We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site at no cost to you, Learn more.
If you have an old bike you want to sell for cash, you might be considering your options. You may have questions such as whether you should sell your bike locally, if there are good online platforms for selling bikes, and how to determine its value.
In this post, I will address all of these questions and more. I will provide a comprehensive list of the best places to sell used bikes online and in your local area.
You can sell a wide variety of bikes through various channels, including but not limited to the following types:
- Mountain bikes
- BMX bikes
- Cross Country bikes
- Cyclocross bikes
- Downhill bikes
- E-bikes
- Fat bikes
- Triathlon bikes
- Road bikes
- Dirt jump bikes
- Endurance bikes
- Utility bikes
- Kid’s bikes
- Track bikes
And many other types of bikes.
I will also provide comprehensive tips on effectively selling bikes and offer advice on pricing your bike competitively.
Where to sell bikes online
Here are some fantastic websites where you can sell your new or used bicycles online for cash.
1. The Pro’s Closet
The Pro’s Closet is widely recognized as a leading platform for selling bicycles. The process is simple and convenient – you can easily submit your bike, frame, or wheels online in just a few minutes.
All you need to do is provide two photos and some basic details about your bicycle. Within 24 hours, The Pro’s Closet will provide you with a free quote. If you are satisfied with the quote, you will receive a free shipping label, allowing you to ship your bicycle to the company at no cost. Once The Pro’s Closet receives your bicycle, it will be inspected thoroughly before finalizing your payment.
Several payment options are available, including cash, credit at The Pro’s Closet store, and credit at your local TradeUP bike shop.
2. Goodbye Cycle
Goodbye Cycle specializes in purchasing high-end used bikes. To begin the selling process, you need only fill out the company’s online form with detailed information about your bicycle.
Within 24 hours, the company will review the details and provide you with an offer. If you are satisfied with the offer, you can accept it and choose the most suitable shipping option for sending your bike to Goodbye Cycle. Once you have packed up your bicycle, you can send it to the company. Payments for your bike can be made through PayPal or by check.
3. Bike Exchange
The Bike Exchange is a platform designed to help you sell your bike with ease. When you list your bicycle for sale, the listing fee ranges from $9.95 to $29.95, depending on the item price.
Your ad will be visible on the site for 60 days. If your bicycle doesn’t sell within this time frame, you can renew the ad for 50% of the original fee.
Additionally, all ads benefit from unlimited changes, live web statistics, and weekly performance reports to help you track your ad’s effectiveness.
4. Pinkbike
You can create a listing for your bicycle on Pinkbike. Whether you want to sell complete bikes or individual bike parts such as frames, saddles, seat posts, and gear, Pinkbike provides a platform for all your biking needs.
5. BicycleBlueBook
BicycleBlueBook provides a platform for selling your bike to a wide online audience. There are three primary methods for selling your bicycle through BicycleBlueBook:
- Create a listing: You can create a detailed listing of your bike on their marketplace, allowing potential buyers to browse and purchase it.
- Instant payout: If you prefer a quick and hassle-free process, you can get a quote for your bicycle and receive an instant payment directly to your PayPal account.
- Trade-in: BicycleBlueBook also offers the option to trade in your old bike for a new one through their authorized trade-in partners, making it convenient to upgrade to a new bicycle.
6. Reddit
Reddit can be a great platform for selling items and is particularly useful for selling bikes. One of the best places to do this is on a subreddit called r/BikeShop.
This subreddit is specifically designed for bicycle classifieds. It allows you to create listings for the bikes you want to sell. It’s a community of bike enthusiasts, so you’re likely to find interested buyers.
7. BikeSoup
Another great option for selling used bikes is BikeSoup, a popular worldwide bike marketplace. It costs only $3 to list a bike on BikeSoup.
If you’re concerned about shipping your bike, BikeSoup has partnered with SHERPR to offer comprehensive packaging and delivery services for your bike.
For a fee of $50, BikeSoup provides a reusable bike box equipped with styrene blocks, heavy-duty polyurethane bags for the wheels, foam piping to protect the frame, box tape, and cable ties. Additionally, BikeSoup offers prepaid shipping labels, although sellers can use their own shipping solution if they prefer.
An added benefit of using BikeSoup’s shipping service is that sellers receive up to $650 in insurance coverage for their shipment, providing substantial protection for most bikes.
Where to sell bikes near me
If you prefer to sell your used bike to someone in your local area, there are several platforms where you can connect with local buyers interested in purchasing pre-owned bicycles.
8. OfferUp
OfferUp is an excellent platform for selling items locally without incurring any listing fees. This means you can list your items without investing any money upfront.
