[burnhambiker]

Hello,

I’m planning on upgrading my 1st entry level road bike to something a bit better as I’ve got the cycling bug.

Found a Trek Domane 4.5 disc (2015/2016) bike in relatively good condition on Facebook marketplace.

Owner has done 2000km on it but it does look in good working order.

Keen to understand important checks I should do when going to see it. I’ll definitely be looking at wear of chain and the owner has kindly said I can take it for a mile spin around the block to get a feel for it and put it through a quick test.

Any help appreciated to make sure I do as many checks as possible to avoid buying something that might need lots of work.

Thanks

Topic

[David9694]

Stick with the credit card

Stick with the credit card approach on rim wear – there is such a wide range of wear indicators.  It should be a straight edge – if it dinks inwards, that is wear. 
 

Search on Road.CC – LOL

[burnhambiker]

100% agree on the seller
100% agree on the seller point. The seller was clearly very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all disciplines of cycling, which was evident in the collection of bikes in his lock up. It was his run through of the bike and understanding of how he had used the bike that gave me enough trust and credibility to go ahead with it.

[kil0ran]

Couple of general things to

Couple of general things to add if this thread pops up more regularly in search:

1. Check the tyres for cracking. If the bike has been stood for a while, possibly with a slow puncture, you might get cracking on the sidewalls. I’ve had this with a couple of sets of used wheels with Vittoria tyres but it’s not specific to that brand. 

2. If it’s a rim brake bike check the brake track for wear. There are usually wear indicators (a dimple) on the track or you can just hold a straight edge against it (bank card will do) and eyeball it.

If you’re buying in person though the main thing is to ask questions of the seller. This also works online to a certain extent. How much do they know about the bike, what sort of riding do they do, etc. In my experience cycling enthusiasts take care of bikes and love to talk about it. It’s not a guarantee of a good bike but it goes a long way. 

[don simon fbpe]

Enjoy it to within an inch of

Enjoy it to within an inch of its life!

[burnhambiker]

Thanks all for the help. Took
Thanks all for the help. Took all the advice on board and also came across this GCN video https://youtu.be/boslRs4BfwY which helped me feel confident when inspecting the bike.

Previous owner was moving to a gravel bike that he could convert when needed to a road bike so didn’t need a separate road bike. Well looked after bike and clearly the owner was gutted to see it go.

Excited to get out on the road and give it a proper spin.

Thanks again!

[David9694]

Reason for the sale? Vendor

Reason for the sale? Vendor should be able to say what he’s used it for, the 2000 km. If it’s “dunno, I’m selling it for a mate/relative” be very wary. The main thing apart from has it been stolen is has it been crashed – as others are saying.  

Are the wheels reasonably true, do the gears and brakes work? Does the seatpost move ok? 

Apply the front brake and push back and forth for headset issues (might only be grease or adjustment needed), and wibble both rims for play. You ideally want the chain off to check the cranks – they too should turn smoothly without play. 

Expect to replace chain, bar tape and probably tyres. 

[don simon fbpe]

Most components can easily be

Most components can easily be replaced and offer a chance to drive down the price. I’d be concerned about stuff that would need specialist tools or a visit to the bike shop.

Is the frame good? Straight and no cracks.

Wheels? Although easily fixable, can be a ball ache.

How easy to get to the crank set and bottom bracket? Special tools needed?

Then usual sign for wear, tear and abuse as mentioned above.

[hawkinspeter]

I wouldn’t be too bothered

I wouldn’t be too bothered about wear on the drivetrain as they’re mainly consumables, though you could probably drive down the price if you can show that they need replacing straight away. It’s worth checking that the gears work smoothly without any sign of chain rubbing too.

As well as checking for “play” in the cranks, see if the wheels have any lateral movement as that would indicate worn bearings. Similarly, the front fork/handlebars shouldn’t have any play in them (worn headset bearings) and be able to turn smoothly and easily.

Most important is to check the frame and handlebars for signs of falling damage. If there’s significant scuffing on one side of the handlebar/shifters then it could well have more damage elsewhere. Check the frame for any cracks and possibly tap around the frame to help identify structural damage which would make the purchase unwise. It’s tricky as you can get superficial damage to a frame/paintwork which is not a problem.

[HoldingOn]

Someone will be able to give

Someone will be able to give a much more detailed list, but as a starter and based purely on wear and tear I look out for on my bike:

Give the cranks a sideways shake, checking for “wobble” – a good indicator of the state of the bottom bracket.
A badly worn chain could also wear out the rear casette/chainring, so have a look at the teeth – I believe the term is “shark tooth” – the teeth will look sharp.
Wear on the disc brakes. Are they obviously thinner where the brake pads press.
Wobble in the wheels – I normal hold my thumb on the frame, as close as I can get to the rim without touching it and spin the wheel. It should be evenly spaced all the way round.

[Author]

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