Plus, those shiny cruisers start at about $200.

But shopping for a used bike?

It feels like a minefield.

A woman rides a bicycle.

Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder

More than2 million bikes are stolenin North America every year.

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Dont make the statistics worse by getting a great deal on someone elses misfortune.

Its time to get educated.

I asked the experts for their help to find a legit used bike and what to watch out for.

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Looking for a Deal?

These bikes typically look pretty new, priced at $50 to $100 less than retail.

Listings for bikes that may or may not mention the make, model or size of the bike.

There are only one or two photos and maybe a short statement about the bike.

These bikes are priced as low as $35.

Hance has seen it all.

Bike Index even created aninfographicto prevent Regular Janes like me avoid unwittingly purchasing a stolen bike.

Most of the time, its easy to tell if a deal is sketchy.

If he wont give you the serial number, walk away.

That bike is hotter than hell.

Hance said a highly-trafficked area is essential for meeting someone to view a bike for sale.

Then get the tuneup from them.

But for all the internets risks, its full of trading gems.

Some towns even organize community bike sales and swaps to provide a safe space doing business.

The fit is more important than you think.

Fitting a bike is pretty difficult, Hance warned.

You wouldnt believe the amount of physical pain you could cause by buying the wrong size bike.

Bike shops are a consistently reliable source of used bikes.

We have a 90-day guarantee on our bikes, Fong added.

So you have someone to blame if something goes wrong.

That customer service can go a long way.

So theres an incentive to get to know your local bike shop.

Test ride it, squeeze the brakes, switch the gears, he said.

ensure the wheels are straight, because wheels can be as much as one-third the price of the bike.

Also, verify the spokes arent broken or bent.

If youre meeting someone you found online, the test ride is crucial.

Its not worth taking a risk buying a bike sight-unseen.

You cant really see what youre buying when you go online, Fong said.

Cable locks are pointless, Hance said.

Its like tying your bike up with floss.

He recommended spending $60 to $70 on a good lock.

Fong added that the best place to store your bike is out of sight of potential thieves.

If people see it outside consistently, they can plan to take it.

Then, register your bike.

Hances Bike Index is free.

Even photos of insignificant things can help.

Lisa Rowan is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

Former SEO Analyst Jacquelyn Pica contributed to this article.

Probably not as good as youd like.

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