Tips for Buying a Second-Hand Bike
Buying a Second-Hand Bike Safely
Buying second-hand is a good way to reconcile your wishes, your budget and your environmental conscience. It does take a little practice to define what you are looking for, as there is a wide choice on Troc Vélo. Not sure where to start? Here are several tips to help you choose your bike well and complete the transaction safely!
Defining your needs
Define how you ride:
Do you prefer to ride in the forest, in the mountains, on the road or in town? How often? Over what distance? And what are your performance requirements? Identify the type of bike you need according to how you ride (Racing Bike, Cyclo-Cross, All-Mountain, Cross-Country …).
Define your bike size or frame size:
It is important to choose a bike suited to your build so you can combine comfort and performance. Troc-Vélo offers a complete guide to choosing your size.
Define your budget:
Set yourself a maximum budget and stick to it!
Compare the cost of a bike with other ways of getting around (the price of a transport pass, the cost of fuel and the wear on your vehicle).
Think about maintenance costs to avoid premature wear: entry-level bikes are often assembled with generic components that are hard to replace.
A slightly more expensive bike with easily replaceable components can be a cheaper option in the long run. Once your budget is set, use the "Price" filter to select only the listings that fit your budget.
Delivery or in-person handover?
Decide whether or not you are prepared to travel to collect the bike. If so, use the location search to see nearby listings. If not, add delivery to your criteria.
How can you reassure yourself before completing your purchase?
You know what you want, you have spotted the bike of your dreams, but...
You have a technical bike question
Do you need technical advice, or advice about a specific seller or listing?
The members of the Troc Vélo forum have a good knowledge of bike technology, equipment and prices, but they also know about suspicious listings and sellers.
They will be able to share their experience and help you choose your bike. The only risk is learning a few technical subtleties about the object of your desires!
See on the forum: Road Bike Questions and Advice
See on the forum: MTB Questions and Advice
See on the forum: Triathlon and Time Trial (TT) Bike Questions and Advice
See on the forum: Reports and Safety Advice
Our team is also available to help you: contact the Troc Vélo team
Are you worried it might be a stolen bike?
Invoice and bike marking number
Ask the seller for an invoice or proof of purchase, and the marking number so you can check whether it is registered or reported stolen. Indeed, since 1 July 2021, professionals have been required to mark the bikes they sell, new or second-hand.
The price of the bike: a key indicator
A price that is too low compared with the market is generally a bad sign! Search on Troc Vélo to see the price of similar listings.
The photos in the bike listing
Look at the bike or the available photos: a repainted bike, or photos of the product when new rather than in its current condition, are all signs that should set alarm bells ringing. Check whether the description of the bike and its components is consistent with the photo of the bike.
Talk to the bike's seller
Start a conversation with the seller about how they ride, the mileage, the bike's service history, etc. to check that they know the bike. Certain behaviours should alert you (a pushy seller, refusal of secure payment, etc.)
Are you worried about "scams"?
First of all, we advise you to read the safety tips from our moderator for buying your second-hand bike safely.
Find out about the seller
Our team moderates sellers, but it is still necessary to apply basic principles of caution. Read the seller reviews and check how recent they are to form an opinion.
Look at the seller's profile: have they been registered on the platform for a long time? Are the bikes they sell their size? A large number of listings in a variety of sizes from a private individual can be a warning sign.
Opt for secure payment
With secure payment, the buyer's funds are held in escrow and the seller is not credited until the buyer validates the transaction (within the withdrawal periods specified by the payment provider). The buyer stays in control of their transaction.
In the case of an in-person handover: it lets you try the bike before the seller receives the funds and renegotiate or cancel if the product does not suit you. In the case of delivery, it protects you if there are delivery problems or if the product is not as described. Some secure payment solutions offer features such as "video proof on dispatch and on receipt".
Payment platforms are required to verify the seller's identity: this is one of the best ways to fight scams. It also lets you benefit from payment in instalments.
Listings offering secure payment display a "Buy" button
Find out more about secure payment
Have you chosen the bike of your dreams? Check it!
Whether at the time of the handover or when you receive the parcel, it is essential to carry out a few checks. We are preparing articles on this subject for you soon!
Once the transaction is complete, do not hesitate to share your experience by leaving a review to inform future buyers.
See the other Troc Vélo blog articles
See the FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Troc Vélo
Find us on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store
|
|