Your eyes are bigger than the size of your overdraft, and your chances of owning a new bike are not looking good. There’s no need to beg, borrow or steal as a solution – not when you can delve into the affordable world of second-hand sales. Here’s how to make second-hand work for you.

The global economic crisis, combined with the ever-increasing cost of living, works against cycling fanatics when it comes to buying a new bike. Spare, expendable cash is something of the past; exchange rates and import duties are responsible for the hefty price tags attached to American and European brands; and most Average Joes would prefer not to have to take out a second bond to buy the bike of their dreams.

However, the growth in mountain and road biking still generates healthy demand for bikes and parts – which explains the noticeable boom in second-hand sales in recent years. Buying a used bike is definitely more affordable, but it comes with its own list of challenges. To assist, we’ve rounded up some of the best second-hand experts in the country; so you can buy better, if you’re buying second-hand.

Go with reputation
Well-known and established second-hand bike dealers are way preferable to dodgy corner fly-by-nighters. Visiting a reputable store gives you peace of mind – and better advice. (Plus, you can diss them on Twitter if you’re not satisfied.) “At least you can be confident that all the bikes have been thoroughly checked,” says Brett Sachs of Bike Bay in Johannesburg (bikebay.co.za).

Warranties are void
Second-hand warranties don’t count. “A bicycle’s frame-and-components warranty is for the first owner only. Once the bicycle is sold and becomes second-hand, the original proof of sale cannot be used to claim on warranties,” says Joshua O’Connell-Maritz of Cyclists’ Workshop, also in Johannesburg (cyclistsworkshop.co.za).

Brand Check
Avron Sirin of Cycle Traders in Cape Town recommends choosing a popular brand. They’re popular for a reason – their quality can be trusted. Bigger brands also have up-to-date websites and online info about their bikes that you can access for better peace of mind before making a purchase.

What’s on the clock?
As with used cars, you want a bike with as few kays on the clock as possible. Lower mileage means less wear and tear. “The easiest and most overlooked way of assessing how many kays a bike has done is by doing a once-over for any race stickers or boards,’ says Sirin. “If a bike has a Cape Epic sticker, for example, you know it’s covered a lot of ground and taken quite a beating.”

Everyone has a Pro Friend
Whether you’re a novice or not, take an experienced rider or mechanic with you for a second opinion. Traders like Sirin can be trusted, but there are many who just want to make a quick buck and will sell you anything – especially if you’re unsure and on your own. “If you don’t know anyone who can fulfil this role, ask the store if you can take the bike to a bike shop/mechanic for a second opinion,” says Sirin. “Most second-hand traders should be accommodating.”

Take Notes
Everything the store owner pitches should be backed up online, says Sirin. Write down the brand- and model-names of the components, the shocks, etc. Plug it all into the Google machine, and read up about your bike. In this day and age, you truly have no room to play the innocent, tricked buyer.

Mountain Bikes
David George, of The Gear Change, warns that while it’s relatively easy to assess a road bike, mountain bikes are a different story. “There’s just more that can go wrong on a mountain bike, with shocks, wear and tear, and frames,” he says.

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