What to look for in a second-hand bike

Im planning on taking a look at a second hand bike advertised as a "matt black track bike" vague and i'm not too sure what to check when I look at it or if there's any way of checking for less obvious problems
Thanks
J

if it says '531' it's guaranteed bona-fidey awesome

Sounds well dodgy. Make sure it's not 'borrowed' off someone else.

make sure its not one of these for a start

and, yes if its that vague - could be hooky

obvious problem being.. if the forks aren't in line with the head tube

^ i knew that link would be unipack even before i clicked it!

it might be this you never know.

email the seller and ask "what colour are the rims"

try to take somebody along that is going to at least look beyond the paintwork and how comfortable the saddle appears. if you cant i would not bother and instead keep an eye on the classifieds.....its safer.

K, so when i go i probe a bit about the history, don't want to find myself with somone elses baby,
whats the story with the unipack?

Utfs

^ would that be 'use the fucking search? dont be so harsh xD

tux as dJ says above, use the search, most questions can be answered by using it, it will save you a heap of abuse (friendly like) in the long run

Tux, where and when are you going to see the bike? I don't mind to go with you, I'm not the cleverest but I know a little bit

^ understatement . . .

I look for 'd's

on a serious note, I look for rust like an eagle now.
after a bad experience with one.
Also depending how much of it I'm going to be using I like to check exactly how much work is going to have to go on the bike.
take someone with you.

Tux, where and when are you going to see the bike? I don't mind to go with you, I'm not the cleverest but I know a little bit

Really appreciate the offer, im based in Reading, so probably not really convenient for you
i looked up the unipack, i get its rep now lol

Its a 2009 fuji track bike, the frame is in really good condition, no scratches or dents, the wheels are true, it looks great, he's asking for £80 (after a bit of haggling)

Speaking as a happy customer of Fuji (twice), that sounds like a great deal. Replace the crap pedals and stick a decent brake on it and you're laughing. Replace the wheels too and you're laughing a lot.

thanks!, im gonna go for it, its mainly for transport when i got to uni, its not too flashy, it comes with some clipless pedals and a non original brake, probably gonna change it anyway

2009 fuji track for £80 - so nicked its untrue!

there are more details here on your £80.00 fuji , you just need to find it

www.readinggazette.forsalefujitrack.com