When your item sells, OfferUp charges a service fee, which is a minimum of $1.99 or 12.9% of the sale price. This fee structure makes OfferUp a cost-effective option for selling locally.
9. Craigslist
When looking for a platform to sell bikes, Craigslist is a great option. It allows you to list items for free without charging a commission on your sales.
This platform is particularly beneficial if you prefer to sell your bike locally. Whether you have an older model or a brand new bike, Craigslist provides a space to connect with potential buyers. Creating a listing and adding photos is simple and completely free of charge.
10. 5miles
5miles is a platform similar to OfferUp, allowing you to sell various items locally across multiple categories.
One of the great features of 5miles is the ability to sell everything from bicycles to other goods without the hassle of shipping.
Furthermore, 5miles doesn’t charge fees for listing items for sale, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for local selling.
11. Local pawn shops
Another option you might want to consider is selling your bike to a local pawn shop. Some pawn shops are interested in purchasing bicycles, although it’s important to note that this might not be the most lucrative choice. Typically, pawn shops aim to acquire items at a low cost and resell them at a profit.
However, pawn shops can be viable if you need quick cash for your bicycle. In many cases, they will provide payment on the spot if they decide to purchase your bicycle.
If you’re looking to locate a nearby pawn shop, you can easily do so by opening a search engine and entering the specific term “pawn shop [city name or zip code]” or “pawn shop near me.” This search should display a list of nearby pawn shops in your area. Before visiting, contacting the pawn shop to inquire about their policies on purchasing bikes is advisable, as the types of items accepted can differ from store to store.
12. eBay
eBay is an excellent platform for selling a wide variety of items. Whether you want to auction off your products or set a fixed price, eBay is a popular choice that attracts millions of potential buyers. This makes it an ideal place to sell your used bike, as there’s a large pool of potential customers.
You can set your own price when listing your bike for sale. Additionally, eBay allows you to list up to 50 items for free, after which there is a charge of $0.30 per listing. Furthermore, when your bicycle sells, eBay takes a 10% commission fee.
13. Play It Again Sports
Consider selling your bicycle to Play It Again Sports. One option is to take your bicycle to the nearest store, where a knowledgeable employee will carefully assess it based on its condition and current demand.
If the store decides to purchase your bicycle, they will make you an offer and provide immediate payment. Play It Again Sports is a convenient and reliable option for selling your bicycle in your local area.
14. Local used sporting goods stores
If you have a sporting goods store nearby, it’s worth checking if they purchase used bicycles. While not all stores may buy them, it’s a good idea to call and inquire. Keep in mind that you may not always receive the best price for your bicycle, as the store will likely aim to resell it for a profit.
However, selling to a local store can be advantageous if you need quick cash, as many offer immediate payment. Therefore, selling your bicycle to a local store could be a good choice if you’re looking for a fast and convenient option.
15. SidelineSwap
SidelineSwap offers a user-friendly platform for selling various bicycles, including BMX bikes and road and downhill bikes. You can easily list your bike for sale on the platform at no cost and have the flexibility to set your prices.
SidelineSwap provides a helpful pricing guide to help you determine the appropriate pricing for your items. Once your item is sold, the company provides you with a prepaid shipping label for convenient shipping. It’s important to note that there is a seller’s fee of 12% for the first five sales on the site and 9% for subsequent sales. SidelineSwap also charges a 3% payment processing fee paid to the site’s payment processor.
The great thing about the website is that the buyer covers the cost of shipping, which is a convenient feature. Additionally, although the site’s policy stipulates that swaps must be shipped to the buyer using the shipping labels generated by the site, SidelineSwap’s help guide mentions that if the buyer and seller reside nearby and have mutually agreed on a local exchange, the company can facilitate these sales.
Furthermore, the site provides a comprehensive guide on how to partially disassemble and pack your bike, which can be very helpful for sellers.
16. Facebook Marketplace
With Facebook Marketplace, you can sell your used bike without incurring any listing fees. This platform provides a convenient and cost-effective way to sell your items, as it doesn’t charge any fees for listing products.
Additionally, unlike traditional selling methods, you are not reliant on a quote from a company. You have the freedom to set your prices, allowing you greater control over the potential earnings from the sale of your bike.
Tips for selling your used bike fast
When selling your used bike on platforms like Craigslist, it’s essential to consider a few tips to ensure a quick and successful sale. These tips are specifically tailored to the online listing process and may differ from selling directly to a retailer like The Pro’s Closet or a local sports goods store.
Here are some effective strategies for listing your bicycle for sale online:
Clean up the bike
Clean and well-maintained bicycles have a better chance of selling quickly and at a higher price. It’s a good idea to invest some time fixing your bicycle. Make any minor repairs that are cost-effective.
