• Questions to ask about a bike prior to purchasing.bicycle image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Buying a used bike can be easy as long as you know the essential questions to ask your seller. Before contacting any seller, make sure that the bike they are selling is the type that you want, as there are many different bikes on the market specially made for a variety of activities from beach cruising to mountain biking to road travel. When you have decided what type of bike to purchase, there are general questions that you can ask the seller to make sure that you are getting your money's worth.
  
  

Why Are You Selling?

• Asking for the reason of the sale will give you an idea if you should pursue the purchase. If the seller says the bike has not been used for a long time and needs to be disposed of, that means you need a lot of repairs and reconditioning at your expense. Ask if the seller is the first owner. If the bike has ever belonged to a teenager or older child, it's possible it has been the victim of some rough handling. Ask also about the bike's brand. If the manufacturer is no longer in business, you may have trouble finding replacement parts.
  
  

Does It Need Replacement Parts?

• Maintenance on a bicycle is essential. Since major parts of the bike are made of metal, it constantly needs repairs and maintenance. The gears and brakes need to be oiled regularly, and the tires and wheels need periodical attention as well. When you ask the seller about the bike's maintenance, you will get an idea of the bike's condition.
  
  Find out where the bicycle has been stored. Bikes stored outside will have had exposure to the elements, which will lessen the lifespan of the bike.
  
  

May I Test the Bike?

• Since bikes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, testing it is the best way to gauge if the bike is right for your build. Adjusting the bike's seat and handlebars are usually the basic solutions, but you will never be able to check this if you don't try the bike first. During testing, you will also be able to determine the general condition of the bike and how well it responds to your actions. If the seller is too far, you can ask the dimensions of the bike to get an idea on how well you will be able to fit with the bike.
  
  

Is The Price Negotiable?

• Never hesitate to ask the seller if the price is negotiable when you are ready to make the purchase. Once you have assessed the bike's condition, estimate a price that you are willing to pay for it. If the condition of the bike is not worth the seller's price ask her if she is are willing to compromise.