How to Buy a Used BMX Bike

If you’re considering buying a used BMX bike, we’ve put together a checklist to help you make a smart purchase.

As kids grow, they will likely grow out of their BMX bikes too. Buying a used BMX bike could save you some cash, but you need to use caution. We have some tips and advice to help you figure out if a used bike is a good deal.

Before Buying a Used BMX Bike

All good things come at a price but that price should, at least, be reasonable! Whether you’re just getting started with BMX, or you’re already a seasoned rider, it’s important to have a bike that is in excellent condition, purchased at an affordable price.

Before you start shopping for a used BMX bike you should know your budget. We always recommend that you buy the best bike you can within your budget.

Where to Find BMX Bikes for Sale

One way to find that perfect pairing of cost and efficiency is by browsing through used equipment. You can find good quality, used BMX bikes for sale at online on sites like Craigslist or Facebook.

You can also find cheap BMX bikes for sale at your local BMX track. Check to see if anyone is selling equipment on the track’s Facebook page or at a race.

What to Look for in a Used BMX Bike

So, what should you look for in a bike, and where should you even begin to look?

Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you are looking for affordable, high quality, second-hand gear!

Browse Around: Don’t scan the first page of craigslist and call it a day. Search around, both online and IRL, to find exactly what your looking for at the best price. Places like The Pros Closet, EBay, online niche forums, and even pawnshops, will offer a wider range of selection then the front page of any one website.

Give it a Once Over: Before buying any equipment, you or someone you trust, should look over the bike and ensure that it isn’t damaged. Ask the owner why they are selling it in the first place; and give it a good once over to see if there are any obvious signs of a recent crash or accident, such as mismatched wheels. Does the bike look like it was taken care of.

In-depth Inspection: Once you’ve ensured that there are no obvious signs of damage, a more thorough inspection is recommended. Check over the bike as if you were performing routine maintenance on it; try the wheels, inspect the spokes, the drive chain, the cables, the breaks, and every other part of the bike. Look for signs that might show the bike is wearing down. Check out the paint job. Peeling paint may only be aesthetic problem, but it can also indicate structural problems in a bike. Here’s a great article on what to look for in an in-depth inspection.

Listen Closely: In addition to looking the bike over, it is also important to listen for unusual rattling or clanking noises. You want to make sure that every part of the is in good, working order. Be prepared to potentially replace any part that isn’t up to par before you race.

Test Ride: Safely and slowly, test-ride your bike to see how it works. That way, you can detect any problems your eyes and ears didn’t already catch.

If you are still uncertain about the condition of your bike, it is a good idea to take it to a bike shop to be inspected.

There may be a charge for this service, but a one-time fee is well worth the peace of mind it will bring. Buying second-hand is always a bit of a gamble, but if you go in with your eyes and ears open, you can come out with a great bike.