Buying a Second-Hand Men's Bike: Type, Frame Size and What to Look Out For
For many people, a second-hand men's bike is an affordable way to get a reliable bike. You pay less than for a new one, and a well-maintained men's bike can last for years. Exactly how long depends on its condition and maintenance. This guide will help you find the right type of men's bike and choose the correct frame size, even if you're tall. You'll also find out which parts to always check.
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Short answer: first, decide what you'll use the bike for (city riding, commuting, exercise, or carrying heavy loads). Then choose the frame size based on your height and check the brakes, gears, chain, tyres, and frame. Buying from a private seller? Always check the frame number too.
Men's bike or women's bike: what's the difference?
A classic men's bike often has a horizontal or slightly sloping top tube. Such a frame is usually rigid and stable, although handling also depends on the geometry and load. The downside: you have to swing your leg over the frame to get on.
Are you tall or do you often cycle with heavy bags? Then choose a bike with a suitable frame size and sturdy rack. A men's bike is often a logical choice. If you want to get on and off easily, consider a second-hand women's bike. It's also a great option for men.
Which type of men's bike is right for you?
| Type | Features | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| City bike | Upright riding position, mudguards, chain guard, often 3 to 7 gears | Daily commuting |
| Hybrid bike | Lighter, sportier riding position, more gears | Longer rides and faster cycling |
| Cargo bike | Heavy frame, front and rear racks | Groceries, luggage, and heavy daily use |
| Road bike | Lightweight, narrow tyres, forward-leaning riding position | Sporty cycling and speed |
| Electric men's bike | Pedal assistance with a battery | Longer commutes and headwinds |
Looking for something sporty? Read our guide on buying a second-hand road bike. Choosing electric? Read choosing a second-hand electric bike for motor, battery, and price.
The right frame size for a men's bike
Men's bikes often come in larger frame sizes. The frame size is the distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. Use this table as a guide:
| Body height | Frame size |
|---|---|
| 165 to 170 cm | 53 cm |
| 170 to 175 cm | 56 cm |
| 175 to 180 cm | 57 cm |
| 180 to 185 cm | 61 cm |
| 185 to 195 cm | 65 cm |
According to our size chart, cargo bikes often have slightly larger frames due to their sturdy construction, but the size varies by model. Are you tall? Pay attention to the seatpost length too. It must be able to extend far enough without going past the minimum insertion mark. You can find all the tables in our frame size guide. Feel free to provide your height when placing your order, and we'll check if the frame size is right for you.
Brakes and gears
City and cargo bikes usually have coaster brakes or roller brakes combined with an hub gear: low-maintenance and reliable in all weather.
Hybrid and sporty bikes more often have rim or disc brakes and a derailleur with more gears.
A derailleur often offers a wide range of gears but requires more cleaning and maintenance than a hub gear. A hub gear is therefore practical for many city rides. How many gears you need depends on your route, the wind, and your personal preference.
Popular brands for second-hand men's bikes
Brands such as Gazelle, Batavus, Sparta, Cortina, and Union are popular second-hand. They are sturdily built, and parts are easy to obtain. Sporty brands also appear regularly. For any brand, pay particular attention to its condition and maintenance: a well-maintained bike from a lesser-known brand will ride better than a neglected bike from a top brand.
Checklist: what to look for in a second-hand men's bike?
- Frame: look for cracks, dents, or rust, especially at the welds, bottom bracket, and head tube.
- Brakes: whether they are rim, roller, disc, or coaster brakes, they must engage immediately and evenly.
- Gears: test all gears. If the chain skips or the gears are jerky, this indicates wear or incorrect adjustment.
- Chain: a stretched chain wears out the sprockets, which can become an expensive repair.
- Bearings: the handlebars and bottom bracket must have no play and turn smoothly.
- Tyres and wheels: sufficient tread, no cracks, and wheels that do not wobble.
- Lights: working front and rear lights and the required reflectors.
Unsure about a bike's condition? Our checklist will guide you through all the points step by step. Do you also cycle during the darker months? Read how to make your bike winter-ready.
Always check the frame number
Unfortunately, a men's bike from a well-known brand is also popular with bike thieves. Buying from a private seller? Check the frame number via Stop Heling or the RDW Bicycle Theft Register. Not every theft is reported, so also ask about its origin. At our store, the frame number of every bike is checked before it goes on sale.
Buying a second-hand men's bike from 2dehandsfietsenwinkel
Before a men's bike is sent to you, an experienced bike mechanic inspects it and repairs it where necessary. Read how this works on our working method.
- ✓ Free and ready-to-ride delivery in the Netherlands and Belgium
- ✓ Frame number checked for theft
- ✓ Warranty on every bike and 14 days to exchange or return (current terms in the frequently asked questions)
- ✓ Lowest price guarantee
- ✓ Test ride in our showroom at Noorderhagen 229A in Rotterdam
View our current selection of second-hand men's bikes. Prefer electric assistance? Take a look at our second-hand e-bikes.
Frequently asked questions about second-hand men's bikes
What frame size do I need for a men's bike?
As a guide, a 56 cm frame fits 170 to 175 cm, 57 cm fits 175 to 180 cm, 61 cm fits 180 to 185 cm, and 65 cm fits 185 to 195 cm. The size may vary by model. Therefore, provide your height when placing your order, and 2dehandsfietsenwinkel will check if the size is right.
Can a man also ride a women's bike?
Yes. A women's bike has a lower step-through, making it easier to get on and off. The most important thing is that the frame size is right for your height.
Which type of men's bike is best for commuting?
For daily commuting, a city bike with mudguards, a chain guard, and a hub gear is usually the most practical. Do you cycle longer distances? Then a hybrid bike or an e-bike may be worth considering.
How can I check if a second-hand men's bike has been stolen?
Check the frame number via Stop Heling (stopheling.nl) or the RDW Bicycle Theft Register (fdr.rdw.nl) and ask about its origin. At 2dehandsfietsenwinkel, the frame number of every bike has already been checked.
Can I return a second-hand men's bike?
Yes, at 2dehandsfietsenwinkel you can exchange or return a bike within 14 days of purchase.