How to choose a used bicycle?

parking_question_chap

Evening all

Any pointers on how to pick a 2nd hand bike from the famous auction site?

I really need to start cycling to work because

• The short 4 mile journey back and forth isnt going to be doing my car any favours
• I could do with shedding a stone
• Fitness could to with a boost
• Its probably quicker
• Parking is £35 a month

I am a total newb. I know how to ride but know nothing about bikes.


Whats the cheapest bike I could get (used) and what should I be looking for? I would prefer a mountain bike.

Whilst on the topic, how much should a decent crash helmet cost?



Thanks

parking_question_chap

Oh, also what frame size range would be right for me at 6'0?

marleyboy

Spin wheels to check for buckles. Things to double check on a 2nd hand bike would be the crank shaft and the gears.

PasturesNew

To be frank, for just 4 miles there and 4 miles back I'd just get the cheapest bike that looked all right.

I used to cycle 6 miles to and 6 miles from work on a standard 1950s ladies' bike, with the 3 level Sturmey gears and a wicker basket on the front ...

4 miles isn't that far.

Then, if you're still using it in, say, 3 months' time you can take your time to buy something lighter/faster/whatever - or just decide "it's a bike, it'll do".

4 miles isn't worth spending "good money" on.

parking_question_chap

PasturesNew wrote: »

To be frank, for just 4 miles there and 4 miles back I'd just get the cheapest bike that looked all right.

4 miles isn't worth spending "good money" on.

Thats my plan exactly.

Just need pointers on what to look out for on photos. Im guessing rust on the gears would be a huge no no. Not sure what else I need to consider.

I think my employer is in the cycle to work scheme. If three months down the line I felt the bike was going wrong, I could buy a cheap new bike via the scheme.

parking_question_chap

I have just checked a map from door to door, I was a bit out, its actually 2.91 miles

No excuses really!

Keep_pedalling

A mountain bike is the last thing you want for a commute, especially a cheap one which will be sluggish and fitted with the cheapest components possible and horrible knobbly tyres. It also wont have mudguards so you are going to get a lot of muck thrown at you when it rains.

A hybrid is probable the way to go, but sizing is important so unless you know what sizing suits you don't buy of the internet there are plenty of shops selling second hand bikes, they might not be as cheap but they should be able to give good advice and let you have a test ride

richj

start with a cheap rigid moutain bike, fit slick/semi slick tyres.
or if you find one a hybrid, basically a lighter version of the above.

as long as you get rid of the knobbly tyres for some thing more road based and everything functions correctly and it fits - it will do. whilst you are riding this and getting fitter you can research more types of bike for your future upgrade.

dcouponzzzz

Probably something that looks like this? https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/felt-qx60-hybrid-bike/1168306167

Keep_pedalling

dcouponzzzz wrote: »

Probably something that looks like this? https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/felt-qx60-hybrid-bike/1168306167

But with mudguards and rack for a pannier.

chunkytfg

Anything without suspension and well maintained mechanicals will be fine for a sub 3 mile commute. Mountain, road, hybrid etc etc. All be fine.

The less flashy it looks the better as it'll be less likely to be nicked also!