Register now  |  Forgotten password?

Second Hand Bicycle Guide

ShareThis

Great, you want to buy a second hand bike! Going Going Bike makes buying a second hand bicycle simple.

Our unique Bike Match Me search tool can quickly suggest bikes for you after just 3 simple questions. In addition, here is a guide to help you pick out your future bike:

Size Is Key
Make sure the bike fits (check out our bicycle sizing guide). You can adjust the seat post and saddle position to get a really comfortable ride once you get a frame that is a good size for you.

Condition
Second hand bikes come in all sorts of conditions. You don’t want a frame or fork which is rusty or with cracks or dents but otherwise the most important thing is to know what condition you want your bike to be in.

Ask Questions Of The Seller
Get a feel for what type of rider they are and how many miles they’ve done and how many of those were wet miles. Has the bike been stored indoors in the dry or outside in the damp?

Have A Look At The Photographs
Check the photographs of the bicycle closely to check its condition.

Give It A Ride
There’s nothing stopping you arranging with the seller to meet up and test drive the bike to see if it’s what you are after. Take a knowledgeable friend if you remain uncertain.

Approximate Cost Of Replacement Cycle Parts

To give you an idea of the cost of replacing parts on your new bike below is an approximate guide:

Buckled wheels and missing or broken spokes. May cost you between £5 - £40. Missing, broken or jammed components, e.g. brakes or gears. May cost you between £5 - £60 per part.

Rusty or worn chain and cogs (chains and back cog sets should be replaced together). May cost you between £20-£60.

Loose handlebars or stem could be a jammed or loose headset. May cost you between £10 - £60.

Pedals that crunch as they go round: the bottom bracket may need replacing. May cost you between £10 - £20.

Tyres – worn tyres get more punctures. New tyres cost from £10 up. Some older bikes may have tubular tyres. If you get a puncture they can be a pain to repair, although it is quicker to change a tubular than it is to change an inner tube.