focus
The Battalion, Thursday, October 18, 1979
Use care when buying used bikes
Look at secondhand peddlers
If the rising price of bicycles stands between you
and a new ten-speed, consider buying a used bicy
cle instead. You can save money and be reason
ably sure the bicycle will serve you well.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR A USED BIKE
Bargain-finder type of advertising papers are a
good place to look because cyclists use them more
than newspaper ads.
Cycling clubs are a good source especially for
higher-quality machines. Some have newsletters
you can advertise in, virtually all have friendly
members you can ask for help.
Some bicycle shops sell used bikes and you may
get helpful advice from a sympathetic dealer who
also hopes you’ll remember him when you want to
trade up.
Know anyone who rents out bicycles? He up
dates stock periodically. Groups that run organized
bicycle tours may be an especially good source,
since they need to maintain a stable of ten-speeds
for rent.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
You can’t have your pick of brands or colors,
you’ll have enough trouble finding a bicycle in your
frame size. If you don’t know your frame size, get
fitted for it at a bicycle shop. The previous owner of
the bike you’re buying may not even know the dif
ference between frame size and wheel size.
If you want a high-quality bicycle allow more time
for looking. Better bikes aren’t sold as often. Settle
for at least the basic, reasonable-quality adult ten-
speed: one with a lugged-and-brazed frame of
straught-guaze seamless steel tubing. The popu
lar, adult ten-speeds from dozens of foreign and a
few domestic maufacturers all fit this description
and at today’s new bike prices, start on the high
side of $150.
What should you expect to pay? There is no tidy
formula like the “blue book” for used cars. A used
bicycle in good condition may command between
60% to 100% of its original price. A bicycle which
cost $125 nine years ago is closer to $200, espe
cially if it just sat in someone’s house. Ultimately,
the price will depend upon supply and demand and
your negotiating savvy.
Be sure to ask for proof of original purchase
because you may be dickering for stolen goods.
And steer clear of off-beat hardware because re
placement parts could be a major problem some
day.
Before you shop, borrow and ride a bike so you
have the basis for comparison. If possible, test
several different bikes that way.
INSPECTING THE MERCHANDISE
A ten-minute inspection can tell you how much is
wrong and how much it would cost to fix. Add this
figure to the seller’s asking price and you’ll know the
true cost of purchasing the bike.
Here are some important things to look for:
Please turn to page 3.