Best Guide on Buying Second Hand Kids' Bikes

Thank you to the extraordinary human invention of the 'bicycle'! They are, at the very least, fuel-free and require no external energy. Except for the operational costs of production, bicycles have no negative impact on our environment.

A second hand kids’ bike could be a great option for all those kids who are just starting out on their 'riding' journey, as well as for those parents who are on a tight budget and cannot afford to buy new equipment. On the other hand, finding a good second hand kids’ bike in the market can be difficult. Because the bike has already been used by someone else, you may need to temper your high expectations, as well as the overall quality of the product in comparison to a new one.

The developmental truth is that children outgrow bikes relatively quickly. Buying used bikes instead makes sense indefinitely.

When it comes to second hand kids’ bike, extreme caution is required before purchasing one. Before you pay for a bike, make sure it's in good condition, safe, and fully functional. Let alone minor flaws like fading color or a few scratches here and there.

This article will walk you through the process of purchasing a second hand kids’ bike.

When considering purchasing a second hand kids’ bike, keep the following tips in mind. They might come in handy at some point during your second hand kids’ bike buying.

Take precautions when buying a second hand kids’ bike

So many second hand kids’ bike on the market are stolen; make sure the bike you're interested in buying isn't stolen by asking the seller about the bike's history, previous owners, and where it was first purchased – just like you would when buying a used car. If the seller seems evasive or unable to answer your questions, walk away – there will be other bikes available.

In addition to ensuring that the bike has not been stolen, you must ensure that it is suitable and safe for your child to ride. Arrange a test ride whenever possible so that you can ensure not only that the second hand kids’ bike works properly but also that it fits your child properly. When the saddle is at its lowest setting, your child's toes should be touching the ground; this way, the bike will last them another couple of growth spurts because there is room to raise the saddle height.

You should also ensure that the second hand kids’ bike is not too heavy for your child to carry and that the size is proportionate to their frame. Under fours require wheels that are less than 16 inches in diameter; four to six year olds require 16 inch wheels; six to ten year olds require 20 inch wheels; and nine to twelve year olds require 24 inch wheels.

Have you considered all of this? Then you simply need to ensure that the bike is fully operational so that you don't end up spending money on expensive new parts or, worse, end up with an injured child.

FORK & FRAME

A faulty frame or fork renders a second hand kids’ bike practically useless. Because this is the only component of the second hand kids’ bike that cannot be replaced, you should ensure that it is in good working order before making a purchase. You should be able to inspect the second hand kids’ bike in person to see if there are any signs of damage. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

• Cracks
• Dents
• Rust
• Bends in the tubing that can cause alignment issues
• Corrosion is indicated by bubbling under the paint.

Examine the second hand kids’ bike carefully for these signs of damage and, if possible, take a test ride to see if the bike can maintain a straight line of travel.

HEADSET & STEERER

While bearings aren't particularly expensive, it's still a good idea to inspect the headset before purchasing. By applying pressure to both brake levers and rocking the second hand kids’ bike back and forth, you can accomplish this. If you hear or feel a knocking noise around the headset, it may need to be serviced.

A problem like this could also indicate that the owner hasn't properly maintained the bike. Proceed with caution and keep an eye out for other common signs of neglect as you conduct the inspection

If the second hand kids’ bike you're thinking about buying has a carbon steerer, make sure it's free of corrosion and other damage. You can check this by removing the fork and inspecting the crown for corrosion, or by lifting the front wheel off the ground and allowing the handlebars to swing side to side. You may encounter difficulties if the handlebars remain in the middle rather than swinging left to right.

TIRES AND WHEELS

While you can always use wheels from another second hand kids’ bike or upgrade them later, they are important to check if you don't have the money for an extra set, as they are more than likely the bike's second most expensive single component.

Lift each wheel off the ground and spin it to ensure that the wheels are true. A millimeter or two of wobble is easily fixed, but be wary of any drastic side-to-side movement, which could indicate a larger problem.

Squeezing the spokes together will reveal the spoke tension. They should be tight and not move too much. Inspect the braking surfaces for signs of extreme wear as well. If the brake track is concave rather than flat, the wheels have most likely outlived their usefulness.

