How to Pick out a Good Second-hand Fixie

Buying a bicycle is just like buying a car; you want to make sure that you get good quality for the money you spend on it. If this is your very first time to own a bicycle because you've just recently learned how to ride one, it may be a better idea to get a second-hand unit before investing in something new. For one, you don't want to spend too much on something you're not even sure you're going to use often. For another, there's a good chance that your lack of experience could lead to the creation of many nicks and dents on the frame--a shame to see on a brand new bike but not so much on an old one.

There are many factors you should consider when buying second-hand fixie bikes. Aside from the obvious feature of seat height, which should be just right for your inner leg length, you will have to think about other things that you wouldn't normally check out on a new bike. First and foremost, you want to see that the dents and scratches, if there are any, are not affecting the performance of the bike. Most bike sellers will allow you to give it a go around a few blocks before you make the final decision, so make sure to take the time to test-ride it before buying.

Another thing to consider is the bike's potential for upgrades. Since this is a second-hand bike, there's a good chance that this is a very old model and you may want to modernize it just a little bit. Check to see what the features are and if they are modifiable at all. Also check the cost of adding accessories to your bike and run it up against the cost of a new one; if you'll end up spending more or less the same amount as a new bike, getting the cheaper used fixed gear bike becomes pointless. View website to check out new models that could come out much cheaper. The availability of such accessories is also going to affect your decision. Choose a bike that will require parts that are easy to come by. Thankfully, the Internet is there to turn to when your local shop does not hold the accessories you need.

When buying a second-hand bike, you shouldn't care too much about the superficial features of the bike such as the color of the frame. However, you will want to change it after you've bought it to match your personal preferences. Before you go and buy that horrific-looking bicycle, you would probably want to learn how to repaint frames and add accessories so that this frog will turn into a gorgeous bike looking almost brand new. These skills can be learned from bike manuals, Internet how-to guides, and your neighborhood bike expert. Make sure you get these tips sorted so that, once you acquire the bike, you can start working on it right away. If you have no time to look up these instructions or even do them at all, either look for someone who can or re-think your option to favor some other bike that won't require too much effort.

Yes, it seems a lot of hard work is needed to get a second-hand bike and you wonder if it really is worth the effort. Keep in mind that this effort is only there at the beginning, and once the process is done properly, you will not really feel the stress associated with such effort. Take the time to assess that potential bike based on the points mentioned above, so you can really make the right choices based on a thorough assessment. By doing it this way, you will surely have no regrets later on.