What to look for in a bike on KSL Classifieds

This article was originally published on the KSL Classifieds Resource Center. To view the original article click here.

Whether you're looking for a fun new way to get in shape, trying to minimize your carbon footprint or just like to bike, KSL Classifieds is a great way to find your next set of wheels. Buying a used bicycle on KSL Classifieds is easy, but choosing the right bike might not be as simple as you might think it will be.

When looking for your next bike, it's important to consider how you'll be using it, how much you're willing to spend on it and the quality of the bike you're eyeing. It's a detailed process, but KSL Classifieds is here to help you through it, just like a parent helping their kid ride a bike for the first time. No, we're not going to let go, we promise.

Types of bikes

There are all sorts of bicycles out there and all sorts of ways to ride them. And we don't just mean "on the pegs" or "no hands."

Road bikes

The most common type of bike you see on the — you guessed it — road. Road bikes typically have a drop-bar handlebar and thinner wheels, both of which usually take some getting used to. There are all manners of road bikes, from vintage ten-speeds to performance racers that cost more than a modest home. Newbies who aren't training for anything serious are probably alright to let their budget guide their purchase, so long as the bike is comfortable and rides well.

What to look for: It might sound silly, but gears. There are lots of bargains on fixed gear bikes (also known as "fixies" or "single speeds") and bikes with a minimal number of gears, but when you're new to the sport you'll need all the help you can get. Get a bike with a full complement of gears (numbers like 2x9 or 3x9 may indicate this). Lower gears make the bike easier to pedal and are used on uphills, while higher gears add more resistance and are used on downhills.

Browse road bikes.

Mountain bikes

If you're looking for a mountain bike, we've got two sets of good news. One, there are a ton on KSL Classifieds. Two, Utah has some of the best mountain biking in the country! Built to handle off-road surfaces and quick changes in terrain, mountain bikes come with shock-absorbing features (also known as suspension), sturdy frames and thick wheels. Because of the added technical features and their role in rider safety, you'll likely pay more for an entry-level mountain bike than you would for a beginner road bike, and should inspect used models closely.

The two main types of mountain bikes are hardtails, which feature a suspension fork only in the front, and full suspension bikes, which have suspension in the front and rear. Hardtail bikes are usually less expensive and require less maintenance. They're typically a favorite of cross-country or distance riders who want to keep their weight down, climb more easily and won't be tackling any terrain that's too serious. Meanwhile, those looking to hit Insta-worthy drops and visit lift-accessible downhill trails at their local ski resort should look for the forgiving ride of a full-suspension bike.

What to look for: Suspension. If you're new to mountain biking, your bike should definitely have suspension in some fashion. Avoid cheaper "rigid" bikes and you'll avoid headaches, or, more appropriately, buttaches.

Browse mountain bikes.

Gravel bikes

The best of both worlds! With gravel bikes, you've got the familiar and lightweight build of a road bike with enough sturdiness to handle mild off-road terrain. They're built with thicker tires than road bikes to handle dirt roads and mellow trails (like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail). They're perfect for people who want the option to explore a bit off the beaten path while still maintaining the ability to ride well on roads. In fact, gravel bikes' wider tires make them a great option for people intimidated by the itsy bitsy tires you find on road bikes.

What to look for: Accessory and luggage mounts. Whether you're trying to picnic near your favorite trailhead or head out on a multi-day bikepacking voyage, a great feature of gravel bikes is their ability to hold pannier bags and other luggage. Since one of the allures of gravel biking is wandering off the beaten path, why not load up some supplies and enjoy the unbeaten path to the fullest?

Browse gravel bikes.

Hybrid/Fitness bikes

If your road biking mainly consists of the road to the coffee shop and back, you might consider looking for a hybrid bike. Hybrid bikes ride the line between the sturdiness of a mountain bike and the light, smooth ride of a road bike. They're most similar to the all-around bikes you probably had as a kid, and are perfect for bike path adventures and easygoing rides around town. Many even come with cargo racks to load up the grocery bags or picnic supplies.

What to look for: Gears. As romantic as it is to picture yourself riding to the park on a beach cruiser, there are a lot of hills around these parts. Pushing your bike up a five-block hill on the side of the road in the summer is not romantic.

Browse hybrid/fitness bikes.

BMX bikes

Also known as stunt bikes, these smaller bikes have the least moving parts out of any segment on this list. They're usually fixed gear, feature shorter seats and often only have rear brakes. BMX bikes are built for agility and quick steering in order to handle tricks and jumps, and are usually ridden in bike or skate parks.

What to look for: A park near you! There are plenty of bike-specific parks around Utah, including 9 Line and I-Street in the Salt Lake region. You can also take your budding skills to the local skate park (and maybe bust out an ollie or two while you're at it).

