How To Buy A Used Bike (Don’t Get Scammed!)

Buying a used bike is a more affordable way to get into biking, or to add yet another bike to your stable.  Who doesn’t need another bike?!?

Unfortunately, actually buying a used bicycle can be a challenge.  It’s hard to know if you’re paying too much, if the seller is legitimate or a scammer, and what condition the bike is in and whether it has been well-maintained.  It can also be tough to filter and sort through all the classifieds to find what you’re looking for.

In this article (and video), I’m going to share some tips for selecting a used bike and share my favorite website (Cycle Limited) for buying them without getting scammed.  

Figure Out What Kind Of Bike You Need

If you’re newish to biking, your first step is to figure out what kind of bike you need BEFORE you start searching. (If you’re an old pro and you already know what type of bike you’re looking for, obviously, you can skip this section).

I’ve actually written an entire article on the different types of bikes and which ones are best suited for the kind of riding you’re looking to do. So, I won’t go too in-depth here, but I recommend spending some time considering this before you start your search.

The last thing you want to do is end up with a mountain bike when you really would have been better off with a gravel bike, for instance.

The most common types of bikes that folks will be searching for are:

• Road bikes (ideal if you want to go fast, join in on group rides or tackle a century ride)
• Mountain bikes (this is what you want if you’re going to be riding singletrack trails)
• Gravel bikes (intended for gravel and dirt road riding)
• Commuter bikes (for around town riding)
• E-bikes (if you want a little extra boost)

Determine What Size Bike You Need

The next step is determining what size bike you need. Again, I’ve gone in depth on this topic in the past so I won’t spend too much time on it.

Every bike and manufacturer sizes their bikes a little differently, but you can get a general idea of what size bike you’re searching for by using this chart. This will give you a starting point.

Then, once you find a bike that you think you might be interested in, go online and search for the size chart for that specific brand and model to double check that it’s the right size for you. A small bike from one brand might be quite different than a small from another brand.

Consider Your Budget

The benefit of buying a used bike is that you’re going to get a lot better bang for your buck than you would buying the bike new.

That said, just like buying a new bike, you generally get what you pay for. Buying an entry-level bike will get you entry-level components which might be fine to get you started, but won’t have the same durability, weight savings, or functionality as bike with a little higher end components. You’ll likely *outgrow* the bike pretty quickly.

That doesn’t mean you need to buy a top-of-the-line bike, but you should consider investing a little bit more money if it means getting a more reliable drivetrain, for instance.

Search For Your Bike

Once you have those details out of the way, it’s time to start searching for your bike!

Locally, you might want to ask around if you have bike friends to see if anybody is selling something, or you can go on local classifieds like Facebook Marketplace. There are also national classifieds (Pinkbike is one) where you can search a broader market.

There are a couple issues you’ll run into with classifieds, however:

1. It can be hard to find what you’re searching for. There’s usually no good way to filter by type of bike or size or price.
2. You don’t know what kind of condition the bike is in, or if it’s been well-maintained. The chain could be stretched, the brake pads worn, or there could be an even more serious issue like a cracked frame.
3. You’ll run into all sorts of scammers.
4. Finally, if you’re a woman in particular, it can feel sketchy meeting up with strangers to check out a bike.

For this reason, I prefer using a third-party bike shop rather than classifieds to buy a used bike. Some local bike shops sell used bikes (although most don’t), or my favorite option is using Cycle Limited.

Buying A Used Bike From Cycle Limited

Cycle Limited is an online bike shop that sells certified pre-owned bikes (and other cycling gear). It makes finding a good quality used bike easier, and you know you’re not getting scammed or having to meet up with someone in a dark alley.

All of the bikes on their website have been looked over by a mechanic, given a tune, and any parts that need to be replaced have been. You can rest easy knowing the bike you’re getting is in good condition.

It’s also really easy to find the bike you’re looking for. You can filter bikes by type, by size, and by price (all of the things we talked about earlier). They even have a bike finder quiz to help walk you through this, or you can choose to get help from actual person!

These are screenshots from the Bike Finder quiz, which is a helpful place to start your search!

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you’ll get a list of available bikes. Each bike listed has a bunch of pictures of the actual bike to include any scratches or other blemishes, as well as mechanic’s notes. They’ll also list the suggested rider height, which helps with ensuring it’s the right size.

In full disclosure, I am an affiliate for Cycle Limited, which means if you click through my link and make a purchase, I get a commission (which I greatly appreciate!).

That said, the real reason I’m recommending this website is that I think it’s a much better option for folks who are new(er) to bikes, and don’t know what to look for in terms of whether the bike is well-maintained.

It’s also a great option for more experienced cyclists who just don’t want to deal with the headache of searching through classifieds and want a high-end bike at a more affordable price point.

More Stuff You Might Like

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• Training Zones For Cycling Explained

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