Trek Alpha

Buster_05
Buster_05 Posts: 37
edited March 2012 in Road buying advice
Im looking at this at 11, can anyone give me a few things to look out for when i go have a look at it/ take it for a spin
Also what should i expect to pay for it?
This is the first roadie ive bought, and the first bike in about 5 years ive bought


Cheers
Jack

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Comments

  • Cracks
    Rust
    Bearings run smoothly
    and just go through all the gears to make sure they're all ok

    It's been a while since I've bought a bike but those are the general bits to have a look at. Obviously if it's uncomfortable then it'll just be a waste, so make sure you're happy with it.

    Good luck and I hope it's all good
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    Off the top of my head:

    Bent fork (accident damage).
    Lumpy headset (indexed steering).
    Frame cracks around bottom bracket and headtube.
    Turn the bike upside down and spin the wheels, you should not feel much vibration in the frame if they are radially true and the bearings are in good nick.
    Wheel lateral true.
    Rim concavity and wear indicators.
    Tyre wear indicators (if present).
    Derailleur hanger straightness.
    Bottom bracket play.
    Pedal bearing condition.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    1" fork and quill stem would indicate that it's at least 10 years old, so many of the parts could be very worn and and in need of replacement - particularly check the smoothness of any bearings, rim wear etc. Bike was about £700 when new so I wouldn't pay any more than £250 and only if in very good condition.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Monty Dog wrote:
    1" fork and quill stem would indicate that it's at least 10 years old, so many of the parts could be very worn and and in need of replacement - particularly check the smoothness of any bearings, rim wear etc. Bike was about £700 when new so I wouldn't pay any more than £250 and only if in very good condition.


    Good feedback. Maybe he put looking at it off until he had enough replies.
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • Buster_05
    Buster_05 Posts: 37
    waste of time, after a shaky start getting a hold of the guy on sat(the day wed arranged to meet) made my way from east ham to clapton to have a squiz, got there at 1, sent the bloke a message that i was there and id wait for him in the pub and watch the game till he gets there....

    ring at 1/2 time cus still no reply, and hes sold it 30 mins ago..... id been in the pub for 30 mins....

    it was only 150 pounds...

    asshole

    so back to square one. im looking into getting a new groupset and an oldish frame now, i think thats the way forward!

    anyone got a cheap good condition group set going? ;)
  • Sorry to hear about it mate. A couple of mates have had similar problems

    Keep an eye on the classifieds on here as bargains pop up quite often, just need to be quick off the mark