Buying a second hand bike doesn’t have to be guesswork or guess-what-this-weird-creak-is. Whether you’re new to bikes or just skint (respect), this guide will walk you through how to spot a good deal, what to check, and how to buy with confidence. No faff, no nonsense—just proper advice from people who actually know what a bottom bracket is.
Buy Smart, Ride Happy
What a good bike looks like
A good second-hand bike doesn’t mean showroom shine or “never been ridden” nonsense—it means straight wheels, working brakes, and no mystery rattles when you shake it. It’s the kind of bike you’d happily ride without praying something falls off. Bit of scuffing? Fine. Bit of duct tape holding the handlebars on? Maybe not. Basically, if it looks like it’s been cared for—not dragged through three hedge backs and a festival—it’s probably a solid bet.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before you hand over any cash, give the bike a proper once-over. Check the frame for cracks or dents, make sure the wheels spin straight, and test the brakes and gears. If something looks off or sounds rough, don’t ignore it—ask questions. You’re not expected to be a bike mechanic, but a few basic checks can save you a load of hassle down the line. If it feels wrong, trust your gut and move on. And always test ride the bike if you can—or buy through a reputable platform like Shifta, where things are a bit more above board.
Look over the frame carefully for cracks, dents, or signs of damage—especially around welds and joints. Surface scratches are fine, structural damage isn’t.
Spin both wheels and check they’re straight with no big wobbles. Look for worn tyres, bulges, or cracks in the rubber. Check that the spokes are intact and evenly tensioned.
Give the brake levers a squeeze. The brakes should feel firm and stop the wheel smoothly. Check for worn pads, frayed cables, or leaky hydraulic fluid if it’s that type.
Shift through all the gears and make sure they change cleanly. Look at the chain, cassette, and chainrings for excessive wear or rust. A stretched chain can mean more work down the line.
Check for play or wobble in the headset (front of the bike), bottom bracket (where the pedals are), and wheel hubs. If anything feels loose or gritty, it could need servicing.
Make sure the bike is roughly the right size for you. Frame too small or too big and it’ll be uncomfortable or even unsafe. Ask for the frame size or look it up using the model.
A few scuffs are fine, but look out for signs of neglect—bad rust, seized bolts, missing parts. Ask how the bike’s been used and if it’s had any recent servicing.
If you can, always take the bike for a short test ride to check how it feels and functions. If that’s not possible, buy through a trusted platform like Shifta, where you’ve got more protection and clearer listings.
Where to buy safely
If you’re buying a second hand bike with confidence, stick to verified sellers on Shifta. Their bikes have either had a safety check or a full service, so you know they’ve been properly looked over before being listed. It’s a solid way to avoid surprises. You can also buy from second-hand bike shops out in the real world—dealers who know their stuff and have a reputation to keep. If you’re buying a second hand bike from the general public, that’s fine too—just know it’s on you to do the checks.
Total stores showing: 357
-
Kevin
Flat 43, Orange House, Joseph Terry Grove
York,
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)07791872261
Brands you can trust
When it comes to buying a second-hand bike, some names just hold up. Brands like Raleigh, Trek, Ridgeback, and Giant have been knocking out solid, reliable bikes for years—and they still come up top when you’re buying used. Whether it’s a commuter, a mountain bike, or something in between, these are the makes we trust to keep rolling. If you spot one of these on Shifta, you’re off to a good start.
