Buying Used?

[Catikin12]

So I've been doing the whole" lurking" bit on here for the past couple of weeks and have finally decided to post!
I'd like to get everyone's opinion about purchasing a used bike. What are some things that I should be looking for when I check the bike out in person, as far as cracks, etc.?
I should probably mention that I have a specific bike that I'm looking into and have done a test ride of the exact bike. So fit shouldn't be an issue.
Thank you in advance!

[Owlie]

What are you looking at?

The biggest issue with buying used is finding your size. (For some reason, almost all the used bikes around here are 58cm or so.) I would also bear in mind that manufacturers change the geometry every so often, so the 2012 version may not fit the same as one from a few years back.

I would first subtly try to ascertain whether or not it's actually the seller's bike. I'd hate to be feeding theft rings, though it may not be as big a thing here in Ohio as it is in other places with larger cycling populations. I'd also ask how the bike was stored, whether it had ever been crashed (esp if there's carbon on the bike), how it has been maintained (regularly cleaned, at the very least), and whether anything's been replaced. If it's a high mileage bike (in the thousands) and the chain is still original, bear in mind that you'll have to replace the chain and cassette sooner rather than later.

[Catikin12]

I'm looking at a Trek Madone. It's a 2012, so no issues with it being an older bike and not fitting quite like what I was able to try or maintenance really.
I've been in pretty good contact with the "owner". She bought it, but ended up deciding that cycling isn't for her. I'm actually just getting started out. But I know myself well enough to know that I'm really going to like cycling I've received several pics from her. I've asked if it's fallen at all and she's said that it's in perfect condition and that she just doesn't like it as much as she thought she would. But I'm not sure if there's a way to make sure it hasn't been damaged at all. It is a carbon frame bike, so that would be a concern in terms of it's state.
I hear you about the bike theft thing... I'm in central Ohio and there always seem to be bike thefts going on. Although this particular bike is not around me. I would be traveling a little to get it... which I don't mind at all!
I was actually highly considering a Specialized Amira, but it was just too much money for me to justify at this point :/

[TigerMom]

You can see if she has a receipt to help determine that it was not stolen.

Also, you can bring your bike to an LBS and pay them to check out the bike condition along with a full tuneup.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Owlie]

You can see if she has a receipt to help determine that it was not stolen.

I definitely did not steal my bike and I couldn't show you a receipt! Granted, I bought it three years ago and moved 4 times since then. That's lots of opportunity for it to go missing. I could probably call the shop up and ask him to pull up the record and either fax or snail-mail a copy, though.

[Irulan]

You can see if she has a receipt to help determine that it was not stolen.

Wow, that's pretty harsh don't you think?

If someone's really concerned about buying something stolen, they can submit the serial # to the cops to see if it comes up anywhere, or check CL for "stolen" listings.

[TigerMom]

Wow, that's pretty harsh don't you think?

If someone's really concerned about buying something stolen, they can submit the serial # to the cops to see if it comes up anywhere, or check CL for "stolen" listings.

I'm not trying to be harsh/mean. I just trying to be practical and not buy something stolen. The easiest ways is to ask for a receipt. Or as Owlie suggested, to call the original bike shop for records if the receipt was lost. I'm just trying hard not to accidentally buy a stolen item.
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle