Caveat emptor, they say: Let the buyer beware!

Buying a used bicycle, I suppose, is rather like buying a pig in a poke. That\’s especially true if you don\’t know what to look for — which I don\’t.

Thus I\’d need all the advice I could get if I wanted another road bike, and opted for second-hand. Buying a used mountain bike requires the same kind of caution. (Look here for a print version of the videos).

What if I had bought a used bicycle? I\’d have known to be sure the brakes worked; but probably would have forgotten about checking the headset for unwanted play. Ditto for seeing whether the wheels are in true. I would have wanted to take a test ride to be sure the shifting worked; but might have forgotten to check the wheels\’ rims, and to be sure the gears weren\’t worn.

If I were considering buying a used bicycle, I\’d want someone with me who can remind me to check this or that. Even if I have a written list with me, it can be easy to miss things! Having a companion would probably make it easier for the prospective buyer not to feel pressured into buying too quickly.

Caveat emptor! After all, you don\’t want to find out too late that the bag has a cat in it.