Buying a used bike, things to check.

[GuyBoden]

Check that a used bike is not stolen:

Here's the link to the doc:
https://checkthatbike.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/checklist.pdf

It's a good idea to check the bike's frame number on the bike checker web sites.
https://www.bikeregister.com/bike-checker
https://checkthatbike.co.uk/
http://www.bikeshepherd.org/

After purchasing the bike, it might be worthwhile registering your bike.
https://www.bikeregister.com
https://www.immobilise.com/
http://www.bikeshepherd.org/

 

[mjr]

After purchasing the bike, it might be worthwhile registering your bike.

I'd keep note of the details and register it ONLY if it gets nicked. At least one of those commercial websites has published details by mistake in the past and anyway, they're run to make money out of people.

 

[MontyVeda]

If you're not willing to do a bit of maintenance and just want to buy and ride, you might want to check the gears, brakes, wheels for trueness, etc.

If you are willing to do a bit of maintenance and don't mind fixing it up, you might want to check the gears, brakes, wheels, etc... and haggle the price down a tad

 

[GuyBoden]

I'd keep note of the details and register it ONLY if it gets nicked. At least one of those commercial websites has published details by mistake in the past.

That's terrible, by any chance, do you know which Bike Security website published the details by mistake, so I can remove my details.

Thanks
Guy

 

[mjr]

That's terrible, by any chance, do you know which Bike Security website published the details by mistake, so I can remove my details.

Took a while but I found my old post that says it was Immobilise and links to https://www.grahamcluley.com/2015/01/immobilise-national-property-register-data/ - but I don't see why you would trust the others any more. It's not like they let you use your own strong encryption keys for the sensitive data or anything like that.

 

[Illaveago]

Isn't it nice that we don't ask how many it has done when buying a used bike!