Questions / advice about buying a second hand bike

[Uni]

1. is there any point looking at bikes in other provinces - how much does it cost to ship a bike to Gauteng - I can't imagine it's worth it?

2. How can you be sure / can you be sure that you're not buying a stolen bike - as I understand it, if you do and it's confiscated, it's your loss -"I did not know" is not an excuse /reason.

3. Does age of a bike really matter or should it just be a case of test ride it, and if it looks okay it's okay?

4. are there any brands one should just not bother with?

5. are there any customizations one should steer clear of?

6. if a bike is being sold as tubeless -is that a good thing for a noob? can it be changed? ie can you just swap a normal tyre back on? From a cost / maintenance point of view.

 

just starting to look around .. bee in the bonnet.

[P.A.K.]

1. is there any point looking at bikes in other provinces - how much does it cost to ship a bike to Gauteng - I can't imagine it's worth it?

I'd like to physically see and possibly ride the bike before I buy

2. How can you be sure / can you be sure that you're not buying a stolen bike - as I understand it, if you do and it's confiscated, it's your loss -"I did not know" is not an excuse /reason.

Should be easy to tell if the seller is a cyclist if you speak to him in person

3. Does age of a bike really matter or should it just be a case of test ride it, and if it looks okay it's okay

I wouldn't mind buying an older bike in good condition. As long as the most important parts look well-looked after. Just don't buy anything you'll be unhappy with within the next year or 2

4. are there any brands one should just not bother with?

5. are there any customizations one should steer clear of?

6. if a bike is being sold as tubeless -is that a good thing for a noob? can it be changed? ie can you just swap a normal tyre back on? From a cost / maintenance point of view.

I wouldn't go back to tubes, ever. Tubeless tyres only cost you money when you have to replace them. Some Stan's every now and then, not expensive

 

just starting to look around .. bee in the bonnet.

[Uni]

Point 1, so obvious when someone points it out. ;-p

 

Thanks I'm excited about my next bike, just need to not rush into anything.