A bicycle in good condition will attract more buyers and fetch a better price than a damaged or poorly maintained one.
Take some great photos
After thoroughly cleaning your bicycle, it’s important to take high-quality photos of it to attract potential buyers.
When taking the photos, choose a location with ample natural light and consider shooting from various angles to showcase the entire bicycle. Make sure to capture close-up shots of any special details or features.
Ensure that the images are well-lit, sharp, and not grainy, as clear and detailed photos will greatly enhance the appeal of your bicycle to potential buyers.
Create a good listing
When creating your listing, it’s important to describe the bicycle thoroughly. Include specific details such as the type, model, color, and any unique features.
Additionally, it’s crucial to accurately represent the bike’s condition. Transparency is key – potential buyers appreciate honesty about wear and tear or damage. Disclosing these details upfront builds trust and ensures a positive experience for both parties.
Set a realistic price
When setting a price for your bicycle, it’s essential to strike a balance. You want to ensure that you don’t undervalue your bicycle, but at the same time, it’s important to set a realistic and fair price. The original purchase price is not as important as the current market value.
Watch out for scams
When selling used bikes, it’s important to be vigilant against potential buyer scams, especially when conducting transactions online.
One common scam to watch out for involves buyers attempting to use payment methods that are not supported by the platform you are using. Always ensure that you stick to the payment methods approved by the platform to avoid falling victim to fraudulent activity.
Additionally, it’s crucial to trust your instincts when dealing with potential buyers. If something feels off or you receive any red flags, it’s best to walk away from the transaction.
Let’s dive deeper into this topic in the next section…
How do I price my used bike?
One of the most common questions when selling a used bike is how to determine its price. While some platforms, like The Pro’s Closet, provide quotes, setting your price becomes necessary when selling on platforms such as Bike Exchange, Reddit, or Craigslist. So, how can you go about this?
There are two primary options to consider:
Method 1: Check the current market value
One effective method for determining the price of a bike is to conduct market research to assess its current value. You can achieve this by visiting platforms such as eBay or the Bike Exchange to observe the pricing of similar bikes being offered for sale.
This approach is valuable as it allows you to gauge the competitiveness of your pricing strategy. By doing so, you can ascertain whether the price you intended to set for your bike is reasonable and also understand the range of prices that potential buyers are willing to pay.
Method 2: Compare the original price with how much the bike has depreciated
Bikes, like all items, depreciate over time. The depreciation rate depends on several factors, including the age of the bike, its condition, and its expected lifespan.
To calculate the depreciation of a bike, you can use a simple formula that takes into account all of these elements.
Here’s what to do:
- Original price: Find the price you paid for the bike when you bought it new.
- Estimated lifespan: Consider how long you expect the bike to remain usable in good condition. A typical lifespan for a bike is between five and ten years.
- Depreciation per year: Divide the original price of the bike by its estimated lifespan. This will give you an estimate of how much the bike’s value decreases each year. For instance, if your $600 bike has a predicted lifespan of 5 years, the depreciation expense would be $600 / 5 years = $120 per year.
- Factor in the bike’s age: Multiply the depreciation expense calculated in step 3 by the number of years you’ve owned the bike. This represents the total depreciation that has occurred. In our example with the $600 bike, if it’s two years old, then you would calculate two years * $120/year depreciation = $240 depreciation.
- Estimated current value: Subtract the total depreciation you just calculated (step 4) from the original price of the bike (step 1). This will give you an estimated value of your bike considering depreciation. Continuing the example, $600 original price – $240 depreciation = $360 estimated current value.
When determining the selling price for your bike, it’s essential to conduct thorough market research to understand its current value. While it’s important to aim for a reasonable price, remember that you may be able to fetch a higher amount than expected if you accurately assess its market worth.
It’s crucial to be realistic about the pricing, considering that you’re unlikely to recoup the full amount you initially paid for the bike. Additionally, the condition of the bike significantly impacts its value. It will inevitably reduce its selling price if it has wear and tear or requires repairs.
It’s advisable to explore various pricing strategies and arrive at a figure that is both fair to you as the seller and realistic in the current market.
The bottom line
When selling your bike, using platforms like OfferUp, Reddit, Craigslist, or Bike Exchange can be a great option. Selling your bike yourself gives you more control over the selling price and allows you to interact directly with potential buyers.
If you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free option, selling your bike directly to companies like The Pro’s Closet or Goodbye Cycle can be beneficial.
Additionally, if you want to sell your bicycle quickly within your local area, consider contacting pawn shops or local sporting goods stores. While you may not always get the maximum value for your bike through these options, many offer on-the-spot payment if they’re interested in your bike.
I encourage you to explore these avenues and potentially earn some money from your used bike.