2nd hand bike, advice needed

[hammerheads]

Hi there, I'm looking to buy my first assisted bike. Don't want to buy brand new then find out it's not for me so I'm looking at 2nd hand. I've seen a 2nd hand Kudos Tourer for sale, price is really good but I'm a tad wary. Chances are the test ride will consist of a quick go up the street and back, I can't think of any discernible way to test the battery and electrics. Should I steer clear? (no pun intended!) On paper this seems like an ideal way for me to dip a toe in the water without incurring massive expense. If I knew the seller personally it'd be a no-brainer but I don't

Stephen

 

[hammerheads]

Hi there, I'm looking to buy my first assisted bike. Don't want to buy brand new then find out it's not for me so I'm looking at 2nd hand. I've seen a 2nd hand Kudos Tourer for sale, price is really good but I'm a tad wary. Chances are the test ride will consist of a quick go up the street and back, I can't think of any discernible way to test the battery and electrics. Should I steer clear? (no pun intended!) On paper this seems like an ideal way for me to dip a toe in the water without incurring massive expense. If I knew the seller personally it'd be a no-brainer but I don't

Stephen

Should have said, the bike is approx 3 years old

 

[Emo Rider]

First of all is there anyway of checking to see how many miles is on the bike? If it was used as a commuter, it is easy to rack upwards of 2,500 miles a year. In three years a battery can be on its last legs, with over 60% of its capacity used up, and a short ride will not reveal this. The formula (as I know it) for determing a used e bike price goes something like this: A £1,000 bike one year old is worth £600. Two years old, £400. After two years the battery can be just about used up on a high milage bike costing about £250/£300 to replace. With bike in good shape and a new battery the
bike is reasonably priced.

Some e bike shops take bikes they have sold as trades when exisiting customers upgrade. Or they advertise the used bike on their website on behalf of the customer. I see a lot of bargin bikes that people purchased needing costly repairs or replacements.

Hope this helps, cheers

 

[hammerheads]

Thanks for the response, what a friendly welcoming site! The 3 yr old Kudos bike is ony £250 but going off what you're saying the battery could be on its last legs. Hmmm

 

[Emo Rider]

Thanks for the response, what a friendly welcoming site! The 3 yr old Kudos bike is ony £250 but going off what you're saying the battery could be on its last legs. Hmmm

If the bicycle is in good shape and the electrics work add say £250 for a battery and you have a decent £500 bike. Downside is no warranty. Also, I would check the chain and freewheel for wear. On the chainring, try to pull the chain off of the teeth. In the chain comes away enough to to clear the top of the gear teeth, the chain and freewheel will require replacement now or soon.

Some brands have attractive financing on new models. You get a warranty and a dealer that will look after you and your bike. If you are buying a used bike, do you have an e bike shop close by to help you out?