Thinking of buying a 2nd hand bike

digiman · 12-09-2012 7:47am #1

I was thinking about buying this bike from the gumtree.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/alexandria/bicycles/cell-victor-2011-full-carbon-road-bike-new-condition/1006440886

I bought a Trek 2.1 in Ireland but came over to Sydney about 6 months later so I am pretty much a novice when it comes to bikes. This bike has got some good reviews online but what would I need to look out for when I go to view this bike to make sure everything is in good order?

C3PO · 12-09-2012 8:17am

At first glance that looks like a great deal by Irish standards! A carbon bike with what looks like full Integra (?) in good condition at less than a €1000! If it all checks out I'd grab it!

Captain Havoc · 12-09-2012 9:09am

Seems like a good deal but I don't really get the sellers reason for selling. Check the frame for cracks, if there is one (not a paint chip), avoid. Definitely seems like a bargain, new aluminium bikes with carbon forks and ultegra are going for more than that.

mistermatthew · 12-09-2012 9:11am

Looks like a bargain. I'd grab it. Great spec for price. Good groupset. Only thing I'd say is you might find it difficult to resell due to being not a top class brand. However if ur keeping it for a few years and not worried about resale snap it up.
Especially looks in like new condition. If only done 300k's it may as well be new. That is nothing on a bike.

digiman · 12-09-2012 9:12am

The bike itself is about $2k new in the shops here, I've got him bargained down to $950 now and will view it tomorrow and see what its like.

Other than cracks in the frame, what else should I be looking out for? Anything in the gears/brakes that I would need to pay close attention to?

mistermatthew · 12-09-2012 9:33am

I'd go through most of this checklist.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-what-to-watch-for-when-buying-a-used-carbon-frame-23020/

Also, if these photos are the bike as it is now I'd be pretty confident to buy it on these alone. It looks pristine. Assuming no cracks in the frame it looks like a great bargain.

When you buy it maybe take it to a LBS to get the gears tuned or you could do it yourself if ur handy. Although because it has "300km" on it apparently is likely prev. owner has already done this.

Oh and I'd check the seat post isn't stuck as that can be annoying.

Thinking of buying a 2nd hand bike

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