transportation, which makes good sense especially when gasoline
    prices are soaring to new and ever greater heights and just as we
    are being told to expect oil to reach $100 a barrel soon. Getting
    prepared for chronic fuel shortages should make more people
    consider the humble bicycle as an alternative means of
    transportation.Google 'Village Energy' for more .. EV
    Rider.Electric Bikes - Practical transportation for errands and
    short commutes.

  • CALVIN Rittenhouse 10/30/2007 12:00:00 AM

    This article gives the basics pretty well. I would add to "make
    it roadworthy" toe clips and straps and also high-visibility
    clothing. The toe clips and straps really improve your efficiency
    in a painless way. The high-visibility clothing improves safety in
    daylight riding a great deal. (I have an ordinary
    construction-worker type safety vest. Even though I have worn
    bright-colored clothing for decades, I have been surprised at the
    improved response of car drivers.)

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