Tires are less expensive to replace than wheels, but take a look at them while you're inspecting to determine their overall condition. Examine the surface for cracks, bulges, and gashes that indicate the need for replacement.

DRIVETRAIN

When inspecting a drivetrain, it's a good idea to start with the chain. While the chain isn't always the most expensive part of the drivetrain, problems with it may indicate that other parts of the drivetrain need to be replaced as well.

Put the second hand kids’ bike on the biggest chainring and the largest rear cog to check the chain. Remove the chain from the chainring. If there's a very small gap, the chain is probably fine, but if there's a large gap, over 1/2-inch or so, the chain and other parts of the drivetrain, such as the cassette and chainrings on the front crank, may be worn.

The front and rear derailleurs are the next components to inspect. Check these by shifting up and down the rear cassette and switching from the large to the small chain ring in the front. You should be fine if the shifting is smooth. If this is not the case, the parts or cables may need to be replaced.

BRAKES & BOTTOM BRACKET

The bottom bracket is another fairly expensive component that you may or may not be able to replace right away. By grabbing one of the crank arms and moving it side to side, you can determine if this part needs to be replaced. This part may be worn and should be replaced if there is excessive movement or a knocking sound.

When testing the brakes, avoid squeezing the brake levers at the front of the second hand kids’ bike because the problem could be the brake cables themselves, which are simple to replace. Instead, use your hand to squeeze the brake calipers together. The brake pads should easily contact the brake track and return to their original position without much effort.

Additional Checklist for Purchasing a Second Hand Kids’ Bike

Before you hand over any form of payment for your child's new second hand kids’ bike, make sure you thoroughly go through the following checklist:

Is there any rust on the second hand kids’ bike, particularly on the chain? A rusted bike is a poorly maintained bike, and there are likely to be additional hidden issues if this is the case.

How are the tyres doing? You'll need new ones if they're flat, cracked, or bald. Determine whether the second hand kids’ bike is still worth purchasing, and if so, make sure to negotiate a discount.

Has the paintwork been scuffed? Sure, there will be a few scrapes and scratches on a used bike (especially a kid's one), but any serious scuffing could be evidence of a bad crash, which could mean that other parts of the bike are also damaged.

Is it possible to wobble the wheels? You should not be able to do so. Also, thoroughly inspect the spokes to ensure that none of them are broken or loose.

How worn are the brake pads? Check the brakes on the bike before letting your child ride it. A second hand kids’ bike should be able to be slowed with the lightest of touches.

Are the pedals spinning smoothly? Make your child cycle in a small circle so you can see (and they can feel) if the pedals are spinning properly. At the same time, keep an ear out for rattles and other unwelcome noises – any of these sounds are likely to indicate a poorly maintained second hand kids’ bike.

Do the forks have symmetry? When bike forks bend, it usually indicates that the bike has been in a crash.

• Is the bike equipped with mudguards? If so, make sure they aren't cracked so that a piece doesn't break off and get stuck in the tyre while your child is out cycling.
• Is the frame dingy? This is another simple way to tell if the second hand kids’ bike has been in a crash. If there is a dent, it may not be a problem if all of the vital mechanisms have been properly repaired – ask the seller how the second hand kids’ bike got dented, if it was in a crash, and if it has been serviced and had any work done since.
• Has the chain been worn? If the chain is just clogged with grease, a good scrub and a dash of oil should be enough to fix it, but if it is properly worn, you'll need to buy your child a new one.

When purchasing a used bike for your child, it's always a good idea to stop by your local bike shop for a quick safety check or service. With a professional's approval, you can be confident that it is in good working order.

Where Can I Find Second Hand Kids’ Bikes?

People frequently buy second hand kids’ bikes from family members or friends they trust, but there are times when you need to look a little further afield, and this is when you need to be a little more cautious.

Of course, hopagain.com is fantastic for finding a plethora of second hand kids’ bikes in one place, but it is extremely difficult to choose a good used bike based on a couple of photos and a brief description. Before you start bidding, try to find a bike from a local seller and ask for a test ride..

Wherever you end up buying your child's used bike, make sure to go through the ten-step checklist above before making a purchase.