Just walking into a bike shop, picking out your dream MTB and rocking the trails - how cool would that be! But reality, or rather your bank balance, quickly puts a limit on such dreams. So you have to put the top model out of your mind or look around on the second-hand market. When you read the descriptions in the classified adverts, you quickly feel vindicated. You will almost only find bikes that have "only been ridden on roads and forest tracks", have "only covered a few kilometres" or are being sold "as good as new". With so many "superbikes", a cautious "as new" almost seems like a warning to buy.
You don't find out what's really behind such promises in the magazine or on the screen, but only on site.
And this is precisely the danger or the thrill that makes buying second-hand so exciting for some bikers. Bargain hunting can be a lot of trouble, but it doesn't have to be. For the most part, you can find good goods at really good prices. However, you should consider which channels you want to tap into for your second-hand deal. Buying a frame from a good bike mate whose history you know very well is quite different from buying one on eBay from Iceland.
However, it's not just the how, but also the what that can be decisive in determining whether you really enjoy the supposed deal.
Not every component reveals its true value. In the case of carbon components, defects that are invisible from the outside can pose a serious safety risk. The used wheel should of course have current axle dimensions. And a flea market shock should also fit into your own frame. We have compiled all the information and tips here so that buying second-hand doesn't have a bitter aftertaste.
Topic overview:
Where is the best place to buy used mountain bikes? Ebay, friends, flea market, forum and classified adverts, second-hand dealers
These are the most frequently used marketplaces where used bikes and components are looking for new owners.
Ebay
+ Wide variety, worldwide offers
+ Simple price comparison
+ Buyer protection (if used correctly)
+ Real bargains possible with auctions from 1 euro
- Trade is very anonymous (also attracts dodgy sellers)
- Risk of incorrect purchases due to inaccurate/false descriptions
Friends
+ Pricing and payment terms often flexible
+ Basis of trust with the seller
+ Inspections and test drives are usually very easy to arrange
+ Often bargains (genuine "friendship prices")
- Friendship can suffer in the event of tough price negotiations or problems arising later
Flea market
+ Many bargains
+ Goods can be inspected directly on site
+ Personal contact between traders
- Low reach, because rarely and only in a few locations
- Limited selection and no price comparison
- No possibility of complaints
Forum & Classifieds
+ Clear pricing through fixed or VHB prices
+ Personal negotiating partner
+ Often nice contacts among like-minded people
+ Some competent support from specialised exchanges/forums
- Negotiations sometimes lengthy
- High search effort for non-specific classified adverts
Used dealer
+ Tested goods with warranty
+ Competent advice
+ Professional help with repair or service requirements
- Often more expensive than alternatives
- Generally very small and seasonally influenced selection
7 rules for buying a second-hand MTB
If you follow the following basic rules, you will have fun when buying/selling second-hand and can save a few euros or get a few more.
- Know the prices: Anyone who observes the market for a while will get a feel for the appropriateness of prices. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it often is. (Keyword: stolen goods)
- Test drive: The best way to discover defects is a test ride, especially for complete bikes, which should never be bought without a test ride.
- Take your time: Look at every detail. Ask about falls, previous damage, defects. If in doubt: Hands off!
- Negotiate well: Only those who deal politely and objectively with potential business partners can expect the same. Nobody likes to negotiate with a chatterbox or a grump.
- Set limit: Every prospective buyer will haggle. That's okay, but you should set yourself a lower limit right from the start.
- Flexibility is key: If you don't narrow your search down to one model or brand, you'll broaden your choice and find something suitable more quickly.
- Well cleaned sells better: No matter how used or old - as a seller, you can achieve better prices with clean bikes and components. Clean parts and bikes also make it easier for potential buyers to determine the real value.
Tips for buyers
At the start of the season, more and more new bikes are bought and old ones are tuned up. Many a cellar is cleared out for this purpose. Prospective buyers can then easily snap up real bargains. The same applies after major trade fairs, such as the Eurobike or a model changeover, when the new bike hunters sell off their old bikes.
Tips for sellers
Invoices and receipts that can be presented with the item for sale create transparency and trust. The same applies to questions about the use and history of the bike (model year, number of owners).
For test rides: Never hand over the bike without a suitable deposit (ID, driving licence, etc.)!
You can search for and offer bikes in BIKE at anzeigen.bike@delius-klasing.de. Or in portals like www.bikesale.de or www.bikeexchange.de
Expert question: Does a purchase agreement always make sense?
When is a written purchase agreement advisable?
Basically always. Verbal contracts are also valid, but are difficult to prove.
What should be included?
At the very least, the agreement on the essential elements of the contract - the essentialia negotii, as we Latins say - should be set out in writing, i.e. the details of the parties to the purchase contract, the object of purchase and the purchase price.
What can be done to avoid subsequent problems?
The seller should endeavour to exclude the statutory warranty, but the buyer should insist on it. But beware, an exclusion of warranty is only possible between private consumers. If you agree on an exclusion, you should, for example, include "The warranty is excluded" in the purchase contract.
What should you do if you have been lied to or the description of your condition was wrong?
The purchase contract must then be quickly contested on the grounds of fraudulent misrepresentation. In this case, it is really advisable to consult a lawyer.
Part 1 from 2
Part 1: The path to the affordable dream bike
Part 2: How to avoid unnecessary costs and bad purchases
The article with further useful information was published in BIKE issue 06/2014.
You can use the
Buy edition here or the Download article here as PDF
