Buying a second-hand bike is one of the best things you can do for the planet – and your wallet. But whether you’re scouring Facebook Marketplace or browsing a local shop, used bikes come with a history that isn’t always easy to read.
At The Bike Project, our expert mechanics, Maria, David, and Damian, have over 15 years of experience lovingly refurbishing donated bikes at our Deptford workshop. They know exactly where the “hidden” issues hide.
To give you the confidence to find your perfect ride, the team has put together this guide on what to look for when buying a second-hand bike.
1. Make Sure It’s Legit!
Sadly, bike theft is common in cities like London and Birmingham. Before you hand over any cash, check the frame number (usually located under the bottom bracket, near the pedals). Please note if it is a vintage model from the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s, it won’t have any numbers.
- Pro Tip: Run that number through the Bike Register Database.
- Red Flag: If the serial number has been filed off or tampered with, walk away.
- The Bike Project Promise: Every bike in our online shop is donated by supporters and cross-referenced against the register to make sure it has a clean history, so you don’t need to worry about it.
2. Inspect the “Big Three”: Cracks, Dents, and Rust
The frame is the heart of the bike. While a few scratches add character, structural damage is a safety risk.
- Cracks: Look closely at the welds (where the tubes meet). A cracked frame can fail while you’re riding.
- Dents: A significant dent or an “unusual bend” suggests the bike has been in an accident.
- Rust: Surface rust is common, but deep, flaky rust on components can be expensive to replace, turning your “bargain” into a money pit.
At The Bike Project, when we get a donated bike, we strip the frame of the main components to inspect for dents or cracks and give it a good clean. If it does not meet our rigorous safety standards we will send it to scrap. All the bikes we sell in our online shop are safe and ready to ride.
3. Check Which Parts are New (or Need Replacing)
Consumables like brake pads, tyres, chains, and cassettes typically last about a year for a daily commuter. When buying used, ask the seller when these were last changed.
At our Deptford workshop, we don’t take chances, so you don’t have to worry about a service bill a week after buying.
4. Spin the Wheel
Pick the bike up and spin the wheels. They should spin “true” (straight) without wobbling or rubbing against the brakes.
- Drivetrain: Shift through all the gears. The transition should be smooth, not “crunchy” or hesitant.
- Wheels: Check for broken spokes and look at the rim brakes. If the metal looks “concave” (hollowed out), the wheel is reaching the end of its life.
We’ll always replace a bike’s tires when needed, and test all our bikes before they go on sale.
5. Don’t Skip the Test Ride
A bike might look gorgeous, but you won’t know if it feels right until you’re in the saddle. A test ride helps you check for:
- Size & Fit: Can you stand over the frame comfortably? Our team have come up with a size guide to help you out if you need a hand.
- Handling: Does the steering feel smooth or stiff?
- Strange Noises: Listen for clicks, creaks, or grinding sounds. These are often cries for help from the bearings!
Try Before You Buy: Our Deptford team is happy for you to test-ride any of our bikes (and picking it up in person saves you any delivery fees with our free click and collect service). You can book an appointment by emailing the team at shop@thebikeproject.co.uk. We are open Monday to Thursday and every other Friday – feel free to drop by or call on a Friday to check if we’re open.
Your Second-Hand Bike Inspection Checklist
Save this list to your phone for your next viewing:
- Frame/Fork: Check welds for cracks; check for “soft spots.” If there are really badly rusted parts, that’s going to be expensive to replace, and any bent forks or frames mean the bike has been in an accident.
- Missing or filed-off serial number – Sign of a stolen bike. Don’t buy!
- Wheels: Spin to make sure they are straight and check for broken spokes.
- Drivetrain: Check teeth on the gears- if they look like shark fins, they are worn out.
- Brakes: Make sure the brakes grip well and pads are not fully worn down.
- Pedals: Make sure they spin freely and don’t feel crunchy
- Saddle: look to see that it doesn’t have rips (will let water in) or broken rails
- Bearings: Wiggle the handlebars and pedals- there should be no side-to-side “play.”
- Cables: Look for fraying, stiffness, or rust.
- Seatpost: Make sure the seatpost can actually move up and down.
With this guide you should be able to make an informed purchase of your next bicycle with confidence! Happy cycling.
Why Shop with The Bike Project?
When you buy a refurbished bike from us, you aren’t just getting a high-quality, qualified mechanic-tested ride. You are directly supporting our mission to get bikes to refugees.
Every purchase helps us fund our donation sessions, providing refugees with a lifeline to healthcare, community, and freedom.
Browse our latest refurbished bikes here.
Have a bike you’re not using anymore? Find your closest drop-off point here, to help gift freedom and independence to refugees:
