Finding a second hand bike that isn't stolen...

[will_]

Morning, looking for a half decent hybrid (Specialised Sirrus, Revolution Race, Ridgeback Genesis Day etc) second hand (already had one nicked, so limited budget), can anyone recommend good websites for secondhand bikes? Hate e-bay and refuse to buy a stolen bike! Bike is for a 20 mile a day London commute.

[Rico]

Good little article - http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/help/advice-on-buy...

[mark.h]

descentworld,southerndownhill,singletraction, basically any mtb forum as 90% of the chaps on there are straight up.

[jacko lah]

Not being funny, but just ask them to Prove provenence.

Like Original Receipt ? If you spent £1000 plus quid on a bike you'd keep the reciept for insurance purposes ? Shurely ? Not that I've kept the receipt for my mountain bike which cost £85 new some 17 years ago. But I would happily give a buyer a receipt with my name and address and prove that I was me with my passport.

If a seller won't do that then you know he has something to hide.

[will_]

jacko lah said:

Not being funny, but just ask them to Prove provenence.

Like Original Receipt ? If you spent £1000 plus quid on a bike you'd keep the reciept for insurance purposes ? Shurely ? Not that I've kept the receipt for my mountain bike which cost £85 new some 17 years ago. But I would happily give a buyer a receipt with my name and address and prove that I was me with my passport.

If a seller won't do that then you know he has something to hide.

Yep, that's what I'm asking for - amazing how many sellers can't provide the docs, or even much about the bike! Does limit the market for me but worth it for peace of mind.

[sjwb]

Will,
I have a beautiful Marin ALP in mint condition (with ALL papers).
Call me this evening if you are interested on.
Steve

Edited by sjwb on Friday 15th June 08:49

Edited by sjwb on Friday 15th June 08:50

[will_]

sjwb said:

Will,
I have a beautiful Marin ALP in mint condition (with ALL papers).
Call me this evening if you are intrested on .
Steve

Thanks Steve, looking at their website it looks a little over budget for me - hoping to get a hybrid as I do some off road as well as the commute, so looking for a used Specialised Sirrus (or the like, as above) for a max £200 - doubt you'd take that for your bike!

Thanks for the heads up though.

Will

PS have removed your mobile from the quote in case you now want to edit it from your original post.

[sjwb]

OK Will, no problem. I was thinking more in the region of £300.
good luck.
Incidentaly, if Cycling Weekly is still going, that's a good bet. I certainly wouldn't buy secondhand from a dealer; the private ads are so much better and bear in mind that because cycling is so fashion conscious and cyclists must have the latest and greatest - thus putting some very tasty stuff on the market.
All the best.
Steve

[will_]

sjwb said:

OK Will, no problem. I was thinking more in the region of £300.
good luck.
Incidentaly, if Cycling Weekly is still going, that's a good bet. I certainly wouldn't buy secondhand from a dealer; the private ads are so much better and bear in mind that because cycling is so fashion conscious and cyclists must have the latest and greatest - thus putting some very tasty stuff on the market.
All the best.
Steve

I just can't afford to lose £300 if it gets pinched, hence the £200 max. Still seems like very good value though!

Will check out Cycling Weekly, thanks for the lead.