How to Find the Right Used Bike for You

Buying a used bike is one of the best ways to get good quality at a lower price — but with so many types, brands, and frame sizes, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide walks you through the key choices so you find a bike that actually fits you.

1. Start with: What will the bike be used for?

Before you even start looking at specific bikes, ask yourself:

• Will it be used for a daily commute?
• Does it need to handle longer weekend rides?
• Will it be used off-road, or purely on paved roads?
• Does it need to carry kids or groceries?

The answer determines which bike type you should actually be looking for — and this is where most people make their first mistake: a sleek road bike isn't ideal if you're mostly running errands around town.

2. Find the right bike type

City bike The classic all-rounder for commuting and errands. Upright riding position, often with fenders and a rear rack. Great for short-to-medium distances on paved roads.

E-bike Like a city bike, but with electric motor assistance. Perfect if your route has hills, you have a longer commute, or you'd simply rather arrive without breaking a sweat. Always check the battery's age and capacity when buying used — more on that in section 4.

Road bike Light, aerodynamic, and built for speed on pavement. Great for fitness riders and longer rides, but less comfortable for daily city riding with grocery bags.

Mountain bike Built for rough terrain with wider tires and often suspension. Choose this if you mainly ride gravel paths, forest trails, or singletrack.

Cargo bike Ideal for families — transports kids, groceries, or other cargo. Requires more storage space and some practice to maneuver, but is indispensable for many city families.

Kids' bike Choose based on the child's height and experience, not age alone — children grow at very different rates.

(See all categories on PedalSwap: city bikes, e-bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, kids' bikes)

3. Find the right frame size

The wrong frame size is the most common cause of discomfort on a bike — and unfortunately also one of the easiest things to overlook when buying used.

As a general rule of thumb, based on your height:

Your height	Bike frame (city/hybrid)
155–165 cm (5'1"–5'5")	47–50 cm
165–175 cm (5'5"–5'9")	51–54 cm
175–185 cm (5'9"–6'1")	55–58 cm
185–195 cm (6'1"–6'5")	59–62 cm

For road bikes and mountain bikes, frame sizes may be listed differently (often in inches or S/M/L/XL), so always check the seller's listed size against your own height and, ideally, your inseam length for a more precise match.

Tip: If you're between two sizes and the bike is mainly for commuting, go with the smaller size — it gives a more upright, comfortable riding position.

4. Checklist when buying used

Regardless of which bike type you choose, there are some things you should always check — or ask the seller about — before buying:

• Frame: Look for dents, cracks, or rust, especially around welds
• Wheels: Spin the wheel and check that it runs true (not wobbling)
• Brakes: Test that they grip properly and don't rub
• Gears: Shift through all gears and listen for unusual noises
• Tires: Check for cracks or worn tread
• Chain: A rust-free chain is a good sign of proper maintenance
• For e-bikes specifically: Ask about the battery's age, cycle count (if available), and whether it still holds a reasonable range

If in doubt, always ask to see and test-ride the bike before paying — and try to meet in daylight.

5. Set a realistic budget

Used bikes vary enormously in price depending on brand, age, and condition. A good rule of thumb is to set a budget based on how often you expect to use the bike:

• Occasional use: Prioritize a cheaper, well-maintained bike over the newest model
• Daily commuting: Invest a bit more in quality — it pays off in durability
• Sporty use: Focus on components and frame material, not just brand name

Ready to find your next bike?

Now that you know what to look for, you can browse all bikes on PedalSwap and filter by type, size, and location — direct from private sellers across Denmark, with no middleman and no listing fees.