Whether you're looking to grab a bargain bike from an online auction site such as eBay or a classifieds site such as Gumtree or Craigslist then make sure you read our advice first. It could save you a wad of cash in the long run, or keep you from falling into the pitfalls that surround making such a purchase.
There's no doubt that you can find a lot of good deals online and potentially in an auction. Generally speaking, we wouldn't recommend buying your first bike online unless you're an experienced mechanic or you're able to get someone who really knows bikes to look over your potential purchase.
Don't be afraid to ask for more
If the seller's description doesn't give you all you need to know about the bike you intend to buy then be sure to ask any questions you want the answers to. As you probably know, bicycles can bring a lot of emotion out of people and these listings often contain people's pride and joy, and so it is common to see lengthy and detailed descriptions – these are good and should inform you well as a buyer.
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Before you commit to buy, be sure you know the general condition of the bike including any parts that are broken or may need work. Many owners will retain receipts from maintenance work or parts, just like they would do with a car's service history.
Good pictures make a big difference
Decent quality images are what you should be looking for – do not trust sellers that use stock photos. If you can't see all that you need to in the supplied listing photographs then don't be afraid to ask for more.
Photographs are also a good opportunity for you to get an idea of how the owner treats the bike. Plenty of owners will, for example, photograph a dirty bike – this lazy approach can often be a reflection of an owner's maintenance schedule. On the flipside, bikes that look immaculate in photos are usually the best cared for – but this isn't always the case.
Keep some money aside
Look out for signs of neglect
Make sure it's the right size
Could it be a stolen bike?
Is the seller reliable?
Check the postage
Trust your instincts
Beware of fakes and scams
Save that search
Don't drink and buy
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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