what to check 2nd hand

[stalagmike]

I got it! Looks in prettt good shape to me. Wheels true. No obvious damage to frame. Teeth on sprockets fine. Went up and down through the gears ok on test ride. Seller said everything was original, so will probably get a new chain and maybe tires if I am feeling flush. All in all it looks ready to go! I can now join the Triban owners group...

 

[vickster]

Vittoria Rubino tyres are a good budget option at under a tenner each

 

[mjr]

Loosen the saddle and check seat post isn't stuck [as above] if it's solid it can be fixed but again it's a pain.

Oh yeah, I forgot this: a subtle way to test if the seatpost and stem are mobile is to ask for the saddle and bar heights to be changed slightly for a test ride (or sit-on test of the fit, if the bike is being sold as needing work before it's safe to ride) - whether or not they really need to be changed for you

Paulerspury. Now there's a name which takes me back. Part of the reason I started cycling longer distances was the school bus getting wedged in Plumpton End (it did say it was unsuitable for wide vehicles IIRC) and me thinking "well, what if that happens on the way to an exam?"

 

[biggs682]

Vittoria Rubino tyres are a good budget option at under a tenner each

i use Rubino's and like them

 

[stalagmike]

@vickster @biggs682 where's the best place to get rubinos at the moment?

 

[vickster]

Check Google

Wiggle competitive prices. They are cheaper if you go for the wired ones with some tread. Check minimum delivery etc, Evans price match and you can collect in store

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/vittoria-rubino-wire-bead-clincher-tyre/

Personally I like the Rubino pro slicks but they are more like £18 from memory

 

[biggs682]

@vickster @biggs682 where's the best place to get rubinos at the moment?

chain reaction have some on offer but strange colour combinations http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vittoria-rubino-road-bike-tyre/rp-prod31768

or halfords http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/vittoria-rubino-tyre

neither as cheap as wiggle but free delivery from CRC

 

[vickster]

Wiggle deliver free if spend £20 I think. Easy enough to spend another £6, couple of inner tubes, bottle cages, a multi tool etc

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I'd actually spend as much attention on the seller as on the bike. Does (s)he strike you as a decent sort of bod? Wrong'uns aren't usually hard to spot, and people who aren't will generally be straight with you.

^^^^ This is so true, I have bought cars before without even really looking around them & certainly without starting the engine just based on the seller.

 

[biggs682]

@vickster @biggs682 where's the best place to get rubinos at the moment?

@stalagmike if not already bought some try http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/vittoria-rubino-3-rigid-tyre-vittoria/

 

[swee'pea99]

@stalagmike if not already bought some try http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/vittoria-rubino-3-rigid-tyre-vittoria/

Thanks for the tip! Just went & bought some. Bargain at that price.

 

[stalagmike]

@stalagmike if not already bought some try http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/vittoria-rubino-3-rigid-tyre-vittoria/

This is great. Now I just have to decide between a like for like replacement of 23c or go up to 25. But that's a whole different thread!

 

[biggs682]

This is great. Now I just have to decide between a like for like replacement of 23c or go up to 25. But that's a whole different thread!

well today i have just been out on some schwalbe lugano's (2016) and i was well impressed £16.95 for the pr from Absolute Cyles on e bay in 25c size well impressed

 

[vickster]

This is great. Now I just have to decide between a like for like replacement of 23c or go up to 25. But that's a whole different thread!

Will you be able to fit mudguards with 25s? Personally I have 23s on all bikes, I like coloured tyres and you can't get them in 25s. Also, personally can tell no difference from those 2mm, not a pro looking for marginal gains!

 

[mjr]

28s minimum if you've space.