12 Best Places To Sell Used Bikes

Are you looking for the best places to sell used bikes? Selling an old bike can score you some serious cash if you know the right stores and platforms to use. 

If you have used bikes that are no longer serving their purpose, maybe it’s time to sell them and earn some extra cash. We’ve found the best places to sell your old bike quickly and easily.

Top Places to Sell A Used Bike

Do you have a bike that’s been sitting in your garage or storage unit for years without use? Why not pass it on to someone who can use it and earn some fast money to put toward your financial goals? 

The options listed here are the best places to sell used bikes if you want to get the most money in the shortest amount of time. 

1. 5miles

5miles is a site that was designed to focus on buying and selling within five miles of where you live. However, it will also show you listings (and show your listings) to people around the country.

5miles uses Facebook and phone verifications to vet users. It also utilizes a rating system to further establish user reputation. 

These features help enhance safe buying and selling. While there are no selling fees for listing your bike on 5miles, there is a 4.9% fee for transferring money from your 5miles wallet to your bank. 

2. Bicycle Blue Book

Bicycle Blue Book provides two services. They’re a bicycle valuation platform as well as a marketplace for bikes and bike equipment. 

Using Bicycle Blue Book’s valuation guide, you can find out how much your bike is worth according to the manufacturer, how much you could get for selling it privately and how much it’s worth as a trade-in.

You have a few options when selling a bike on Bicycle Blue Book, including:

• Selling your bike on their marketplace
• Trading it in for a different bike
• Selling it directly to the company

You’ll likely pay shipping costs to sell your bike on this platform, so price your bike accordingly.

3. Craigslist

Craigslist is always a nice go-to for selling used bikes or just about anything else. The site has been around for decades and is still one of the most popular buy-and-sell sites out there. 

What’s more, you won’t pay any fees for buying or selling most stuff on Craigslist, including bikes. 

Craigslist doesn’t offer much in the way of bells and whistles. You won’t find that it has a fancy user interface or extras like user ratings. 

However, it’s a site with a lot of traffic and is the go-to site for millions of buyers and sellers. While there are many sites like Craigslist, Craigslist is still the first choice for many people.

4. eBay

eBay can be another great place to sell used bikes. With the largest user base of all buy-and-sell sites, you’ll have access to buying audiences from around the world. 

That said, as a trade-off for being able to interact with a large audience, you will pay fees. You can expect to pay roughly 15% in fees with eBay. 

Also, keep shipping costs in mind with a bike. Bikes are expensive to ship. Take the time to research shipping costs, then be sure to add those costs to your eBay listing. 

If you don’t factor in fees and shipping into your sales price, you could wipe out all of your profits. The best workaround for this is to try to sell to a local buyer to avoid needing to pay shipping fees.

5. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is one of the most widely used sites to sell just about anything. There are no fees for selling bikes on Facebook Marketplace as long as you are not running a business.

One great thing about selling your bike on Facebook Marketplace is that you can advertise on Marketplace itself or find neighborhood buy-and-sell groups where you can advertise your bike to local buyers. 

As with any online buy-and-sell app, keep safety rules in mind and be careful when meeting buyers to complete transactions.

6. Goodbye Cycle

Goodbye Cycle purchases and sells high-end bikes, making it a great option for people with pricier bikes who want to make some money fast.

The platform uses a quick, four-step process that includes:

• Filling out an online form
• Accepting the offer and selecting a shipping option
• Packing and shipping the bike
• Getting paid once Goodbye Cycle receives the bike

Goodbye Cycle promises to give you a fair price for your bike.

7. Local Used Sporting Goods Stores

Another place to consider selling your used bike is at local sporting goods stores. Keep in mind that not all sporting goods stores will buy used bikes. 

However, calling and asking if your local sporting goods stores will buy your bike doesn’t hurt.

It’s important to note that you won’t get the highest price when you sell at a sporting goods store. That said, it will likely be a faster process than using an app or website.

8. OfferUp

Although OfferUp is a bit newer to the buy-and-sell game than some of the other online sites we’ve mentioned here, they’ve created a great reputation for many reasons. 

For starters, OfferUp focuses on local buyers and sellers, which makes it easier to get cash fast when you sell your used bike. In addition, all users are required to create profiles and rate other users they’ve interacted with. 

