Bargain Hunt

Are you buying a second-hand bike? Here's what to look for....

1- If you couldn't find a frame number anywhere, BEWARE - the bike may have been stolen

2- Look for crash damage. If the frame is bent, forget it. It'll be severely weakened. The most common damage area is just behind the head tube, on the top & down tubes. If the headset cups move in the frame, it may be evidence of a frontal impact.

3-Check the fork isn't bent. If the legs are pushed back from the steerer angel, the fork might caught up in accident. Turn the steering to see if there are loose and tight spots in the headset. If it locks or loosens, there has probably been impact damage. Make sure the fork compresses and rebound runs smoothly.

4-Line up the front and rear wheels by eye from the back. If the wheels aren't in line, the frame might been hit from the side. Also check if the wheels is center in the frame.

5-Inspect the rear mech gear hanger and dropouts for damage. Make sure that the hanger is in perfect condition. Is not easy to find replaceable hanger that fit the exact frame.

6- Spin the wheels. Minor sideways is easy to repair. But big ups and downs guys mean new wheels

7.Check everything that have bearing. Example hubs, bottom bracket, pedal & headset. They might just need services.

8-Inspect the brakes. Are they runs smoothly. Is the pads worn out? If its a disc brake, check the disc rotor make sure that the rotor is not damaged.

9-Look at the drivetrain. Make sure that chain doesn't seat snugly on the teeth, it'll need replacing.

10- Last but not least. Make sure you test ride the bike. Also make sure that you choose the right size.