How To Buy A Second Hand Mountain Bike | MTB Buyer's Guide

Buying a second hand moutain bike can be like navigating a minefield! From cracked frames to scratched stanchions there are many things that could turn your bargain bike into a money pit. But with these tips you will avoid disaster when purchasing a pre loved steed, Anna Cipullo demostrates how you can use an M-Check to ensure you know everything is safe and sound when looking at MTBs.

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Build A Rapport
2:15 - The Drivetrain
3:39 - Wheels & Tyres
4:39 - Frame & Linkage
5:53 - Seatpost
6:46 - Check For Cracks & Scratches
7:58 - Suspension
9:12 - Front End

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Have you ever bought or sold a mountain bike? How did it go? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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[gmbn]

Have you ever bought or sold a mountain bike? How did it go?

[nilshaas]

I love buying used bikes. Repairing any possible problems is a joy. Recently I found a 2017 specialized camber for $350, and will hopefully be able to give it the love it deserves.

[chrisprysok]

Step 1 show them the companys website that has the bike new with better spec at half the price they are asking. Step 2 bash the short sighted bike industry's choices.

[Jtaz]

Also found it helpful and a $$$ saver to test suspension compression/lockout/firm levers for proper function. If not working properly that can be an expensive cartridge service. Carrying a chain checker tool when test riding can keep sellers honest on drivetrain wear. Bought a couple of duds before learning some of these tips. Great presentation! 😊

[banana]

I've gotten screwed with two second hand cracked frames but I've also gotten gems! Just be careful as hell when it's a good price there's usually a reason

[craigmanson]

Also check:
Headset
Bottom bracket
Chain wear

[CraigFyfe]

Great guide! I've bought and sold 100's of bike and one thing i would say that you haven't said is wiggle the cranks to check for play in the bottom bracket, if it does you can get some money off from the seller and quite a few times I've found that it only requires tightening up!

[EliMTB]

Really interesting video, I hope one day I can reach your quality 🔥🔥

[JeffMTBinVA]

Great video Anna. I'm actually using it to do a check over of my hardtail. I have been deliquent on maintenance.

[adrianwilkinson]

I’m about to sell my full suss e-bike and I would always be honest with a buyer as I’ve been in that position. I make sure every bike I’ve sold has been thoroughly cleaned and everything lubed, greased and working smoothly. Just be a good fellow biker! 🤘❤️🌈🕊️🌎

[winklertribe]

Thanks Anna! This video should make me feel empowered, but it actually makes me more nervous about buying a second hand bike since I’m not mechanically inclined.

[VLChuvak]

As a bike mechanic, can tell you that never believe words of seller that bike us "fully serviced" unless workshop proves it or owner has service papers somehow. Some people think that wiping stanchions and lubing chain is a maintenance. Always get your new bike to the workshop you trust for complete teardown.

[chrisfranklification]

Brilliant. Really helpful - thanks Anna!

[bullitx]

Always. ALWAYS! Ask for specific pics. I’ve even gone as far as a specific pic with the seller holding a card with my name or flipping me off. If they won’t ; it’s a scam. End of story. Also. Specially on PB. Look how long the seller has had an account. Chances are if it’s a brand new account with no sales it’s most likely a scam.

[Retro_Flutter]

For carbon frames (even wheels/bars), what about gently squeezing the tubes or running your thumb along them, to feel for any possible hidden delamination? It should feel a bit soft compared to a structurally sound part.

[production]

If you have a carbon frame you really want to remove or at least move the seatpost. The aluminium can corrode to the carbon in a way that it will be near impossible to remove. I learned the hard way, took me 2 days of removing the old seatpost piece by piece in order to not destroy the frame....

[dirtcheapdownhill]

You missed a check😂 always check your spokes also

[Larry]

You can tell right away how used a bike is look at the chain some have never been oiled bike had never been used

[topchoice]

Canyon bikes has the very best sales right now great bang for your buck and top notch quality bikes

[austindotson]

Pretty much skipped rear suspension. 😂