NYC Used Bike Buying Guide
Step 1: Decide on what bike you are looking for
Type
Hybrid Bikes (Don’t get a hybrid, it's basically just a shitty road bike and a shitty mountain bike)
If you’re looking for a bike to get around NYC road bikes will suit your needs the best. They are lightweight and efficient, making it easy to ride far and fast and the bridges a breeze. If you’re looking for comfort and don't plan to cross bridges often then a cruiser bike may be for you.
Gears
The next item you’ll want to consider is how many gears you’d like your bike to have. The more gears the easier it’ll be to do steep hills and ride longer distances but the heavier the bike will be and harder the maintenance. Also, single speed bikes are a bit cheaper. If going the multi-gear route, ideally 2 gears in the front and 7-10 in the rear.
Brand
Best road bike brands: Trek, Giant, Fuji, Scott, Specialized, and Cannondale.
Size
Under Construction
Material
Steel- Heavier but durable
Aluminum - Light and affordable but bumpier ride (most common cheaper option)
Carbon Fiber- Light and smooth ride, expensive and more prone to fracturing
Step 2: Finding the used bikes
Where to look:
Facebook Marketplace
Good deals go quick, so best act fast
You can set search notifications for specific filters
Craigslist
A bit sketchier but better deals
Expect to pay about $300-$500 for solid used road bike
Step 3: Checking out bike
You may want to meet at a local bike shop. You can ask a worker if he wouldn’t mind checking out the bike with you in exchange for a tip!
Things to ask bike shop person
- how big of tires could i put on it
- how repairable is it
- does this fit me
- do you think this is a good deal
