Buying a Second Hand Kids Bike
Buying a second hand bike can be an expensive affair, but by purchasing second hand you can potentially make your previous money go even further. There is a wealth of good deals on second hand bikes on the internet, but also there are some unscrupulous people out there looking to take advantage of you so it is imperative to stay on your toes. When searching online for second hand bikes, it is important to take note of the seller’s reputation. Reputable dealers will have a long list of positive feedback from previous clients. If they don’t have any, steer clear!
It is also a good idea to stick with bikes that are relatively new, as second hand bikes in poor condition are not only likely to be cheaper, they are unlikely to be in good condition either. By buying used bikes you get a whole host of added benefits. Used bikes will often come with a warranty, this is very handy if you need repairs carried out within a short space of time.
A good second hand bikes bargain is to look online. There are many online second hand bikes retailers, but one of the best is eBay. On eBay you can find both brand new bikes and second hand bikes. You can also search for second hand bikes specific to your chosen bike model on eBay, so ensure that you have searched for your bike model on the net before going to the bike shop.
There are some other websites that may have better deals than eBay, such as Craigslist. However, if you’re looking for second hand bikes for kids, you’ll probably be limited to what is available in this virtual marketplace. There are also a host of blogs dedicated to reviews of used mountain bikes. These should give you an idea of what sort of bikes are currently on the market. There are a number of forums where you can chat about bikes, purchase and sell second hand bikes and even find used bikes.
A final option for finding a bargain is visiting your local second hand bikes shop. Often these stores will be able to match a new bike to your child’s requirements. This can often result in savings of up to 50% of what a similar model would cost in a new bike shop. However, there are a few factors to bear in mind when visiting your local bike shop do remember that some shops will only trade new bikes, and others will only trade used bikes check out the options at each store before making any purchases.
As mentioned, a major advantage of buying second hand bikes for kids is that it allows you to budget. New bikes can sometimes be hard to come by especially if the price is very high. Therefore, a second hand kid’s bike is ideal because you are able to get the children what they want for the same price as a new bike would cost. If buying online, ensure you do some research to check that the seller is reputable and that the bike you are buying has been thoroughly checked over by a mechanic. Also, don’t forget to make payments in a secure and safe manner use a credit card or pay using PayPal. It is also worth remembering to bring along the necessary licensing documents if required and let the seller know exactly what type of warranty cover you require for your bike.
The final rule number one when buying second hand bikes for kids is that you should always test the bike out. Children are far more prone to accidents than the adult population, so to ensure that your child remains safe always check it out thoroughly before driving it. If you aren’t sure, take the child for a test drive to a trusted friend’s place (preferably someone who isn’t going to cheat you). Most bike shops have a small collection of bikes that they would be happy to let you try out for a short amount of time.
It might be tempting to walk away from a deal because it has a low price or is from an unknown seller, but always remember that there are plenty of trustworthy sellers out there. If you are buying second hand bikes for kids, then ensure that you are buying from a trusted and well respected dealer. Also, never under any circumstances, should you feel uncomfortable about asking questions about the bike (such as how old it is), make sure that you feel comfortable with asking before agreeing to buy it. You should also never pay more than the suggested price, unless you are absolutely certain of what you are buying!