When you first arrive in the Netherlands, you immediately realize that getting around is the easiest on a bike. Let’s quickly look at all the important details you should look for.
Where to buy a bike?
- Facebook marketplace (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/)
- Marktplaats (Second-hand online marketplace, similar to ebay: https://www.marktplaats.nl/)
Other potential options might include friends, or if you live in a student housing, there might be people selling their bikes there.
Beware of stolen bikes! These are generally the “too good to be true” deals, but you can look up the frame numbers here to see if it was reported stolen: https://fdr.rdw.nl/
What to look for?
The most important point is that you test the bike out, in person. If that is not possible, do not even consider buying the bike.
A useful guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boslRs4BfwY (Note: This is primarily for road bikes, (racefiets) however, the same principles apply for regular city bikes)
The list:
- The frame is not visibly damaged. Self-explanatory. (Video 1:04)
- The wheels are not wobbling, meaning they do not move up or down when it’s in motion. (Video 2:34)
- With the drivetrain, you should ideally do a test ride. If your bike has gears, make sure you check all and every one of them. If they do not work, make rattling sounds or do not change gears “quickly”, then there might be an issue. Except the chain, this part of the bike could get very expensive. (Video 3:34)
That’s pretty much it. As long as the bike doesnt sound like a circus, rides smooth, you should be safe to purchase it.
The ideal budget for your future city bike is ideally ~€100-200 euros, with e-bikes going for €400-500 at least.
Negotiate!
When buying from a private seller, always try and negotiate the price. Your best bet is ~10%, so if a bike costs 150 euros, you can try saying 135. At the end, you might end up saving a little that you can later spend on accessories for your bike.
On the other hand, do not be demanding. If the seller refuses to lower the price on your first asking, do not bother with it again. He/she will NOT lower it, and might make it even higher if you keep arguing.
Accessories
- Bike lights (Front and rear, you could buy it from Action for just a couple euros)
- (Optional) Bike bags for the rear for extra storage
- Bike lock, if your bike does not come with one. If it does, check out this guide on how it (usually) works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUHfQtOOGkw
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