Buying Guide: Used Road Bike

Posted on November 8, 2021 

You have been numerous to ask us, after publishing the guide for purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Mountain Bike and the guide for purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Gravel bike. This guide was due. Here it is !

Whether you want to compete or just go out for a ride, road bikes allow you to live your bicycle passion at any level. Have you ever wondered where the road passes in front of your door? It's time to find the answer! The problem is that the world of road bikes can sometimes be confusing, dark or, at worst, snob. If you are novice, it can be difficult to choose the right bike.

This is where we intervene. The Cyclist House has a wide range of certified second-hand road bikes, which will appeal to beginners, as well as at experienced masters. Do not ruin and buy a bike today, without waiting time or complicated process.

For starters, we invite you to take into account these five points.

1. Know your goal

Be clear as to the goal of your outings - Try to be honest. Are there any races of competition, or a softer recreational exit to improve your heart rate? Are you looking for a bike to pedal between your home and your workplace, or go out on weekends when it's nice? Or maybe you are intrigued by long hikes and gravel roads, in which case a Gravel bike would perhaps be a better choice?

Because of their design, road bikes allow cyclists to cover more distance at higher speeds. The tires are narrow and smooth, which makes them more effective. Bicycles are lightweight, allowing climbing faster, and most road bikes improve aerodynamics - again, for a speed issue. However, if you have a lot of trails around you, you may prefer a Gravel bike, which is similar to a road bike but much more efficient, with larger tires and crampons, a more relaxed geometry and other comfort features. If you are not comfortable with a lowered handlebar, a Bike Could be a better choice.

In the world of road bikes, you will have three main categories:

Versatile racing bike

Discover one of the racing bikes par excellence: the SPECIALIZED TARMAC.

Aerodynamic or aero racing bike

Sharing the same maneuverability and adjustment as the versatile race bike, this road bike wins aerodynamics. These bikes are usually the first choice for flat grounds, and usually constitute a good option for more experienced runners. Like most versatile race bikes have become more and more aerodynamic, the aerodynamic race bike has lost a bit of its attraction.

Go to our shop to discover one of the anéro icons: the Trek Madone.

Endurance bike

The modern endurance road bike aims to resume the sporting nature of the versatile racing bike and make it more accessible, more comfortable and more versatile. The cup is more casual, driving is often more flexible, and direction and often less nervous. These are road bikes for the general public.

For some known as the race to which it refers, the Specialized Roubaix is a classic endurance bikes.

2. Know your size

You will tend to roll in the same position for long periods. The time when the road bike was uncomfortable to drive is over - you should be able to pedal without any embarrassment. On the other hand, a bike that is not at your waist or which is badly configured, will cause discomfort and you will even risk hurting yourself. That's why it's essential to make sure the bike is at your waist.

Most road bikes have a digital size, based on the length of the saddle tube. The classic road bike size is "square", which means that the length of the upper tube corresponds to that of the saddle tube. It is less common nowadays, and some manufacturers have even adopted the ranges of sizes in letters (for example, S, M, L).

Whatever the unit, the length of the upper tube is the fundamental measure to take into account to choose a bike size.

If you already have a bike, it is definitely useful to refer to its size and adjustment during your purchases. And here at The Cyclist House, you can always refer to our sizational guide.
You can find out more here:How to choose your bike size.

3. Define your budget

In the simplest sense, spend more will allow you to get a more efficient bike, lighter, probably more aerodynamic, more durable and maybe even more comfortable. However, there are exceptions to this rule. When you define your budget, you must consider some key elements.

The frame material

Most road bikes you will find on the market will have an aluminum or carbon fiber.

For a more modest budget, the aluminum or steel frame is a good option. A larger budget will open the doors of carbon fiber. What to remember is that the exact type of material used matters much less than the way it is used. A well-designed aluminum frame can be much more pleasant to use than a poorly designed carbon frame and this applies to all material options.

