Why is a used bicycle like a cat in a bag?

Even if the weather outside the window does not suggest it, the weather until spring is less and less. As it inexorably approaches, more and more people who want to actively spend their free time are getting involved in the search for a bicycle. New bikes are usually cheaper in winter due to seasonal sales. However, the choice to buy a used bike is quite common. It’s easy to see why: Bikes for sale on various classifieds sites and social media groups are tempting due to their extremely low price and seemingly decent condition. Unfortunately, much of the important information is often hidden and so the buyer has to wonder what to do next.

Equivalents of these painfully familiar phrases, avoided by knowledgeable sellers and buyers, can also be found in bicycle ads. Ads selling almost new bikes at a fraction of the real price are really tempting, but often the real reasons for the sale are simply hidden or buyers simply don’t want to know.

Behind the low price lies a great deception

Let’s think logically: why would a seller want to sell a bicycle in perfect condition cheaply? If the price of the bicycle is significantly lower than it should be based on its condition and components, there are only two possibilities: it was stolen and probably resold, or its technical condition is not as good as the seller claims.

In the first case you can easily check if the seller is telling the truth: just ask for the purchase document. New bicycles are always sold with proof of purchase and technical passport. If the seller doesn’t have any of these, there’s a good chance the bike was obtained illegally. Furthermore, at the bicycle registration center you can check the chassis number, which should clarify any remaining doubts.

If the seller has the correct purchase documents for the bike, it would be worth asking why it is being sold. Maybe he just needs money quickly, or maybe the decision was due to an injury? By the way, they usually try to hide expensive pending repairs.

Even a clear eye cannot see everything

After making sure that the bike has not been stolen, it is best to evaluate its technical condition. New bicycles, of course, do not require this observation test. Unfortunately, visually determining the real technical condition of used bicycles can sometimes be difficult even for an experienced veloman.

For example, the exact wear of the rear chainring can be determined by installing a new chain, since the gear shift can still be reasonably smooth with a worn chain. Even the condition of bearings and shock absorbers, if there are no obvious oscillations or jamming, can be misleading. We prefer not to provide information on the quality of the smallest details: brake pads, protectors, pedals. If you need to edit several such parts, the total may be more rounded than you would like.

The worst situation is when you buy a used bike with a carbon fiber frame or components, as it is virtually impossible to visually see structural damage. For this reason, new bikes have a long or even indefinite frame warranty. Structural damage to carbon fiber products can be very painful and, at best, result in high repair costs.

Peaceful sleep at night

When buying a new bicycle, you can be absolutely sure of its technical condition and origin. Even if there were any problems, they would be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Furthermore, by purchasing a new bicycle, you can get discounts or special offers on clothing and accessories. A good dealer is committed to taking care of their customers and their bikes beyond the warranty period.

A bike sold with documents retains its value better, so new bikes, even if more expensive, become a rational investment in the long term. The only argument of their opponents – the lowest price – can be completely destroyed: invisible defects in used bicycles can cost a lot and the final purchase price is almost comparable to that of a new bicycle. Defects become apparent quite quickly, and after finding out the cost of repair, you find yourself at a dead end: it is expensive to repair it, and it is not easy to sell a bicycle in this condition to someone else. Therefore, you end up with a considerable loss or an unusable bicycle.

Complete care

The seller of a used bicycle may not care at all that the vehicle is the wrong size for you or that its geometry does not guarantee comfort. New bike shops always have consultants to help you choose the right frame size, saddle height, handlebar position and other aspects to make sure you feel great on the bike. You will also receive useful tips related to daily maintenance of the bicycle, the subtleties of riding technique.

Buying a used bicycle is really risky, because you can’t be sure that you are getting a really high-quality and well-functioning bicycle. Riding such a bicycle can be expensive and even dangerous. A new bike will perform as it should and give you more confidence, which can be especially important for a beginner cyclist.