Originally Posted by
Winfried
Hello,
I have the opportunity of buying a second-hand Birdy City with an Alfine 8 gear hub and hydraulic disk brakes from 2011.
The owner says the front brake works fine, while the rear brake needs a bleeding (or possibly, just a burping; They're Shimano BR-M575).
What should I check during the test ride?
Thank you.
The brake is cheap to replace if bleeding doesn't help, no worry there. The expensive bits are the frame, fork and gear hub. R&M specifies that certain bits should be replaced every 3 years or 10000 km or so (front and rear fork, handlepost and bars, see earlier posts in this thread). Ask if this has been done, if they say yes, ask for receipts. If they say no, you'll have to consider the cost of replacing those parts, vs. the risk of keeping them (you probably don't know how the bike has been ridden). Check the frame and forks carefully for cracks.
Try all 8 gears, listen for nasty noises, shifting trouble, or an uneven feel when pedaling. Lift the bike and spin the wheels, look for wobbling in the rims (wobbling in the tyres don't matter as much).
Personally, I think the Alfine 8 has too little gearing range for hilly terrain. In fairly flat areas it's good.