Should I buy a used bicycle online? How about a frame, and then build up my dream bicycle.

Before you do, consider what we tell our customers when they ask us about buying used:

"For a skilled and experienced bicycle mechanic, it's OK to buy used. For everyone else, please - just say no."

No, we aren't Nancy Reagin, but before you consider yourself mechanically experienced, answer a few questions:

Can you face a frame?

Can you cut and thread?

Have you ever installed a headset?

Can you build a wheel?

Can you do bearing overhauls?

Can you center and adjust a brake system?

Have you ever installed and calibrated, a derailleur system from scratch?

Do you have all of the tools needed to do these jobs?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you aren't a bike mechanic. PLEASE - leave the job to the experts. Buy a new bicycle.

We have done hundreds of restoration jobs over the years. The majority are used bicycles that were bought on eBay, Craigslist, or yard sales. Inevitably, the buyer found out there was more to the job than they thought.

In most cases, the result costed nearly the same as new bicycle, and without any of the guarantees on frame, components, or service that are standard with a new bike.

Buying a used frame is somewhat better, particularly if it's a quality steel frame such as Reynolds, Dedacciai, True Temper, or Columbus. Or if it's made from titanium. Many of our personal vintage steel bicycles have been acquired as used frames. However, the same questions about your personal bicycle mechanics ability apply, especially since steel frames often need to be faced and have threads chased. And you need to already have, or purchase, all of the components. Bringing everything to a bicycle shop will cost extra money in labor charges.

Is the frame carbon or aluminum? Then beware. The life of these frames are far shorter, and you can never really be sure how many miles, and what style of riding, was done by the previous owner, or owners.

In the end, if price is a consideration, buying a new bicycle from a dealer is still the way to go. Whether it's us, or someone else. Particularly is you intend to use your bicycle for commuting, touring, or working. With this kind of heavy use, it's important to start out with new, quality components.