Buying secondhand bike parts? Keep these tips in mind

Here’s what to look for if you’re buying used or secondhand bike accessories

Photos by Cottonbro/Pexels

I’m a self-confessed thrifter. I like searching for good deals and finding rare items no one else has. Chalk it up to a psychological need to be different. And this has extended to how I built my bike as well. Is it possible to thrift your way into a nice ride by buying secondhand parts? A resounding yes! Here’s a general guide to help you out.

What can you buy used

So, what are the bike parts and accessories that are safe to buy secondhand? Accessories like bags and bottle cages are automatically okay as long as you inspect them for tears and cracks.

One thing I recommend buying secondhand, especially after trying it for a while—like when you borrow it for a few rides from a friend or a shop—is a saddle. That’s because it’s hard to tell just from the specs or just by looking at it if a certain saddle will work for you. I’ve made the mistake of buying brand-new saddles only to dislike them and then sell them or trade them in for less than what I acquired them for, even if I had only used them for a few weeks.

My current saddle, a Selle San Marco Aspide that I’ve eventually re-upholstered, is a product of bike thrifting. I found it a little beat-up, attached to a secondhand bike for sale at my favorite LBS. Got it for less than a third of its brand-new sticker price and it’s the saddle that’s lasted the longest with me. Another bonus for buying secondhand: used saddles are broken in, making them immediately more comfortable and closer to what they would really feel like in the long run.

Other things you can buy secondhand are actual bike components as long as you know what you are doing. But first have them checked by a mechanic you trust.

Most bike components such as cranksets, derailleurs, and brake levers are meant to be durable and should last for years. What should you watch out for?

• Rusted parts — unless you’re committed to fully cleaning these out, and they’re part of some exotic vintage build you are working on, don’t get them
• The status of the bearings — a mechanic can help you with this
• Bad shifting drivetrains — chain and cog wear aren’t easily apparent, so try shifting and braking before buying
• Make sure to replace all cables and brake pads with new ones — they will make your secondhand components feel new.

What should you not buy secondhand

Things that hide possible damage are those you don’t want to buy secondhand, or at least be very careful with. If possible, buy from someone you know and trust and get some sort of guarantee (if not a transfer of the original warranty).

• Cables and brake pads — these are things you should be replacing on secondhand components, and regularly thereafter
• Pedals — unless you can completely rebuild them, the axle and those tiny bearings won’t be like new ones
• Cleats — buy new ones
• Handlebars, stems, and seat posts — impacts from crashes and falls can cause micro-cracks in these components, which you may not spot immediately
• Carbon frames — most of the new frames are durable but like the items above, damage from accidents (like the bike falling over the sidewalk or down the stairs) can be hidden from view. Buy from trustworthy sources, if you’re willing to risk this.
• Helmets — there may be cracks on the inside layers of the shell that you may not see. Why risk safety?

There are obvious things you should avoid like visibly worn or damaged parts, but if you’re smart enough to risk riding your bike, you’re smart enough to avoid bad buys.