Originally Posted by
Senathon
When buying a bike from craigslist, what should I look for? I am trying to find a used gravel bike but unsure what to look for. I do know how to fit the bike and taking a test ride but that is as far a I know.
Also I don't want to overpspend on a bike that is not worth buying.
Originally Posted by
Senathon
This is why I am very hesitating about buying stuff on craigslist unless I am very knowledge about. Buying bikes, I am not. The requests I been posting is for cheap(walmart) bikes that I will only use a few days(2 or 3) a week for 20 minutes a day indoors(I have a trainer). I am keep being referred to either to go a local bike shop($2000) or buy on craigslist.
I am interested in buying a good bike (like Canyon) down the road after I resolve more medical issues, but I wants something more indoors that is in a bike form with gears(I rather ride a cheap bike instead a exercise bike).
...you don't need a gravel bike, or even a road bike, to use for 20 minutes a day, three times a week, on a trainer. You will be fine with something older, pre "gravel bike" era. Steel or aluminum frame works fine on a trainer indoors. Mostly you need to be careful about mechanical condition and stuff like tires and cables that might need replaced. All CL bikes are not alike in this respect. I would try to find someone more knowledgeable to help me look at the bikes on your local CL, were I in your shoes.
A lot of people responding on this forum will presume a level of mechanical expertise that you have not yet developed.
Local bike shops used to sell used bikes that would have been checked out and worn or old parts replaced. Most no longer do so, and lot of them are no longer in business. There are bicycle co-ops, like the one I have in my city, which recondition older bicycles and sell them cheaply. Those can be a good place to shop, if you have one nearby. Costco sells bikes that are maybe a quarter step up from Walmart, but I think they are mostly into selling electric bikes right now. A lot of the bicycles on your local CL would be fine for your needs, but it's pretty hard to help you with a purchase like this over the internet. Not everyone advertising on Craigslist is out to sell you a lemon, but unless you are equipped with a certain level of mechanical expertise, it's a jungle.