Dilemma - Being an ethical buyer

[Uni]

I've been advised many times to rather get a second hand bike than buy a new one - and it makes sense - that I'll get more bang for my buck - don't need anything fancy.

Now I'm not sure about the sizing of the bike I need, currently riding a rigid 18" - after getting more confident on the bike - it feels about right - still leaning a bit too much on the handlebars but I think it's also bad posture and lack of core strength on my part.

 

I get that my LBS will assist with correct fit and sizing advice IF i'm buying a bike from them, but if I want to buy a second hand one? It would be rather dodge of me to go to a bike store to get the sizing and not buy the bike from them?

 

I was at a skills clinic over the weekend and the guy think I should be on a smaller bike, I've had others tell me I should be on a bigger bike - *confused*

 

based on pure height and leg measurements - i should be on a 16?

 

Going to a specialised fit place like cycle fit - you need to have a bike first and they adjust it - but if the frame size is wrong there's not much you can do right?

 

thoughts?

[Ratty]

I'm sure that a bike shop won't mind doing a measurement for you. It only takes a minute or two.

Just go to the one that you will most likely buy all your spares and accessories from.

[Vetseun]

I'm sure that a bike shop won't mind doing a measurement for you. It only takes a minute or two.

Just go to the one that you will most likely buy all your spares and accessories from.

Good advice

[Witkop]

bike size (especially mtb) is determined by reach (ie torso and arm length) rather than leg length. You can get a longer seat post (after you have bought the bike) but not a longer top tube.

 

If the bike is too long check the stem length as well (8 -10 cm works best). The higher the bars the shorter the stem.

 

Consider mail order on-one has a free shipping special and CRC has some good buys as well.

 

check each bikes geometry as some bikes have shorter head tubes (on-one) than others. The most important measurement is again the top tube length. (if you like bum in the air riding then look at the head tube length. Remembering that most manufacturers also do not scale down on the head tube on the 16 inch bikes , resulting in flipped stems or Bomber-like handlebar set ups. On 16 inch and smaller, riser bars don't make sense).

 

Buying a second hand mtb is dodgy, as we all have tumbled. If a guy is selling his bike, why? True cyclists never part with their loved ones. Buy second hand until you have got the size and fit right then spoil yourself with a new bling bling bike.

Edited July 7, 2013 by Witkop

[Butterbean]

Why don't you contact the guys at cycle fit? The fit isn't too expensive and it's a brilliant session, even if the frame is the correct size.

 

Try it.

[Cruz Addict]

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer

Take a look for refence. Not the last word and a bike shop would be best at taking the correct measurements but may give you a refence point to ask questions around.

[KENDA]

Would you buy second hand toilet paper?

 

Like toilet paper, most components on a bike are consumables meaning you use them up.... It's wiser to buy new within your budget than to buy second hand. You never know what a bikes been through...

[Uni]

bike size (especially mtb) is determined by reach (ie torso and arm length) rather than leg length. You can get a longer seat post (after you have bought the bike) but not a longer top tube.

 

If the bike is too long check the stem length as well (8 -10 cm works best). The higher the bars the shorter the stem.

 

Consider mail order on-one has a free shipping special and CRC has some good buys as well.

 

check each bikes geometry as some bikes have shorter head tubes (on-one) than others. The most important measurement is again the top tube length. (if you like bum in the air riding then look at the head tube length. Remembering that most manufacturers also do not scale down on the head tube on the 16 inch bikes , resulting in flipped stems or Bomber-like handlebar set ups. On 16 inch and smaller, riser bars don't make sense).

 

Buying a second hand mtb is dodgy, as we all have tumbled. If a guy is selling his bike, why? True cyclists never part with their loved ones. Buy second hand until you have got the size and fit right then spoil yourself with a new bling bling bike.

 

that's a lot of numbers - most of which went over the top of my head *noob* - but I think the gist of it is rather larger than too small ie. you can make is shorter/ smaller but you can't make it bigger?

 

seems lots of guys are selling their girlfriends /wives bikes cause they're just not that into cycling? I'd like to treat myself to a spanking new shiny bike one day - but for now to learn the ropes - i'm not too fussy - as long as it works.

 

Why don't you contact the guys at cycle fit? The fit isn't too expensive and it's a brilliant session, even if the frame is the correct size.

