It doesn't always have to be a new bike. The second-hand market is full of great bargains. Even accessory parts from the current model year often change hands for a fraction of the new price. But beware! Buying second-hand is not without its pitfalls. Bargain or a sham? There is often a very fine line between the two. Here are the most important tips so that you don't lose track of what's on offer.
New or used?
It's a fundamental question: would you prefer a used bike or a reduced, discontinued model? The answer is difficult and depends on what is on offer. The fact is that as soon as the summer draws to a close, the remaining stock from the current model year is mercilessly sold off. You can easily save a third of the price. The full warranty and dealer service also speak in favour of new goods. On the other hand, used bikes lose value so rapidly, even with the most loving use, that you can suddenly get an originally expensive bike for 30 per cent of its original price. It's always worth comparing.
Where to buy or sell?
Classified ad:
The easiest way to offer a bike or part. Usually even free of charge. No risk for the seller. But you usually need a little patience. Buyers should not be afraid to haggle, as the prices are often set too high. Tip: www.quoka.de
Bicycle trade:
Because of the tricky warranty issue, hardly any shops take bikes or parts in trade. And if they do, then at ridiculous prices. Specialised second-hand shops are a good address for sellers who need money quickly. And for buyers who value service. However, the prices are often higher than for private sales.
Ebay:
Everything finds a buyer here. The only question is at what price. Sellers should always bear in mind the not inconsiderable eBay fee. Buyers, on the other hand, should consider the shipping costs. Another minus: Test drives are usually not possible due to the distance between the item location and the prospective buyer's home.
Tips and tricks when buying
Be sure to check the original price!
Classified adverts often quote fantasy shop prices to make the offer seem cheap.
Test drive!
Never buy a bike without a test ride! Even if the offer promises to be a one-off super bargain. Even the best bike is useless if the size and/or riding characteristics are not right.
Take your time! Look at every detail. Ask about crashes, previous damage, defects. If in doubt: Hands off!
Contract!
Words are fleeting, letters are binding. Always seal the purchase with a written contract.
Tips and tricks for selling
Stay objective!
Describe the bike (or the part) honestly in the advert. Exaggerated advertising phrases such as "absolutely top!" quickly provoke anger.
Eliminate defects!
Even if it costs a few euros at first: Only a flawless bike or part will fetch a high price.
Set a limit! Every prospective buyer will haggle. That's okay, but you should set yourself a lower limit right from the start.
Wait for demand!
Demand is booming in spring, but nothing works in winter. Wait until the warmer months before selling.
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The legal situation
Lawyer Michael Albert knows the pitfalls of buying second-hand goods. You should be aware of this:
Warranty:
Even if it is a private seller, the buyer has the full statutory warranty rights. If the bike - or the part - has any defects, the seller must rectify them.
Guarantee:
As soon as such a promise has been made, the seller must honour it. This also applies if freedom from defects has been guaranteed.
Defects:
Defects must be pointed out. However, the seller does not have to point out all unfavourable characteristics if he is not asked about them.
Warranty period:
If a defect only appears days or weeks after the purchase, it becomes difficult. From a purely legal point of view, it depends on whether the bike had a defect on the day of purchase, and the buyer has to prove this. Which is not always easy. When buying in second-hand shops, it is exactly the opposite. If a defect occurs within the first six months, the dealer must prove that the bike was free of defects when it was sold.
What the bargain specialist says
Stephan Flatau (Second hand Sports Munich) on the commercial trade in used bikes and accessories.
How do you determine the value of a used bike?
There are no tables or fixed rules. You kind of get a feel for it over the years. Pi times down, so to speak. There are extreme differences between bikes, even the manufacturer's name can be decisive. As a dealer, you'll eventually find out quite well how much money a bike is worth. If a bike is in the shop for a few weeks, it's obviously too expensive. If it's gone after two hours, it was probably too cheap. Roughly speaking, you can say that a good used bike is available for about half the price of a new one.
How high is the demand?
Huge in spring and the summer months. Bikes are turned over within days. Sometimes it only takes a few hours from purchase to sale. The demand is so great that we can't even meet it.
Which bikes are particularly popular?
Simple, timeless bikes. A good XT hardtail will still be a good XT hardtail in ten years' time. The premium sector is much more difficult. Especially in the full-suspension sector, technical development is so fast that even relatively new bikes can be old hat again. The demand for them is then zero. The price drop for high-end bikes is enormous. With prices starting at 2000 euros, people are more likely to consider buying a new bike anyway.
When is the best time for bargains?
In autumn. Demand is low due to the time of year. At the same time, many people part with their bikes at the end of the season because they want to buy a new model in the spring. Some simply need money for Christmas shopping. A good time for bargain hunters.
Isn't it cheaper to buy privately than in a second-hand shop?
You can't say that. If you buy a bike privately, you may save a few euros at first, but you may not have much fun with the bike. We check every bike thoroughly. We replace defective parts. We also offer a free service for a few months for bikes purchased from us.
What are slow-moving items?
Old full-suspension bikes with rustic technology. Old single-pivot bikes. Bikes with strange, garish paintwork and unconventional add-on parts. But they are also for sale. As pub bikes, for example.
Henri Lesewitz has used every means at his disposal to build himself a race bike suitable for marathons from used parts. You can read about our reporter's experiences in BIKE 6/2012.
Have you also had your own experiences when buying or selling second-hand? Let us know and post your experiences in the comment field below!
