Buying used bike - what to look for?

dubcat
dubcat Posts: 754
edited July 2012 in MTB beginners
Hi

I am going to see a used bike tomorrow. This will be my first road bike and I have minimal bike experience in general. The first thing I wanted to be convinced of is that the bike is not stolen. I am happy it is not. Can you tell me what to check for on the bike? The more detail the better - remember I am a newbie.

Hope someone can help
Dub
2010 Specialized Rockhopper
2012 Bianchi Infinito

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Sorry, but what type of bike.
  • dubcat
    dubcat Posts: 754
    Giant Defy 1 - 2010.

    Alu frame, carbon forks, 105 gears I think.
    2010 Specialized Rockhopper
    2012 Bianchi Infinito
  • Best post this in the roadie section then! :)
  • waby1234
    waby1234 Posts: 571
    This is the mountain biking section you realise?
    2011 Carrera Fury

    Earn cashback at CRC, Wiggle, Evans, Rutland, Hargroves, Halfords, and more at Quidco
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    I didn't realise bikes came with 105 gears, seems OTT to me, but I know nothing about these road bikes ;-)
  • dubcat
    dubcat Posts: 754
    Nah sorry guys! I messed up. I live in the MTB so force of habit lol. Mods plz lock this thread.
    2010 Specialized Rockhopper
    2012 Bianchi Infinito
  • dubcat
    dubcat Posts: 754
    I didn't realise bikes came with 105 gears, seems OTT to me, but I know nothing about these road bikes ;-)

    Hahaha gotta have that super granny ring bro!
    2010 Specialized Rockhopper
    2012 Bianchi Infinito
  • getprg
    getprg Posts: 245
    I'm assuming it is an aluminium framed bike - and it will depend how old the bike is so here are a few ideas:

    Check for play in bearings - especially if you are not able or confident to diy - your local bike shop may charge quite a lot for replacing cartridge bearings and servicing.

    - headset (apply brakes and rock bike back and forth holding handlebars- if headset has play in it this will show up),
    - wheels (grab rim at top and check for play in hubs by rocking rim from side to side)
    - bottom bracket (grab crank at top dead centre and rock across bike from side to side)

    Take a chain measurer if you have one and check for chain wear - although chains can be quite cheap to replace a worn chain is an indicator of a neglected bike and possbly a need for new rear cassette.

    Don't worry about superficial scratching - check for and worry more about dents and cracks in both aluminium or carbon fibre.

    By all means check gear changing - best done by riding and changing under a bit (but only a bit) of load (not recommended for normal riding tho).

    If the front mech keeps throwing the chain or jamming the chain - avoid - this can be poor adjustment but can be indicative of bent chainrings (especially mountain bikes)

    If the rear mech won't run through all the gears avoid - it might just need adjustment but it could indicate bent gear hanger - more common on mtbs
  • getprg
    getprg Posts: 245
    Sorry was writing my post whilst you posted Giant Defy 1. Good bikes and at only a couple of years old you are unlikely to have serious bearing problems unless rider is doing 7,000 plus miles per annum. I do (including lots of winter riding on salted Yorkshire roads) and have worn out the headset, bottom bracket and wheel bearings on my Giant SCR2 (the Defy's predecessor) despite servicing. But still a great all rounder winter hack bike - I'm looking for another.
  • dubcat
    dubcat Posts: 754
    Getprg you star! Thanks so much! I will print this out and take with me as a checklist! Thanks for taking the time mate :) I am very appreciative.
    2010 Specialized Rockhopper
    2012 Bianchi Infinito
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Prepare to be ragged mercilessly next time you make it for a ride. I'll prime the guys.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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    Parktools
  • dubcat
    dubcat Posts: 754
    cooldad wrote:
    Prepare to be ragged mercilessly next time you make it for a ride. I'll prime the guys.

    I knew posting in here was a mistake! It's my mid life crisis man - Want to do ironman next year and even you have to admit that 112 miles on a rockhopper would not be much fun against tri bikes etc lol.

    As it is I think I buggered this up. At 5'10.5" with 32 inch inside leg I thought I would be L size frame. Checking the giant size chart seems I am m/l :( Gutted. Will visit lbs in am to confirm.
    2010 Specialized Rockhopper
    2012 Bianchi Infinito