Do shops that sell used bikes normally also sell used parts?

Question

I'd like to buy some used bike components. I don't want to shop online. But I don't want to have to travel too far to make my purchase.

Do bike shops that sell used bicycles normally also sell used parts?

Answer 1

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: You might not find what you are looking for at a shop. I would seriously suggest checking online. Three reasons:

1. There are hundreds of models/sizes/configurations of bike parts. The part(s) that you are looking for will need to match the parts/bike you already have. The likelihood that your local bike shop has the exact part you need is pretty low.

2. Bike parts are a lot like cars. They depreciate pretty quickly. If a bike store is going to stock parts, they want to stock new stuff that will make them more profit.

3. Bikes are pretty self service. There are a lot of individual people capable of replacing their own parts. That means there are a lot of people with spare used parts for sale.

Answer 2

Yes, but you should call first to make sure.

Answer 3

They likely have "extra" bike parts around that are scavenged from bikes that were unrepariable, just be sure you know what your getting. There likely isn't any warranty included on used equipment, so if it was a "distressed" part that finally breaks a week after you've been using it, you be replacing it again. If you trust the bike shop and it is a reputable store that's been around for awhile, you should be fine. Nothing wrong with used parts, just so it fits and works correctly for its intended design, and doesn't appear to have been abused or been on a bike that was not maintained or has been wrecked.