When it comes to buying a used bike, many people turn to Craigslist as their go-to option. After all, it's easy to browse listings and find what you're looking for. However, buying a used bike from a shop, like Moon Cycles, may actually be a better choice. Here are some reasons why:
1. Quality and Selection
When you buy a used bike from a shop, you can be assured that it has been inspected and refurbished by professionals. This means that you're getting a bike that has been checked over and repaired if necessary. You can trust that the bike will be mechanically sound and safe to ride, and any little quirks or issues will be clearly disclosed to you. On the other hand, when you buy a bike from Craigslist, you have no idea what you're getting. It could be in great condition, or it could be a wreck with hidden problems.
In fact, many bikes on Craigslist are in poor condition, whether the person selling it knows or not. They may have rusted frames, worn-out components, or hidden damage that can be difficult to spot for an untrained eye. Even if the bike looks good on the surface, it may have underlying issues that will only become apparent after you've purchased it.
We usually suggest that people add about $200 to the cost of a bike they get off of CL to make room for inevitable repairs the bikes often need. So buying a $300 bike on CL, might turn into $500 after all the issues have been fixed, if they're even able to be fixed.
2. Professional Advice
When you buy a used bike from a shop, you're not just getting a bike - you're getting expert advice as well. There is a lot to consider when trying to find a bike that will be comfortable and suit your needs, which is why there is a lot of benefit to collaborating with knowledgeable shop staff who understand bike fit and functionality. A good shop will ask you questions about your riding habits, fit issues you've had in the past, features and accessories that you'd like on your bike, etc. They will also alert you to any problems they see with how the bike fits you when you test ride it and should be able to alter or adjust things to optimize the fit and functionality.
3. Warranty and Support
When you buy a used bike from a shop, you're building a relationship with experienced people who will be there to keep your bike running smoothly for you. A good shop has your back with free adjustments under the warranty and will take extra care with repairs - after all, they know your bike super well since they fixed it up in the first place! On the other hand, when you buy a bike from Craigslist, you're on your own. If something goes wrong with the bike, you'll have to fix it yourself or pay to have it fixed.
4. Safety
Finally, buying a used bike from a shop is safer than buying one from Craigslist. Shop mechanics are trained to spot potential safety issues and make sure that the bike is safe to ride. They can also help you with things like adjusting the brakes and making sure the bike is properly fitted for you. When you buy a bike from Craigslist, you have no idea what condition it's in, which could lead to unsafe riding conditions.
While Craigslist may seem like an easy and convenient option for buying a used bike, it's worth considering the potential pitfalls. Many bikes on Craigslist are in poor condition and may have underlying issues that will only become apparent after you've purchased them. By buying from a shop, you'll get a quality bike that has been inspected and refurbished by professionals, expert advice, warranty and support, and most importantly, peace of mind knowing that you're riding a safe and reliable bike.
TL;DR- Buying a used bike from a shop is a better option than buying one from Craigslist. This is because the shop will have inspected and refurbished the bike, ensuring that it is in good condition and safe to ride. You'll also get expert advice, warranty and support, and a better selection to choose from. In contrast, Craigslist bikes are often in poor condition, may have hidden issues, and come with no support or warranty.