 

Try it.

 

When i called them they told me to get my bike first then bring it in to them.

[Uni]

Would you buy second hand toilet paper? Like toilet paper, most components on a bike are consumables meaning you use them up.... It's wiser to buy new within your budget than to buy second hand. You never know what a bikes been through...

 

interesting analogy but point taken

Edited July 7, 2013 by Uni

[PhilipV]

Nothing wrong with buying second hand. People sell bikes to finance their upgrades. take a mate with who knows bikes who can tell you if the bikes has been ridden into the ground or if it is fine. I'd easily put a new drivetrain on a secondhand bike that was a bargain if I know the frame and rest of components are fine. The consumable items are rubber,drivetrain and bearings. Rest of the bike can last long if looked after.

Go to an lbs, tell them what your budget is, also tell them that you are looking at 2nd hand, but you want to look at your new options as well. Note what suze they put fit you on and listen to why they advised it. If they cant tell you why, thet are doing it wrong.

Even if you buy 2ndhand, you might want to upgrade eventually if you want. Helmets, tubes, clothing etc will all need to be obtained down the line. Build a relationship with a lbs.

[Vetseun]

Would you buy second hand toilet paper?

 

Like toilet paper, most components on a bike are consumables meaning you use them up.... It's wiser to buy new within your budget than to buy second hand. You never know what a bikes been through...

And so we all have our opinions. Dont agree with yours and Im sure your dont agree with mine

[Vetseun]

Nothing wrong with buying second hand. People sell bikes to finance their upgrades. take a mate with who knows bikes who can tell you if the bikes has been ridden into the ground or if it is fine. I'd easily put a new drivetrain on a secondhand bike that was a bargain if I know the frame and rest of components are fine. The consumable items are rubber,drivetrain and bearings. Rest of the bike can last long if looked after.

Go to an lbs, tell them what your budget is, also tell them that you are looking at 2nd hand, but you want to look at your new options as well. Note what suze they put fit you on and listen to why they advised it. If they cant tell you why, thet are doing it wrong.

Even if you buy 2ndhand, you might want to upgrade eventually if you want. Helmets, tubes, clothing etc will all need to be obtained down the line. Build a relationship with a lbs.

Agreed

[Stretch]

And so we all have our opinions. Dont agree with yours and Im sure your dont agree with mine

 

nah..i dont agree with him either..but...if you are a newbie then buying 2nd hand might post problems...but if you now what to look out for then nothing wrong with 2nd hand

[Stretch]

ok - i wanted to buy a bike and was not sure if I was riding the right size at the time...so before buying went and did a cycle fit on my current bike and confirmed that I was on the right size frame, then bought the bike and he fitted the new bike as part of the deal...best 350 bucks i have spent (for ease of mind)

[LeTurbo]

Nothing wrong with second-hand: I rode my MTB only a few times before deciding I'm definitely a roadie. So someone got a pretty good deal.

 

I think Stretch has a point. Cycle Fit can advise on your present bike's size. Take it from there.

 

(PS: Ethics have no place on the Hub. Get rid of them now, or forever be a noob.)

Edited July 7, 2013 by LeTurbo

[wilvegza]

I've been advised many times to rather get a second hand bike than buy a new one - and it makes sense - that I'll get more bang for my buck - don't need anything fancy.

Now I'm not sure about the sizing of the bike I need, currently riding a rigid 18" - after getting more confident on the bike - it feels about right - still leaning a bit too much on the handlebars but I think it's also bad posture and lack of core strength on my part.

 

I get that my LBS will assist with correct fit and sizing advice IF i'm buying a bike from them, but if I want to buy a second hand one? It would be rather dodge of me to go to a bike store to get the sizing and not buy the bike from them?

 

I was at a skills clinic over the weekend and the guy think I should be on a smaller bike, I've had others tell me I should be on a bigger bike - *confused*

 

based on pure height and leg measurements - i should be on a 16?

 

Going to a specialised fit place like cycle fit - you need to have a bike first and they adjust it - but if the frame size is wrong there's not much you can do right?

 

thoughts?

Visit Finishline Cycles in Kempton Park. Clint will sort you out They have a huge selection of bikes. If you like to work on your bike yourself, buying 2nd hand is an option. If not buying new is the safest option.