· It's important to have the seller put the bicycle on a bicycle stand.
· Check the tires for cracking (old tires) and wear.
· Check for loose and missing spokes.
· See if the wheels run true to the brake pads.
· Make sure the brake pads don’t rub the wheels.
· Examine the brake pads. Are they worn out?
· Make sure the bearings have been cleaned and re-greased.
· Is the bicycle meticulously clean?
· Has the seat post and handle bar stem been greased?
· Are the drive chain and gears clean and oiled?
· Do the gears shift smoothly between gears?
· Are the handle bar grips and seat in good shape?
· Do the pedals spin freely? Are they worn out?
· Are there parts that are rusty or broken?
· Have all the moving parts been oiled?
· Do all the moving parts seem to move freely?
· Examine the cables and cable sheathings, are they frayed?
· Examine the wheels are the braking surfaces rough and deeply grooved?
· Move the wheels side to side to check for play.
· Move the cranks side to side to check for play.
If all of the above checks are OK then you have a bicycle that will give you many
years of reliable service. A used bicycle can be a real bargain if it has been properly
reconditioned.
