Buying a used bike has its pitfalls. Regardless of whether you buy privately or from a dealer - the law also protects consumers when buying a used product. We explain the most important terms relating to the purchase of used bikes.
Buying a used road bike: the most important terms
Warranty & Guarantee
The guarantee is a voluntary offer from the manufacturer. The duration and scope of the guarantee are not specified by law. In contrast, the warranty (also known as liability for material defects) is prescribed by law in Germany. It is two years for new goods and can be reduced to one year for used goods. However, they must clearly point out this restriction. In principle, you also have the statutory protection when buying a second-hand bike.
Warranty for private sales
Liability for material defects also applies to private sales. Some sellers indicate in their adverts that they exclude the warranty. This is legally invalid if the seller conceals defects or the item description is incorrect.
Duty to provide information
Dealers do not have to list every defect in the description of a used bike. However, commercial dealers in Germany are obliged to provide information. They are obliged to inform customers truthfully about common and uncommon defects on request. It is therefore an advantage to ask about bikes on offer if the condition description is not detailed.
Purchase contract
In principle, a verbal purchase agreement is also valid when buying a used bike. However, the great advantage of a written purchase contract is that additional agreements are recorded. So if promises are made (accident-free, hardly ridden ...) and the seller suddenly backs out in writing, this is not a good sign.
Buying a used road bike: Checklist
It's always best to take a friend with you when buying a used road or gravel bike. Four eyes see more than two. We also recommend a quick Check of the bicycle:
ScrewsAre the screw heads of the attachment parts clean and not worn out?
CircuitShift through all gears. Can they all be engaged without grinding noises and rattling? Are the chain, chainrings and sprockets clean and in good condition?
BrakesCheck the brakes for function and wear. For rim brakes, ensure that the cables are intact, correctly routed and kink-free and that the brake pads are sufficiently thick; for disc brakes, check the lever travel and defined pressure points as well as the brake pads
Fall damageScratches in exposed areas reveal whether the bike has been knocked to the ground - especially on the rear derailleur, pedals, saddle corners, handlebar ends or shift brake levers and quick-releases/ thru-axles. Is the derailleur hanger possibly bent?
Frame and forkCheck for scratches or cracks in the paintwork, especially on carbon frames, which may indicate overload damage. Indentations indicate crash damage. In the case of metal frames, corrosion and deformations or dents are indications of falls.
Saddle and seat postCheck that the seat post clamp is working properly (open, pull out the post completely, push it back in and tighten) and check for possible corrosion and overload damage. Also check that the saddle is firmly attached to the seat post.
Handlebar/stemCheck for smooth rotation, is there enough play in the steering bearing? To do this, apply the front wheel brake, move the wheel forwards and backwards and feel the play in the steering bearing with your fingertip.
ImpellersCheck concentricity, ideally with the wheel installed and removed. If you grasp the installed wheel at opposite points and shake it at right angles to the direction of travel, you can detect any bearing play.
Spokes and rimsCheck for damage and wear (in the case of rim brakes, worn brake track may be problematic)
Bottom bracketDoes the crank possibly have lateral play? Can it be turned easily (preferably without the chain)? Are the pedal threads undamaged?
PedalsDo the pedals turn easily? Are the axle threads undamaged and can they be unscrewed?
TyresCheck whether the tyres still have enough rubber on the tread or whether new tyres will soon be due. Look out for damage such as cracks and injuries in the tread and especially on the more sensitive tyre sidewalls.
After the purchase: Check all torques of the attachment parts. Remove the handlebar tape and check the handlebars for damage.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
