Sport & bikes: bicycles, exercise machines, gear

Play in the bottom bracket and headset, chain wear (there's a gauge for it), frame cracks near the welds, wheel trueness. Take a ride: shifting must be crisp under load.

Autumn and winter — 15–30% below spring prices. In spring the market is hot: great for selling, bad for buying.

The treadmill motor under your weight at different speeds, play in an elliptical, belt and deck condition. Ask if it was actually used — 'it just stood in the corner' is the best answer.

A healthy aluminum hardtail from a known brand (Trek, Cube, Merida, Giant) runs 8–15 thousand hryvnias; fresher models 15–30. Under 5 thousand usually means either a supermarket bike or one needing money. The resale market's core win: a real brand with a healthy drivetrain at supermarket-new price.

MTB reference: height 165–175 — frame M (17–18"), 175–185 — L (19–20"). Brand geometry varies though, so standover is more reliable: straddling the frame you need 5–8 cm of clearance to the top tube. Ask the seller for measurements when between sizes.

Electric is the comfortable choice for regular running: smooth motion, programs, cushioning. Manual is cheaper and outlet-independent, but running on it is harder and rougher on the knees. Check motor power (from 2 hp for users up to 100 kg) and consumption — a standard outlet handles home models fine.