Types of brakes

The question of the brake on rim relative to the disc brake is one of the most disputed debates on modern road bikes. Whether you like it or not, the bike industry has made disc brakes the standard for road bikes. This means that unless you have a good reason to opt for rim brakes, it is better to opt for the latest technology. You will benefit from performance in terms of performance and resale value.

However, rim brakes remain the lightest option and will allow you to get a lighter bike for the same price. This can therefore be worth considering if you have a tight budget, if you drive mainly on the dish and look for an affordable way to get a lighter bike. If you are looking for more in-depth information on the subject of the brakes, go to our Guide dedicated to road bike brakes.

Wheels

After the frame, they are probably the wheels (and tires) that will make the biggest difference in driving. Indeed, the wheels and tires represent a rotational weight and therefore have a significant effect on the ease and speed with which you can accelerate. The wheels and tires are also the first points of contact with the wind and the surface of the road.

Carbon wheels are one of the most popular after-sales upgrade options for road bikes. Carbon fiber is exceptionally light, rigid and resistant. Thanks to the advantageous resistance / weight ratio of carbon, rims may be deeper, larger and more aerodynamic, without significant weight loss. The sensation of rigidity of carbon rims can also sometimes improve the turn of turn and the acceleration of your bike.

Despite the benefits of carbon, some more amateur cyclists can prefer traditional aluminum wheels. Aluminum is cheaper and, in some cases, more robust and impact resistant.

When buying a used bike, it is still important to carefully inspect carbon and aluminum wheels to ensure they do not have cracks or structural damage. The Cyclist House inspects all the wheels of its used road bikes to make sure they are in perfect condition.

Ranking of road bike components

In general, the more you spend, the more the bike will have speeds and the more it will be easy to pass. And as for most things in cycling, there is an inverse relationship between the weight of the components and the price.

As a rule, the components designate all the pieces of a bike used to pass the speeds or curb - cassette, chain, pedal, derailleurs, controllers and brake calipers. The two most common component manufacturers are Shimano and SRAM. You will find a detailed comparison in our article Shimano vs Sram. You can also meet a bike equipped with Campagnolo components, which are rarer but who have a loyal audience among demanding cyclists.

The entry-level transmissions are generally cheaper, but less refined and heavier. If you become more experienced, more competitive or demanding, high-end components will become more attractive.

It should be noted that the frame and the wheels will play a more important role in the discretion of the bike that the components attached there. If you have the choice, invest in a better frame and better wheels before opting for better derailleurs and cassettes.

If you still have doubts, check: How much spend for your first bike?

4. Refine your options and start your search

After defining your goal, your budget and your size, try to identify three or four models that match what you are looking for. They will serve as a basis for your search. The perfect time to start looking for a used bike is autumn, when companies present the models of the following year and more and more cyclists seek to separate from their old bike. This is especially true for professionals, branded ambassadors and amateur teams, who can all get regularly or regularly propose retentions on recent bikes but used early in a new season or year.

 
5. Buy your bike on a platform of trust

When searching, you can consult Marketplace such as Facebook, local groups and shops, or even classified ads. But these will not guarantee your purchase and will not facilitate the process. When you buy directly to an individual, set in advance before seeing the bike, and trying it. And often it can become tedious, especially if the bike that interests you is for kilometers from home. If you inspect the bike yourself, do not forget to check that:

• The frame does not have cracks (rust or scratches are generally superficial and affect only aesthetics).
• The chain and cassette are not rusty or stretched (they will not cost to replace if they are).
• The brakes work and platelets are not worn.
• The change of speed are easily done.
• The bearings work and move freely without grinding (direction game, pedal and wheels).
• The tires are swollen

You can also buy your new bike at THE CYCLIST HOUSE and have peaceful mind thanks to our used certified process that will guarantee you:

• Inspection and development by a Pro
• 30 days of trial
• Guarantee purchase offer
• Express delivery

To learn more about our process, click here:Used certified: the purchase in all serenity.

So do not wait anymore and with these tips, you will ride without problem on the bike of your dreams as soon as possible. Good road !