Are there any obvious things to check for? Quick tests you can perform when checking a 2nd hand bike over?
Other than turning up and kicking the tyres.
anythign with a bearing - smooth and turns freely (hubs, freehub, BB, headset).
eveythign 'square'.
seatpost moves in frame
brakes work
take a chain checker - is it worn (yes = new chain, casette and chainrings).
derailleuers - all work and not worn.
frame number under bb still there
any creases in paintwork, specially on the downtube.
wheel bearings, no sideways wheel wobble
headset, front brake on rock forwards n back to check for looseness.
check seatpost in frame, that it is not rusted in.
bb, check not loose by holding both pedals and moce from side to side.
Check that the fork steerer hasn't been attacked with an angle grinder 😯
[url] http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/conned-repairing-badly-gouged-steerer-that-is-too-loose-for-a-crown-race [/url]
Have a good look over the frame for any crash damage, where the down tube meets the head tube is the most common place.
can you afford to loose the money if the frame breaks if not then buy new, have had 2 frames in the past both have let go on welds mostly and not repairable and no warranty, am on my last secondhand buy now if this fails it will always be new
That it hasn't been recently nicked. A receipt would be good or photos of frame in use by current owner. Oh and make sure it fits too, can you get post and saddle to where you need them, can you drop the saddle far enough too, if that's your style.
check all welds for any cracks.
Only buy a second hand bike that has had an easy life ???
Lots of them around.