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. – By Bryony McCormick

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The Six-Point Check

Frame

Look for areas of wear and tear on the bike to get an idea of the mileage. Older bikes will have spots of wear and tear where the paint has discoloured, rubbed off or been scratched. Have a look at where the cables might have rubbed any paint off too. These kinds of markings only occur on a well-ridden bicycle. Also, check for cracks or a bent frame, particularly in high-stress areas like the base of the seatpost and the headset. Carbon can be fixed but aluminium cannot, says O’Connell-Maritz.

Saddle

Sit on the bike and check for comfort. Women need slightly wider saddles for their wider sit bones, while men can get away with narrower and harder seats. Second-hand traders should be willing to swop out a men’s saddle for a women’s one, and vice versa.

Suspension

If you’re a novice, find out if the front shocks are coil or air. A cheaper, entry-level bike will more than likely have a coil fork. Pump the shocks up and down a bit to test that they are smooth and responsive. Make sure there is no oil leaking out of the shock if it is an air shock. Good brands are Fox and Rock Shox. If you are looking at a mid- or intermediate-level bike, check all suspension bushings and bearings properly before purchase. “Most riders pay little attention to the points of movement of the bike until they have a problem with it, ” says George.

Wheels

Lift the bike and spin both wheels. It might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often these simple things are overlooked. Look out for any discrepancies in rotation – wheels should spin freely and smoothly. “The rear wheel will have a ticking sound, but vibration should be minimal,” says O’Connell-Maritz. If the wheel is buckled then reconsider your purchase, or expect to fork out for a new wheel.

Drive Train

Use your fingers to feel how worn down or sharp the teeth on the cogs are. The sharper and more worn, the more likely it is you’ll have to replace it in the near future.

Bearings

Feel for lateral play in the wheels and the front crank. If they’re loose at all, this suggests worn bearings that can cost a packet. Take the wheel and wiggle it from side to side. If it feels loose, check the bearings. The same goes for the front crank; it shouldn’t be loose inside the bottom bracket.

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