While there are many apps like OfferUp, this platform is one of the best buy-and-sell apps you will find. 

9. Pawn Shops

Pawn shops can often be great places to sell used bikes. Although all pawn shops sell different items, many have a sports equipment section.

This means that they might accept your bike for sale, or they might not. For that reason, you may want to visit several pawn shops in your area to get the best quote for your bike.

Remember that when you sell your bike at a pawn shop, you won’t get as much for your bike as you would if you sell it outright. However, you will get the satisfaction of selling your bike and getting cash immediately.

10. Pinkbike

Pinkbike is a mountain biking community that exists to help bikers connect. You can buy and sell everything on this site, from bikes to biking gear.

The best part is that it’s free. That said, it’s important to remember that you’re on your own when selling on this site. You need to figure out payment and other details between yourself and the buyer of your bike.

11. Play it Again Sports

Play it Again Sports is a nationwide franchise that buys and sells used and new sporting equipment. It has hundreds of stores in cities around the country.

When you visit the store with your used bike, an employee will give you an immediate quote for selling your bike. If you accept the quote, you will get cash on the spot for your bike. 

It’s important to note that your local Play it Again Sports may not accept certain sports equipment at specific times of the year. If it is fall or winter or they already have enough bikes in the store, you may need to look elsewhere to sell your bike. 

12. The Pro’s Closet

The Pro’s Closet (TPC for short) specializes in selling used bikes and other bike equipment. The used bikes they sell are meticulously tested and refurbished. 

TPC’s goal when buying your used bike is to make the transaction fast and stress-free. They also want to give you top dollar for your bike.

Note that TPC only purchases high-value bikes that have an original MSRP of $2,000 or above. 

Methodology

We assessed several factors to determine the best options when evaluating different places to sell used bikes. In-depth research was performed to identify the top ways to sell used bikes.

For online options, we focused on options that met at least one of the following criteria:

• Trustpilot rating of 4.0 or higher
• Reputation among industry leaders
• Ease of use
• Low fees
• Potential for decent payouts
• Availability in the U.S.

For local options, we focused on the following factors:

• Ease of accessibility
• Likelihood of purchasing used bikes
• Potential for decent payouts
• Availability in the United States

We chose this methodology to ensure we’re doing our due diligence as we determine the best places for you to consider when selling used bikes. 

Tips for Selling a Used Bike

To maximize your profits and avoid getting ripped off when selling your used bike, make sure to follow these suggestions.

Clean the Bike

You will likely get more money for your bike if it’s clean. Be sure to give it a good wipe-down before you list it on a selling platform or bring it into a store that buys used bikes. 

Get rid of cobwebs, dirt and oil. Also, give it a good shine.

Take Multiple Good Photos

Photos make all the difference when you’re listing your bike for sale on buy-and-sell websites. For that reason, it’s essential to take a lot of great photos.

Be sure that your photos are clear and that they show details about the bike. Take photos of the tires, the chain and the brakes. Use photos that show close-up details and pictures of the entire bike.

Write Detailed Descriptions

Descriptions are also important when you sell a used bike. Write detailed descriptions that include the make and model of the bike. 

If you can, give an idea of how much use the bike has had. Explain the condition of the tires and other parts of the bike. Also, include any maintenance that has been done to the bike while you’ve had it.

Be Honest

Make sure you are honest about the condition of the bike. Mention in the listing if you’ve had any accidents or serious spills that may affect the bike’s quality. Make potential buyers aware of any scuffs, scratches or other damage. 

Being honest about the bike’s condition will save you time since potential buyers will know about any issues and not be surprised or walk away when they come to see the bike. 

Watch for Scams

No matter what you’re selling online, watching out for scams is important. Beware of buyers looking for sketchy payment exchange transactions and only accepting cash.

Meet your potential buyers in a safe place, such as a police department parking lot. If you meet them at your home, be sure others are around and can help ensure there’s no trouble. 

Most importantly, listen to your gut. If anything feels or seems off, don’t hesitate to walk away. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about how to get the most cash for your used bike? These answers can help.

Summary

The best places to sell used bikes get your bike the most exposure, make the transfer of the bike’s ownership easy and charge acceptable fees.

If you aren’t trying to make money fast, do your research and see which platform or store will offer you the best rate for your bike. This way, you can maximize your profits.