How To Buy a Second Hand Bike That Fits Your Budget

When it comes to buying a bike, there are two options: new or second hand. While some people prefer new, others aren’t willing to spend the money on a brand-new model when they can get the same product used at a fraction of the cost. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, buying a second hand bike can be tricky, and potentially expensive. To buy a second hand bike that fits your budget, follow these easy steps.

Define your needs

Before you buy a second hand bike, know your budget and what kind of ride you’re looking for. If you have your heart set on owning a road bike, it’s not going to do you much good to purchase an old mountain bike from Droom, Bikedekho, Olx.

Know what you want before shopping and stick to your guns during negotiations. You don’t want someone who really wants those old bikes trying to talk you into buying them! Once you’ve got your specs down, make sure they are realistic. 

Decide if you can upgrade the second hand bike parts later

Like with cars, there are several things you should look for when buying a used bike. First, check all second hand bike parts are present and in good working order. 

If not, figure out how much it would cost to replace them. You may want to consider waiting until you have enough savings so you can upgrade your purchase or simply buy a new bike instead. 

Then make sure its wheels and brakes work fine, these tend to wear down faster than other parts of a bike, so don’t be afraid to ask someone who knows about bikes if they’re okay. Finally, give it a test ride and see how it feels. 

Do you notice any shaking? Does it seem too heavy? These issues could mean that something is wrong with your bike. And remember. You can always sell a second hand bike later on, but buying one that doesn’t fit is definitely going to put a damper on your riding experience!

Negotiate for a lower price

When you’re buying a second hand bike, don’t be afraid to haggle over price. The seller may be willing to drop more than you think because they want to make sure they get rid of it before winter. 

Of course, check out your local Olx, Droom listing and see what other sellers are asking for their used bikes before negotiating with yours. 

Be reasonable with your offer beyond any initial second hand bike sale price, there should also be room for negotiation on accessories and extra features (like two locks instead of one).

Know how much bikes cost in your area

Before you can buy a second hand bike, you have to know how much bikes cost in your area. This will depend on what kind of bike you want, where you live and what sort of condition it’s in. A decent bike might run 50k or more. 

An old racing bike (which might need some repair work) can be bought for 70k or less if they’re just looking to get rid of it fast. 

Here are some factors that can affect your final price: 

  • frame size
  • length of ownership and the history of maintenance. 

Get it checked before you buy a second hand bike

Buying a second hand bike is always fun and exciting, but it’s also an excellent way to save money. However, if you don’t have any experience with bikes. let alone with buying used bikes you’ll want to make sure you get it checked out first. 

There’s nothing worse than spending 75k on a bike only to find out it needs hundreds of thousands worth of repairs. To minimize risk, start by doing some research about bicycles in general; then learn about your local bike repair shops and consider dropping in for some advice and support.

You can also check online forums and message boards, where people frequently ask questions like Is my frame cracked? or Is my chain worn out? Also be aware that there are several different types of bicycle brakes (disc brakes, V-brakes, cantilever brakes).

If you’re still worried about buying a bike or getting ripped off, consider asking friends or family members who own bikes for recommendations or help finding one in good condition. 

Or try posting on second hand bike stores like Droom, Bikedekho Motors where sellers are more likely to answer questions and provide information upfront. You may even be able to get seller references from these sites as well as feedback from other buyers!

Negotiate on a second hand bike price (and then negotiate some more!)

When it comes to buying anything, you should never pay the list price. (That’s just basic economics.) And when it comes to buying used things, such as bicycles, you have even more leverage. 

Why? Because there are so many people trying to sell their second hand bike at once, which makes for stiff competition between buyers, and lower prices for sellers. If you want to buy something second hand and save some money in the process, look around and try to find stores with salespeople or owners who aren’t necessarily cyclists but who would like your business anyway. 

They might be willing to negotiate on price if they see you walking out of their store empty-handed.  

The seller will always ask for more than they expect to get. So start by offering less than half of what they’re asking and then work from there until you come up with a fair deal. 

Find out if there are any issues before buying it!

Never buy a second hand bike unless you can try it out first. A professional bike fitter can point out whether there are any issues with your prospective purchase, but if they don’t have time to test-ride it, at least do yourself a favor and take it for an initial spin. Ride it around the block, maybe go on one or two light rides, and see how you feel when you come back. 

You’ll want to look for anything that feels unusual or makes your body hurt in any way. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t buy it! You might also need a professional fitting after purchasing your new ride, which could save you even more money down the road! 

Before you commit to buying, consider taking a moment to ask: Is it worth saving some cash now only to wind up spending more later? Are my expectations realistic? Can I afford a good second hand bike? Will I regret buying used rather than brand new? Have I done enough research into what I’m buying (including asking questions of owners) so that I know what will fit me well and be reliable? 

Am I setting myself up for success by working with someone who knows bikes (either another rider or mechanic)? Am I prepared for any potential maintenance issues as soon as possible (e.g., knowing where local mechanics are)?

Conclusion:

1. Start by researching what type of bike is best for your needs. There are a lot of different types of bikes available, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget and your riding style.

2. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start shopping. There are a lot of different places to buy a secondhand bike, so it’s important to find the right one for you.

3. Once you have your bike, it’s important to take care of it. Make sure to clean it and lubricate it as needed.

4. Finally, ride your new bike and enjoy the new experience!

Read: How to Buy a Car – Top 5 Tips to Get the Best Car

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