| I have discovered (as many other people have) a way | | | | want the bike inspected at a bike shop close to them. |
| to buy used bikes at a huge discount. Late last | | | | The more money you are spending the more I would |
| summer (Summer of 2008) I found a bike on Craigslist. | | | | suggest having the bike inspected. |
| It was a 2006 model that had barely been used and | | | | 4. Bring a friend with you to look at the bike. Preferably |
| looked perfect. The MSRP on this bike was $2200 | | | | someone who has knowledge about bicycles. Bring |
| and I bought it for less than half of that price. I have | | | | someone you trust and has a level head. They can |
| been extremely happy with this bike but I will do a | | | | stop you from making a mistake if you get too excited |
| review of this bike at a later date. But I would like to | | | | about a bike that may not be a good deal. Plus a |
| discuss some things you should do before you buy a | | | | second person can help with safety. It is very rare but |
| used bike. | | | | it might be a trick to get you there under false |
| 1. Get in touch with the seller and get the Serial | | | | pretenses. |
| Number for the bike. You want to make sure the bike | | | | 5. Which leads me to my next suggestion. Don't bring |
| hasn't been stolen. You can call your local police | | | | money with you. Work out a price with the seller and |
| department and they can do a search to see if the | | | | go get the money once you have a price worked out. |
| bike has been listed as stolen. But beware most stolen | | | | Not only is this safer but it can help you get a better |
| bikes do not come up as stolen when the police do a | | | | deal if you don't have the money in your pocket. |
| search so you will have to make your own decision. | | | | 6. Try to get the paper work for the bike. The newer |
| 2. Make sure you know what size the bike is. Then go | | | | the bike is the more likely the owner will have the |
| to your local bike shop (that sells that brand of bicycle) | | | | paper work. If it is a newer bike (1 to 4 years old) and |
| and talk to them about it. Have them fit you for that | | | | they don't have the paper work that could be a red |
| exact bike (or as close as your can get to that model) | | | | flag that the bike does not belong to the seller. |
| and make sure it is the right size for you. And look up | | | | 7. Listen to you gut. If you think the bike is not a good |
| the bike on the internet, there should be reviews of the | | | | deal don't be afraid to walk away. If you don't trust the |
| bike if it is a fairly popular brand and model. | | | | person selling and they cannot provide enough proof |
| 3. Find a bicycle shop close to where the bike is being | | | | that they own the bike that is a good sign that you |
| sold. Tell the seller you want the bike to be looked at | | | | should not purchase the bike. If it seems too good to |
| before you make the purchase. Most local bike shops | | | | be true it probably is. |
| will be happy to look at the bike to make sure there | | | | I hope you find the suggestions useful and can use |
| are no problem that you might over look for a nominal | | | | them to find the bike of your dreams. Happy hunting! |
| fee. And let the seller know ahead of time that you | | | | |