Browse BMX bikes.

Electric bikes

Some purists might roll their eyes at electric bikes, or e-bikes, but they've opened the joys of cycling up to a wider range of age groups and ability levels. E-bikes don't do all the work for you. Rather, they feature pedal-assist motors that allow the bike to get more energy and distance from your effort. They're a great option for people with bike-friendly commuting distances but not quite bike-friendly terrain along the way (or sweat-friendly offices).

Nearly all the types of bikes discussed above have electric options, but there may be some restrictions on which trails you can ride electric mountain or gravel bikes. For instance, as of 2022, Summit County trails do not allow e-bikes. Check up on your local laws before you hit the trails.

What to look for: Pedal assist levels. Most electric bikes allow you to shift through levels of assistance like you would shift through gears, allowing you to ride normally on the flat and feel like a superhero once you hit a hill.

Browse electric bikes.

Know before you buy

While you're looking for your new or new-to-you bike on KSL Classifieds, there are a few things to be cautious of. Make sure you're getting a quality bike and not falling victim to a scam by keeping an eye for these warning signs:

The deal looks too good to be true

It probably is. This is a common tactic of scammers, especially with bikes. The low price might indicate that the bike is stolen, and the thief is just trying to get it off their hands. If the cops or the new owners come knockin' after you buy it, you'll be out your bike and your money. If you see a bike listing that you think is stolen, please report it.

The seller is hesitant to meet up

If the bike is real and in good condition, there are very few reasons the seller shouldn't want to meet up in a public place to show it to you. Any hesitation on their part could be a red flag.

The listing features only stock photos

This rule of thumb is actually a bit tricky with bike sales. Normally, a single stock photo on a listing would be cause for alarm, but since many bike sellers on KSL Classifieds are retail bike shops, this is sometimes common practice. Google the store and check the seller's other listings — if anything seems fishy, move on from the listing.

Use these other helpful tips to avoid fraud while shopping on KSL Classifieds.

What to look for when you see the bike in person

Just like any other item you buy on KSL Classifieds, you'll want to meet with the seller (in a public place) to make sure the item is shipshape. But examining a bike is a lot more complicated than examining a couch or a cabinet. Here's what to look for:

Fit

If you're serious about cycling, head into your local bike shop and find out exactly what your ideal bike size is. If you're willing to fudge the numbers a bit in the name of saving some cash, a simple test ride should do the trick. Be warned, you will not "get used to" the wrong size. If you're uncomfortable riding around a grocery store parking lot, you'll definitely be uncomfortable on long training rides.

Damage

Check for cracks, rust, dents, bends and paint bubbles (if you're looking at a carbon bike, cracks are especially concerning). To check for bends (which are harder to spot) give the bike a ride; if you can normally ride without hands just fine but are struggling to do so on this bike, there may be some bends in the frame. If you can't normally ride without hands, it's probably not the time to impress a stranger.

Wheels

Spin the wheels and check for side-to-side wobbles. A little bit of play is fine, but anything more than that is cause for alarm. You should also squeeze the spokes to make sure they're nice and tight.

Brakes

It's best to test the brakes on a nice flat surface at a slow speed and save the hills for later. In fact, since problems with the brakes could be due to easily-replaceable cables, it's best to test the brake calipers (tire squeezer things) directly, before riding the bike. Squeeze the calipers and make sure they move easily and spring back quickly.

Pedals

Are they on the bike? That might sound like a silly question, but many sellers — especially those with high end bikes — decide to keep their expensive pedals and sell the bike without any. You should also check what type of pedals the bike has. It'll likely have either traditional flat pedals or clipless pedals (which are actually "clip-in" pedals). Clipless pedals provide better power transfer and control, but mountain bikers often prefer flats for more freedom of movement.

Gears

Cycle through the gears while you ride to make sure they function properly. Gear issues are certainly no death sentence on a bike, but you should know whether or not you'll have to take your new bike in for a tune-up and factor that into your decision-making.

When in doubt, talk to the experts

Speaking of shops, it's a good idea to take your bike into your local shop once you've made the purchase. They can tell you if anything needs fixing before it's roadworthy. Sure, you might find out that you accidentally bought a clunker, but it's better to get your bike working properly than to take an unsafe bike on the road.

Another good idea is to bring a knowledgeable friend with you when you go to look at the bike. It's Utah, so bike-loving friends shouldn't be too hard to find, but in case you can't find anyone, allow this detailed video to be your friend.

KSL Classifieds is proud to provide local riders with a way to find new bikes for the road or trail. Shop for your next bike today, and snag some bike accessories to go along with your new wheels while you're at it.

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