Police Auctions - Buying a bicycle

ZootHornRollo

Hi,

I am looking to buy a new bike for commuting part of the way to work. It will be a 10 mile trip each way so am looking for something better than a cheap halfords apollo.

Is it worth while visiting the police auctions? i have looked at the brochure for the last sale and there was about 40 bikes listed - varying quality, mix of kids/adults etc.

Are there bargains to be had or do they generally sell for the usual ebay/gumtree price by the time you add the vat etc?

Strider590

^^ I wouldn't bother unless you can spot a good quality bike at a distance.... You may end up paying way over the odd's.

Do a bit of research first and maybe you could get a good bargain

ericonabike

I went once and there were mostly old nails on offer. Depending where you live there may be outlets offering renovated bikes [usually starting with an old but decent steel frame] for a reasonable price. If you're in work, does your employer sunscribe to the Bike to Work scheme? Useful route to a cheaper bike if so. Otherwise, unless you live in a wildly hilly area, try a cheap singlespeed. Halfords have now started doing one at around £225 [http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_551205_langId_-1_categoryId_165534]. But please, don't end up buying one of the bike-shaped objects 'with dual suspension for just £100' that you see advertised!

7891368

Might have better luck on ebay, depending if you would be willing to travel and collect it

Strider590

ericonabike wrote: »

I went once and there were mostly old nails on offer. Depending where you live there may be outlets offering renovated bikes [usually starting with an old but decent steel frame] for a reasonable price. If you're in work, does your employer sunscribe to the Bike to Work scheme? Useful route to a cheaper bike if so. Otherwise, unless you live in a wildly hilly area, try a cheap singlespeed. Halfords have now started doing one at around £225 [http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_551205_langId_-1_categoryId_165534]. But please, don't end up buying one of the bike-shaped objects 'with dual suspension for just £100' that you see advertised!

^^ Halfrauds are a no go IMO, not if you want a bike that's going to last. Took my ex's GFs bike back to then 4 times with a loose crank, it the end I fixed it myself with some thread lock and a decent socket set.

As mentioned, I wouldn't go with cheap full suspension, it will simply absorb your pedalling effort into the rear suspension and make the bike twice as tiring to ride.

This is a proper full suspension mountain bike (hijacked photo), they make the cheap one's look just that. You cannot buy anything near decent in full suspension for less than £1000, unless you buy 1 or 2 year old stock. I supect Ericonabike may be an "old school" enthusiast, but these bikes do have their place

DKLS

I did attend a police caution a few years back and one of the bikes caught my eye, turned out it was a cannondale raven which had been badly handpainted with black gloss paint to disguise the fact it had been nicked. I had it stripped and powder coated and it has been a great bike.

ZootHornRollo

thanks for the replies.

It will be for commuting so i have absolutely no interest in full sus. I have a Carrera Kraken just now for milling about on in the woods etc - only issue i have with it is the fork is a bit mince - might replace it at some point .

For the commute I'm looking for something a bit more like a hybrid. I'd be cycling in Edinburgh so i think gears might be a good idea!

LandyAndy

DKLS wrote: »

I did attend a police caution a few years back and one of the bikes caught my eye, turned out it was a cannondale raven which had been badly handpainted with black gloss paint to disguise the fact it had been nicked. I had it stripped and powder coated and it has been a great bike.

:rotfl::rotfl:

Confusing two events, DKLS?

quinns2003

try http://www.bumblebeeauctions.co.uk/XcAuctionPro.asp its the police property disposel site, use the search auction option on the left hand side to search your town.. always got bikes when i have a look

DKLS

LandyAndy wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl:

Confusing two events, DKLS?

Erm erm no comment, can I have my brief before answering any more questions