Sorry if this type of post is annoying. I haven’t had a bike since I was a teenager, recently moved closer to my job and am looking to buy this bike off FB marketplace as a daily commuter to save on gas. It’s a REI CTY 1.2, I’m going to look and perhaps buy tomorrow and just realized I have no idea what to look for as possible red flags or damage (outside of glaringly obvious things). Asking price is 350 which I think seems reasonable. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated
by Traditional_Log_2022
2 Comments
Really basic stuff off the top of my head:
-If you have one, bring a multitool or set of allen keys and set the saddle height properly. For a quick bike fit, you can sit on the saddle, put your heel on the pedal and pedal backwards. When the pedal is farthest away, you should be able to extend your leg fully without rocking your hips or shifting your weight. When pedalling normally with the ball of the foot, your leg should not lock or extend fully.
-Ride the thing. Check the brakes. Check the shifting; all gear configurations without cross chaining (meaning: don’t put the chain in the biggest ring in the front and the smallest in the back or vice versa.) Look at the wheels, make sure they aren’t doing anything fucky. Listen for weird noises like creaking or rattling. Sometimes it’s not serious, sometimes it is.
-Know your prices: what’s comparable, what else is around, how old is it, what would it sell for new?
If you aren’t experienced with bike repairs, or if this is a necessary piece of equipment that must be in working order every day or you’re fucked, be prepared to walk away if anything is amiss with it.
Good luck. Don’t get robbed!
I checked using the website bicyclebluebook without knowing what year the bike is, and here is the first bike that came up.
[https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/2017%20Co-op%20Cycles%20CTY%201.2?condition=GOOD](https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/2017%20Co-op%20Cycles%20CTY%201.2?condition=GOOD)
Private Range$238 – $246