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.
The 10 Rules of Second-Hand | The Six-Point Check | Know your Rights
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
Second-Hand Buying Tips | The Six-Point Check | Know your Rights
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The 10 Rules of Second-Hand
1 Choose the right frame size.
2 Get a second opinion from a friend in the know.
3 Ask questions… even stupid ones!
4 Negotiate a test period before you commit.
5 Get the bike’s service history.
6 Do the six-point check.
7 Be extra-vigilant when buying privately. Trust no-one.
8 A clean bike isn’t always a mechanically sound bike.
9 Don’t pay for a bike unless you’ve tested, ridden and checked it.
10 Do due diligence. Be wary of a deal that seems too good to be true; the bike could be stolen.
11 Visit a trusted dealer.[/box]
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
Second-Hand Buying Tips | The 10 Rules of Second-Hand | Know your Rights
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.
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
Second-Hand Buying Tips | The 10 Rules of Second-Hand | The Six-Point Check
Know your Rights
The Consumer Protection Act
The Consumer Protection Act passed by the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa does not protect you if you buy a bike through a private sale (dubbed ‘voetstoots’). If you buy a bike from a stranger on Gumtree, you are not protected; if you are buying from a franchised dealership, you are. It’s good to know your rights. According to the Act, a dealer may not sell you something without telling you all of its defects. There is also an extensive returns policy. To examine the Act in depth, go to www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=99961
The Second-Hand Goods Act
When buying a second-hand bike, you are also protected by the Second-Hand Goods Act. If a store is selling (or purchasing) second-hand bikes, they should be able to present a certificate proving they are indeed monitored by the Act, says David George of online second-hand store TheGearChange.co.za. As a second-hand buyer, you are within your rights to ask to see the certificate.
The Act insists that second-hand traders are obliged to request a seller’s ID on the sale of any bikes or gear. It also states that second-hand traders must keep the records of sellers on file so that they can accessed at any stage. This decreases the risk of buying a stolen bike. Need more detail? Download the Act at www.saps.gov.za/docs_publs/legislation/juta/shg_act_6_2009.pdf