New bike or used bike? I do not know about you but shopping for my next bike is among my all-time favorite ways to procrastinate. Once you get past the ‘just browsing’ phase and you are stoked to finally make the purchase, it can sometimes be hard to know whether you should go with a brand-new bike or bring home a previously owned one.
But do not worry! In this guide, we will walk you through the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision on which option will work best for you. So let’s get started and take a closer look at whether you should buy a new or used bike.
Why should I buy a used bike?
Used bikes are an excellent way to get started out as a cyclist, whether you are looking for a daily commuter, your first road bike or a beginner mountain bike. There are many advantages to buying used, especially if you are new to the world of cycling. However, even experienced cyclists should consider a used bike as their next bicycle.
Advantages of a used bike
- Lower costs: As the bike industry gets more and more expensive, choosing to buy a pre-owned bike instead can save you some money. Buying a bike can be a big financial decision, and buying pre-owned instead can ease some of the pressure that comes with bike buying.
- Environmentally friendly: By buying a pre-owned bike, you are giving a bike that’s no longer being used a second chance at life and potentially saving it from the landfill. So, if being green is top of mind for you, consider buying a used bike instead of going straight to the bike shop.
- More selection: While this might seem counterintuitive (surely there are more new bikes out there?) buying a used bike means that you can find models and even brands that no longer exist. It can be a great way to find hidden gems.
Disadvantages of a used bike
- More research: Buying a used bike means that you will be responsible for answering all of your own questions. Of course, you should be doing your own research if you are buying a new or used bike, but with a used bike there’s no helpful local bike store to walk you through what you need to know. Luckily for you, that’s why we are here to help you through the process and tell you what you need to look out for when buying used.
- Less size options: When buying a used bike, while you might have more brand and model choices, you can be limited by the size that is available when you are looking to purchase.
Why should I consider buying a used bike?
Many people jump straight to a new bike when they are thinking about their next purchase, but you should take a moment to consider a used bike instead. Yes, you may have to spend more time looking for the perfect bike for you, but ultimately you will come away from the process with more knowledge about bikes and a bike that has been chosen for you by you, not one that you’ve been sold.
In 2024, does it make still sense to buy a new bike?
New bikes are often looked at as the default option when bike shopping and you can see why. The bike industry moves quickly and it is easy to get caught up in the excitement around the latest tech and frame innovations. But with the bike industry getting more and more expensive, do you really need the latest technology devised to help some extremely skinny dudes win the Tour de France?
Advantages of buying a new bike
- Newer technology: If you are looking for a gravel bike with suspension, a road bike that’ll run wider tires or a mountain bike with snappy electronic shifting, those new trends can be harder to find second hand.
- More sizing and fit options: When buying a new bike, bike shops often keep multiple sizes of each model in stock, so it is easier for you to get the size and model that you are looking for. Many local bike shops also offer fitting services to make sure that your brand new bike fits you perfectly. Of course, this can be done with a used bike as well but an independent fitting session can cost you more money.
Disadvantages of a new bike
- Higher costs: Of course, the main disadvantage with buying a brand new bike is the cost. New bikes are expensive! Bike prices have risen over the past few years and buying a bike from a local bike shop can add to the cost because of the higher margins. Check out our article on How much does a bike cost.
- No eco-friendly: A new bike contributes to environmental harm through its manufacturing process, which consumes resources, emits carbon, and generates waste.
- The endless delivery times: The most popular models are often out of stock, and it is quite common to have to wait weeks or even months before finally receiving the new bike of your dreams.
- Return policies: Many bike shops do not allow returns on new bikes. Of course, independent sellers of used bikes often do not offer returns either but buying from an online used bike seller like buycycle means that the option is available to you if you need it.
When should I buy a new bike?
Are there cases where buying a new bike is the best option? Of course! If you have your heart set on a particular model that you cannot find used, then buying that model new may be the way you want to go. Additionally, certain sizes, like xxs or xxl bikes, can be difficult to find used. If you cannot find a used bike in your size, it may be easier to source one from a bike shop.
Things to consider when buying a used bike
As we’ve briefly mentioned, there are several things to look for when buying a used bike. You will want to do a good amount of research before locking in your decision. Luckily, if you are reading this guide, you are already well on the right track! Make sure to check out our other guides on what style of bike you should be looking at to make an informed decision.
Finding the perfect fit: sizing your bike correctly
You will also want to find the right size bike for you. This can easily be achieved with two measurements: your height and the length of your inseam. Once you have those two numbers, you can cross reference them with the sizing chart for the model you are looking at to make sure your new bike will fit perfectly. Have a look at our bike wheel size charts to learn more about sizing.
Buying a used bike with buycycle
Buying a used bike with buycycle makes the process quick and easy. You can choose from a large selection of every style of bike you could imagine, and our three levels of service ensures that your pre-owned bike will arrive looking and feeling brand new.
While buying used from an independent seller can come with risks, buycycle eliminates those risks from the buying process. We verify all of our sellers so that buyers are safe from scams and your money is safe with us until you’ve gotten your new bike. And do not worry, your bike is fully insured while it is in transit.
So, will you buy a new or a used bike?
In short, it’s time to get hyped about your next bike… and before jumping straight into your local bike shop, consider buying used instead! Not only will it save you some money (or maybe a lot), but you will also be giving a new home to a bike that may have otherwise ended up as a pile of rust in a landfill. Now get back to work ;)