Remember how much fun you had covering ground on your bike as a kid? Wouldn’t it be great if you could stay in shape, keep your budget in check, and have that kind of experience all over again? Purchasing a used bicycle can help with you with your goals, and we’ve got all the best tips to point you down the right path.
How Biking Can Improve Your Fitness Level
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get some outdoor exercise. It gets your heart and blood vessels pumping, and your lungs get a great workout as you breathe deeply while riding, too. This makes it a super exercise alternative if you’re aiming to up your cardio game, especially since you can snag a secondhand bike online for far less than a new one.
One of the main keys to reaping the benefit of biking for fitness is repetition. It’s better to take several 30 minute rides throughout the week than one long one on the weekend, as noted on Cycling Weekly. For the best fitness results, plan to ride every two to three days at the minimum. If you just want something fun to burn a few extra calories on the weekend on top of your regular fitness routine, that works, too. And, of course, your muscles will thank you for that extra boost bike riding offers your legs and glutes no matter how often you take a ride.
TREK Road Bike FX 2 Alpha Gold Aluminum Frame sold by Vintage Haus LLC on AuctionNinja
Types of Used Bikes You Can Shop for Online
Whether your goal is to get in shape for a bikeathon or just slow roll around your neighborhood while the weather is nice, used bikes serving the purpose come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. From used road bikes to vintage models, here’s a sampling of what you can expect to find shopping secondhand:
Road Bikes
Road bikes the cousins of racing bikes. They’re made for riding on paved roads at higher speeds than other types of bicycles and usually have low handlebars and thin tires. Touring bikes are another type of road bike modified to hold gear needed for traveling long distances.
Cruiser Bicycles
These casual bikes are sometimes called beach cruisers. They have larger tires than road bikes and upright handlebars and seating designed for comfort rather than speed. Some have baskets, rear-wheel racks, bells, lights, and other accessories. Bikes for kids usually fall into this category.
Mountain Bikes
This type of bicycle is best for off-road use on trails and other unpaved surfaces. They’re generally more durable, but they’re also heavier than other types of bikes. Some are rigid while others have suspension built into the frame to take the shock of rough terrain more easily.
Kent Northpoint Mountain Bike, Blackblue, 26 Inch Wheels sold by Adriaenz via AuctionNinja
Folding Bikes
This style of bicycle folds in half to make it more compact and portable. Commuters combining bike riding with public transportation sometimes use this type of bicycle since it takes up less space when folded than a regular road bike or cruiser. They’re also convenient for people living in small spaces with limited storage options like an apartment in the city or a boat.
Vintage Bikes
Vintage bikes – those made from the 1920s through the 1990s – come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular are classic cruisers with mid-century styling. True vintage bikes make great conversation starters as decorative collectibles. For actual riding, if you like the look, buying a modern vintage-style cruiser can offer more comfort and durability than a true vintage bike.
Vintage Rolling Rock 26" Cruiser Bicycle 6 Speeds, Hand Brakes, Never Ridden sold by Clearing House Estate Sales via Auction Ninja
What to Look for When Buying a Used Bike
Buying a used bike, regardless of the brand, is only a bargain if it’s pretty much ready to ride as it is. That means you don’t need to replace the tires or any other components to get it up to speed. You’ll also want to make sure the bike has been cared for and stored properly. Getting all your answers about the condition of the bike upfront will keep you from being disappointed in your purchase. Questions to ask when buying a used bike include:
Is the bike in good working order?
This means it is in good enough condition to ride it home if you decided to do that. If the tires are flat, it’s going to be harder to tell if they need to be replaced or repaired. If the seller can’t blow them up and check them, either ask for a discount knowing you might have to replace them or pass on the bike. If the chain is off, put it back on and test the bike before closing the deal. If the bike has front or rear suspension, those can be costly to repair so make sure maintenance of the bike hasn’t been neglected.
Are there visible signs of wear, damage, or rust?
Checking a bike’s frame for damage should be part of the process for an honest seller. If they don’t disclose flaws in the item listing when you’re shopping online, be sure to ask them if the frame has been thoroughly examined for dimples and cracks. Ask about rust on metal components, worn brake pads, and sagging chains as well since they will need to be replaced if you make a deal.
Do you know if it has ever been repaired?
Looking for signs of repair like welding lines or areas where the paint doesn’t quite match is important, too. If the seller bought the bike new, they’ll know if it’s been repaired. If they bought it used and are now passing it along to someone else (like you!), make sure they double check for repairs before proceeding. Anytime a seller ignores your questions, that’s a good sign to move on to another bike that has better potential.
Stow A Bike MTB Folding Bike sold by Full of Surprises Estate and Tag Sales Auctions via AuctionNinja
How to Size a Bike
A bike’s a bike, right? Nope. This is one instance when size does matter. Get one that’s too big for your stature and you’ll feel unsteady riding it; one that’s too small might feel like you’re trying to ride a clown bike. The best way to size a bike is to ride it. Since that’s not possible when shopping online, you’ll want to be sure and inquire about the size of a secondhand bike before making a purchase.
Different types of bikes have charts associated with them to make sure you’re getting the right size based on your height. These sizes are based on the frame of the bike (rather than the wheel size). Using size charts, as shown on Bicycleguider, is one way to make sure you’re buying the right bike for your body. You can also adjust the seat height to your liking once you’ve tried it out, and some bikes also have adjustable handlebars. These tweaks will help you get your new-to-you bike just right.
Where to Buy Used Bikes Online
Think buying a bike online isn’t possible since you don’t want to have it shipped? That’s only if you don’t know the best places to shop for them. When you can arrange for local pick-up, shopping online for an item like a bike is a breeze. Here are a few ideas for online bike shopping:
Online Estate Sale Auctions
Browsing online auction listings near you can offer some real bargains on all types of bikes and bike-related gear including safety helmets, car racks, and replacement parts like seats. And, yes, you can browse estate sale auction listings online, bid to buy, and pick up the bike you scored at a great price right in your own area.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
Setting filters to shop Marketplace listings offering local pick-up in your area, you can find a variety of used bikes being offered for sale. Sometimes bargains can be had when sellers are relocating and need to move larger items like bikes quickly, but the potential for a deal isn’t quite as great in comparison to bidding through online estate auctions. Nevertheless, with some diligence and patience you can find a bike to suit you.
Other Online Venues
Sites like ebay also offer opportunities for secondhand bicycle buying, but make the seller is in your area before hitting the buy-it-now button. Stores specializing in used sporting goods sometimes list biking accessories online so check them out as well if you have that type of shop in your community.
Ready to shop for a new-to-you bicycle? Browse all our auctions for used bikes and related gear on AuctionNinja.com.
Written by:
July 12, 2023 Updated 01:10 PM
As a freelance writer, Pamela Siegel covers lifestyle topics ranging from antiques and collectibles to interior design and everything around the home. Her work appears on The Spruce where she shared tips and research as the site’s antiques expert for many years. She also writes for House Digest, Kovels Antique Trader, Worthpoint, and Mashed. In addition to penning thousands of articles for online resources and print-based pubs, Siegel authored several books including “Warman’s Costume Jewelry” and “Buying & Seling Antiques and Collectibles on eBay.” She also shares her expertise with other magazine writers along with doing television, radio and podcast interviews. As often as possible, Siegel loves shopping flea markets and estate sales for her next great find, home decorating, foodie pursuits, and exploring the world on cruise ships.
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