ontodva

I'm about to advertise my old bike for £130 in Gumtree and I know I need to offer a test ride. Luckily next door flats has a car park with one exit. Still I don't know what conditions to insist on. Full negotiated sale cash in my pocket and I'll go next door with the potential buyer. He can ride off with a receipt or get the money back if I get the bike. That's what I'm thinking.

Do you think buyers come with any particular expectations over this? And am I asking too much, full sale price in advance? It's in London.

ClydeClydeson

You don't need to allow a test ride. On an inexpensive bike like that, you will find people who are content to give the bike a thorough inspection and take a chance. Especially living in a big city with a bike theft problem, there will be loads of people who understand, and even if someone is pissed off because you didn't let them test ride it, another more reasonable person will be along very soon.

You can also use your judgement about the people who are looking at it. There is no rule that you have to treat every potential buyer the same way. If you think someone is sketchy, they don't get a test ride.

Barry2 

I've had a seller keep my wife as a deposit, that let me just go.
I've had a seller grab a bike and come with me on the test ride.

Last time I sold, I let the guy ride off on his own taking my Cervelo R3 with him.
I was comfortable in seeing his wife and child parked in my drive way.

My ad's state "Cash in hand" but it's often not necessary. See who turns up to purchase, then make a decision on how you feel about it.

Barry

Chandne

Expensive bikes are where you have to be really careful. I'm getting ready to sell one and am thinking about what to do. I guess ask for cash in hand or keep the keys to the vehicle? What if they crash though? You can't make them hand over the cash so that seems safest, even if the buyer feels really iffy about handing over $5000-$6000.

tempocyclist

I've never felt the need to test ride a second hand bike. For only 130 pounds tell them they can take it or leave it!

Speedway2

For some that may be a trade willing to be made....

Chandne

Depends on how long they keep her. If it is just temporary/hours, it is not a good deal at all.

Barry2 

My wife may read this forum.
The only comment I'll make is.... It was a nice bike!

Barry

CliffordK

I've had sellers insist that I did a test ride (which I would do remaining in sight).

In general when I've bought bikes, I've either ridden a bike (which is left where I'm testing), or drive (also left out front).

Nonetheless, evaluate the situation and do what you think is necessary depending on the situation. London may be different from many small cities around the world.

GlennR

Ask for his car keys.

Milton Keynes

Depending on what your/their wife looks like, you might get a good trade for the bike.

GlennR

Rolla

Keep it simple: ask to hold his phone until he gets back.

Milton Keynes

Now I know what to do with my old smartphone with the cracked screen.

livedarklions

Or drivers license. I've had stores do that.

kahn

My local bike shop did that when I was test riding bikes. They also took a credit card number just in case, too.

Milton Keynes

Preferably give them the card number of someone with good credit.

cbrstar

The only time I let a guy take a test ride. The idiot took off like bat out of hell to show off to his girlfriend that's with him. Gets about a block away and proceeds to turn to fast to come back resulting in crashing my bike. My bike which was mint is now scratched up like crazy, he's threatening to sue. All in all a bad situation. So now they can sit on it to see if it fits them but I stand in front to make sure they don't try to ride it.

tkamd73 

I have never test road any bike I have bought, nor was there a test ride of a bike I sold. Granted I have only sold 2 of my bikes.
Tim

Rolla

Harmlessly curious: Do you try on shoes before buying them?

AdamITR

I think it when it comes to expensive bikes with personal sales, definitely take some caution, or simply be honest … if the bike goes down, then there has to be some repercussions. Usually, I can get a good feeling about the person that shows up, kinda that first impression. On the LBS side, I always have free access to test-rides … they encourage it, whether it be on a MTB or even a road bike, for miles.

tkamd73 

Yes, unless I buy them online, but then also easy to return. Shoe fit, with the exception of sandals, is kind of critical, not a lot of adjustment. With bikes, once you know your general frame size, lots of adjustments can be made. Harmlessly curious also, what’s your correlation between bikes and shoes? Tires and shoes I get, but bikes?
Tim

Sy Reene

I would want a test ride. Maybe the fit can be determined to be good enough just sitting on a bike, but what about determining if the derailleurs work through all the gears under load, or that the brakes work without squealing, or whether there are any other undetermined-cause noises that appear while moving, etc. OTOH, with a 130 quid bike, there likely isn't too much optimism that you'd find everything perfect -- though knowing what the imperfections are seems reasonable.

Rolla

With both, a poor fit is uncomfortable.

tkamd73 

Agreed, same with socks, underwear, hats, gloves, kayaks, etc. Bikes are easy, I can look at one and know if it will fit, not so with other stuff, don’t need to test ride a bike. With the cost of new bikes these days, I will take the shops offer of a test ride, however that last new bike I bought, just inspected it, put in car and left. Still have that bike, fits perfectly.
Tim