What would you look out for when buying a used MTB?

celf-fella

Hi
I am considering buying my first full suspension bike, possibly either a Stumpjumper or Giant Trance

My question is, aside from the obvious signs of wear and tear, buckled wheels, dodgy brakes etc....what else should i look out for when buying a used full sus.

any advice appreciated

Thanks

cooldad

Links and bearings, and suspension bits.

CitizenLee

cooldad wrote:

Links and bearings, and suspension bits.

This, plus any signs of stress or fatigue in the paint or powder coat. Look at the welds too. Chainstay welds are definitely worth looking at on Specialized FS bikes.

oxocube1

Be sure to take it for a quick spin up and down the road to check for any irregular noises. And to add to cooldad's point, if the suspension parts have lockout/threshold adjust/rebound etc. make sure they all function properly.

Cqc

Oil leaking from the suspension seals and smooth cables

stubs

Proof that the seller has owned the bike for more than 24 hours ie paperwork receipts etc and at least a working knowledge of the bike. Snot nosed Hoodies with nicotine stained fingers and the physique of a sewer rat dont generally buy and ride 2 grand MTBs.

Cookeh

Having just bought a used bike, I pretty much covered everything in here - one of the most important to me was proof of ownership. Don't be afraid to walk away if they can't prove they bought the bike or at least some uprated components on it (but even then I'd be a bit weary!).

I'd also check the BB for rust, as that can sometimes mean it needs replacing...