Author Topic: 1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice  (Read 3940 times)

rusty

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1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice
« on: November 14, 2012, 06:53:45 AM »
Forum,
Would like a little advice on purchasing a bike on CL.  I have not had a bike since I was young (40+ now).  I would like to use it for exercise and leisure riding with the kids.  I have found two on CL by same guy and wanted to get thoughts from others with more knowledge.

http://eastnc.craigslist.org/bik/3381883797.html
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/bik/3381893229.html

These are about 1.5 hours from me, so don't want to drive out there without having a better understand of what I need to look for.  I have even thought of buy both for myself and wife.
Great appreicate your input.
Rusty

capital

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Re: 1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2012, 09:55:13 AM »
The number one issue is fit. Look up a mountain bike sizing guide, and see what it says for your & your wife's height. Both bikes have relatively low handlebars, which is better for high speed riding than leisure riding for an older person. You could replace the stem with a taller one or add an ugly extender, if you want: http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Cromo-Quill-Stem-Extender/dp/B000AO9ZE8

Neither is fancy, but both look functional. If you're doing primarily on-road riding you'll want to put slick tires on them, as opposed to the ones with heavy tread which would slow them down. The brake pads may have also gotten hard with age, but those are easy to replace. Since they've been outside, ask for bigger pictures to check for corrosion; if just the chain is corroded, that's easy to replace, but if the cogs, spokes, or frame have significant corrosion, stay away.

Modern Mongoose bikes are usually Wal-Mart junk, but that one is old & looks to be from before the company got bought out & taken downmarket.

Some good signs on those bikes is that:
-they have 3-piece cranks
-their derailleurs look like a decent-quality model (e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shimano_xt_rear_derailleur.jpg ) rather than a boxy cheap model (e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-TX35-Derailleur-Speed/dp/B003ZMH69S/ref=sr_1_1?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1352911766&sr=1-1 )
-one of the bikes has a threadless stem

jp

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Re: 1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2012, 12:31:29 PM »
There are a lot of knowledgeable cyclists here... but my .02... those bikes are nothing special, both are basic department store bikes.  The mongoose looks liek the walmart version, and the "Ironman" is a Huffy.   That's fine, but just know that you aren't getting a super great deal here, especially since you are going to drive 3 hours.  Those bike were probably only $130 brand new.  Personally, I would not drive 3 hours for those bikes.  I would spend that extra money on a better bike (or just use the $30 in gas and go buy the same exact bike brand new at Wal-mart for  for another $30). 

I am not a bike snob at all, but I do think you can get a better bike for the same money or without the drive.  I personally would spend another $100 and get something decent. 

rusty

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Re: 1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2012, 03:04:27 PM »
Thanks guys for the info.  I have decided to continue my search elsewhere.  Curious where you all would look other than CL.  I am in a rural area and the closest big cities are 1 hour away.  Should I try to find a cycle shop that has consignment sales?  I don't need a $500 bicycle, but would like to stay under $200. 

Bakari

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Re: 1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice
« Reply #4 on: November 14, 2012, 05:50:31 PM »
I wrote a detailed guide for another MMM reader who had basically the exact same question as you.

This should answer all of your questions (and perhaps then some) and help you ensure you get something quality, that fits, and is reasonably priced:

http://biodieselhauling.blogspot.com/2012/01/buying-bikes-from-craigslist.html

rusty

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Re: 1st time purchasing a used bike on CL - need advice
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2012, 06:57:44 AM »
Thanks bakari, greatly appreciated
Rusty