Carbon MTB Used

[brian_H]

Afternoon folks

I am in the process of looking for a decent used Mountain Bike. I am not interested in battery/electric, I want to actually pedal, including going up some steep hills near to home.

With steep hills in mind I want to go light, so I am leaning towards carbon frame and forks.

I have access to crack testing equipment so I can check frame/forks etc if I go carbon.

Looking at Marketplace lots of bikes that have only been owned for a few months puts me off as I definitely am not interested in anything that might be stolen.

First question, what is the consensus on a used Carbon frame/forks MTB?
Second, what is the best way to protect myself against buying someone else's bike?
Third. There are a few Lapierre Carbon bikes available.....anyone any experience of these? I realise it will in part be down to the individual components fitted but thought I would ask anyway as I had never heard of the brand until today.

I am hoping to stay under around £750 hence me looking at used rather than new.

THanks

Brian

[Robertb]

You can only do your best, but you will generally get a feel for a seller, much as you would with a car, when you meet them ideally at their home. Ask to see invoices etc from when they bought it.

You could check frame details on this...
https://www.bikeregister.com/

I'd have no problem with buying a carbon-framed MTB used, but would go over it with a fine toothed comb for any signs of damage. I've seen videos of the frames getting all sorts of punishment in testing and they are remarkably resilient.

[P-Jay]

Carbon MTB have been around for decades, frame failures of MTBs in general is very low and tends to be obvious.

Also, the type of bike and components on it have a greater influence on weight. Alu ain't heavy.

[Cats_pyjamas]

I would buy a carbon bike, road or MTB. You can generally see if a bike has been abused. I would just check for cracks/paint deformation around the seat tube area and head tube.

A quick Google will reveal any model specific issues to look out for.


I probably wouldn't buy/use secondhand carbon bars though.

To be honest I would rather second hand carbon over aluminium. Aluminium work hardens and imo will more likely fail with age.

Edited by Cats_pyjamas on Monday 17th February 20:00

[leyorkie]

What size? I have one out in the shed not being used since I went electric

[Benson11]

As long as you buy something that is in good condition and from a reputable brand, give it a good going over before exchanging money and sound out the seller to make sure they seem legit - its about all you can do and should be OK.

I've got an Orbea Alma as my XC and trail bike, it puts up with loads of abuse and has given me no problems. That said, I can see some stress marks in the paint but there's no actual carbon defects. I know how I treat it, so I'll never sell it, it can die with me

[brian_H]

Thanks for the replies everyone...much appreciated. I have one to view on Friday, it's a medium frame but with 29" wheels so may be a bit too big for me........will see how I get on.

Cheers

Brian

[POIDH]

29" on a medium is just fine. I've a friend who's daughter is 5'2" and rides small on 29er for xc stuff. The 29er wheels roll noticeably better, much more of a gain than light weight in my view.

Look carefully, not all carbon frames are lighter than aluminium. And aluminium bikes can be had for a lot less often...