Whether you're commuting, exercising, discovering trails, or simply going for a ride to get some fresh air, bikes have to be one of the best forms of transport in New Zealand. Biking is fun, practical and environmentally sustainable. Let's face it, though; new bikes can be expensive. Because of this, sensible Kiwis often look to buy a second-hand bike in NZ.

There are thousands of good second-hand bikes in NZ, however, how do you know the good from the not worth your money? A pretty advertisement and a cheap price may look attractive, but do the wrong thing and you could end up with a bike that requires more fixing than riding.

Here is a practical guide to shopping smart so you can ride away with peace of mind.

1. Know What Kind of Bike Suits Your Needs

First things first — what kind of riding do you plan to do?

• Commuting to work or uni? A hybrid or road bike will do the job.

• Off-road trails or hills? Look into a mountain bike with suspension.

• Just casual rides around the neighbourhood? A simple cruiser will work.

• Need some help on hills? Consider an e-bike.
  
  

There’s no point buying a high-performance racing bike if you're just cruising to the dairy on weekends. Figure out your purpose first, and narrow down your search from there.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Used bikes are cheaper, but that doesn’t mean all second-hand bikes are inexpensive. Some high-end bikes are still very expensive even when purchased. Figure out how much you want to spend on the bike and examine everything that you have to purchase for the bike including:

• A helmet

• Lights

• Lock

• Bike pump or repair kit

These can really add up so make sure that the total amount of biking setup doesn't exceed your budget. 

3. Inspect the Frame - The Basics

The frame is the most important part of the bike. You can replace everything else such as tyres, chains or even gears but if the frame is cracked, bent or rusted then that’s your stop.

Consider checking:

• Visible dents on the frame (aluminium or carbon often dent more than steel, because it has a "Memory")

• Rust (especially around the joints and welds)

• Rust bubbling that's below the quality paint on the surface.

• Bubbling (which can be present with surface rust and could uncloak and adjust the reliability strength of equipment as required)

• Repairs or welds (that have an eye of suspicion)

If you have a gut feeling about something just go with it.

4. Give the Brakes, Gears, and Chain a Test

A decent bike should be safe and ride smoothly. Pull the brake levers and make sure the pads grip the rims well. Spin the wheels to check for wobble or rubbing. Shift through all the gears and see if they move easily or get stuck.

Chains should move freely and not feel stiff or gritty. A dirty chain isn’t a dealbreaker, but a stretched or rusted one might mean the drivetrain needs work.

5. Ask the Seller Questions

Don’t be shy about asking:

• How old is the bike?

• Has it been regularly serviced?

• What was it mainly used for?

• Has it ever been in a crash or had major repairs?

• Where was it stored, indoors or out?

A seller who answers openly and confidently is usually more trustworthy. If they seem unsure or avoid questions, it’s okay to walk away.

6. Take It for a Proper Ride

Don’t skip this. A test ride will tell you more than any description ever could. Check how it feels to ride, is it smooth? Are the brakes responsive? Does the size feel comfortable?

Make sure:

• You can reach the handlebars and pedals easily

• There’s no unusual noise or vibration

• It’s easy to steer and balance

Even a short ride can reveal a lot about a bike’s condition.

7. Buy from a Platform You Can Trust

Sure, you can find second-hand bikes on social media or in random classifieds, but that often comes with uncertainty. Listings can be vague, and you never really know who you’re dealing with.

That’s where All Sale comes in.

Why Choose All Sale?

All Sale is a reliable online directory in New Zealand that connects genuine buyers to verified sellers. If you are in the market for used bikes in NZ, it is one of the least bothersome and most secure ways of discovering exactly what you're looking for without much effort. 

Why do people like to browse second-hand bikes in NZ on All Sale?

• An extensive listing with enough bikes for all types of riders and budgets.

• Clear listings with photos and honest description.

• Sellers are mostly local and you can reach out to them directly.

• No dodgy deals or fake ads like many sellers.

• All Sale is easy to use and made for NZ buyers.

Whether you're looking for an entry level commuter bike or a high-spec trail machine, All Sale makes it easy to get moving without any drama.

Ready to find your next set of wheels?

Explore listings now on All Sale, the smarter way to buy used bikes in NZ and ride with confidence from day one.