Buying a 2nd hand bike. What to look out for?

bjdw_1977

I'm going to have a look at a 2nd hand bike tomorrow. It's a 5ish year old Giant Defy. I'm new to this and know very little. What should I look at? Spin the wheels and make sure they track straight and listen for bearing noises in the wheels and crank. What else?

Also, the person selling the bike doesn't know the frame size but her father was 6' (it was his bike). I'm 5'9", is it likely a bike bought for his height will be too big for me?

Thanks
Ben

jjpptt2

• spin the wheels and make sure they are reasonably true
• pull the brake handles and make sure the brakes squeeze against the wheel
• push/pull the shift levers and make sure the derailleurs move
• look over the frame, handlebars, wheels, etc for damage/cracking/rust
• the frame size is usually marked, on a sticker, usually on the seattube (if it hasn't been removed). It might be, it might not be big for you... and even if it is, you may or may not care.

NorthCascades

You can fudge one frame size, especially for shorter rides. But it's better to buy too small than too big, you can only go so short on the stem and seatpost.

If the bike or frame is carbon, ask if it's ever been crashed, inspect for damage.

bjdw_1977

NorthCascades wrote: »

You can fudge one frame size, especially for shorter rides. But it's better to buy too small than too big, you can only go so short on the stem and seatpost.

If the bike or frame is carbon, ask if it's ever been crashed, inspect for damage.

It's aluminum frame with carbon fork and seat post I think.

kcjchang

Depending on how it was used and cared for, check for

• if the frame has any damage (e.g. paint cracks especially at joins, dings, digs at stays and bottom bracket, etc);
• if there are significant wear on the drivetrain (front chain ring, cassette, and/or chain);
• if the cables and housing may need to be replace (derailleurs and brakes);
• if wheels need to be trued and rounded, check rim track for brake wear, check if any spokes has been replaced, check play in the spindles and if the freewheel spins freely;
• if the tire(s, hopefully just the rear) needs to be replaced;
• brake pad wear; and
• if there's any play or drag in the headset and bottom bracket.

Ask what's the maintenance cycle, who's doing the work, yearly usage, type of rides, etc. If they are ok if the bike is check over by a reputable bike shop.

Do a rough check on you fit needs using online calculator (e.g. https://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.jsp). Look up the bike's published stack and reach or bring a tape.

BrianSharpe

First I have to being an unabashed fan of the Defy model, I've been riding one as my main bike for 9 years now and they're both nimble performers and comfortable on long rides (longest so far around 100km) The Defy frame geometry is designed for long rides. Having said that you need to test ride it, every company's frame geometry is slightly different and people will find brand x more comfortable than brand y.

I'm just under 5'9" and ride a M.

Good advice above, especially having checked out by a bike mechanic. Bikes need maintenance and a poor maintained one could be in need of expensive repairs.

If it passes muster and is comfortable for you to ride get a proper fitting done. It's amazing the difference that it makes in terms of comfort and efficiency.

sijomial

At 5'9 you could probably fit many medium and large frames.....
Height...... Height... Frame size
5'6" - 5'9" 168cm - 175cm Medium (54cm - 55cm)
5'9" - 6'0" 175cm - 183cm Large (56cm - 58cm)

Assuming you feel you can fit the bike would keep in mind that consumables like tyres and chain are inexpensive to replace but can be good bargaining points.
Worn bearings and wonky wheels on the other hand will cost a more significant amount.