Buying and selling used road bikes: 9 tips

The market for road bikes is booming. Time to get your retro or stationary road bike and make a new owner happy. Or buy one yourself. But - how do you do that? What is a used road bike still worth? And where can you find the right buyer or seller? 

As a marketplace for bikes, we have... some expertise. And are happy to share it!

We beantwoorden o.a.

• What can you ask for a used road bike?
• Can you still sell road bikes used?
• Where is the best place to sell used road bikes?
• What do you look for when buying a used road bike?
• What do you look for when selling a used road bike? 
• What frame material does my road bike need?
• What gear group does my road bike need?
• Which brand of road bike is best?
• What pedals does my road bike need?

And where can you buy a used road bike? One option is to steal it from someone on the street, the other is probably a stranger's basement.... but the best and safest way is to buy a used road bike from us! See for yourself.

Woman holds road bike over her head

Yes, we see them selling like hot cakes. Road bikes, both new and retro, are in huge demand. Even with slight signs of use or damage, you can make someone happy. The parts are also worth good money separately. Think of the pedals, gears, wheels and frame - here's perfect article to help you choose the right bike size. 

We sell them faster than we get them, so put them on our bike marketplace! There are about 1,000 searches for road bikes every month, while we have a maximum of 10 - 20 for sale. Therefore, it often goes quickly.

There are also other places where you can get rid of your bike. Think of Marketplace, bike stores in the neighborhood or local buyers of (classic) road bikes who will buy it over or resell it for a commission. 

Is the bike in terrible condition and are you considering throwing it away? Then take it to the thrift store. Often they refurbish it and the proceeds go to charity. If even that is not an option, don't put it in the trash, take it to the dump.

→ Sell your road bike second hand at BikeFair

Right now the demand for these bikes is high and you won't have to wait long to find a suitable seller. Especially in more populous and affluent regions, you can set the price a little higher.

We always recommend an asking price that is realistic and satisfactory - not the maximum you think you can ask. Then it is more likely to be sold. On our platform, the average asking price for a high-quality used road bike is around €1,200.

→ Check out our guide to tips & tricks for selling your bike used!

Buyers look at the make, model and condition of the bike. If you are selling the bike online, it is important to clearly photograph and name it in your description. Clear photos make all the difference, bikes with 8 photos or more sell twice as fast on average with us as bikes with fewer photos.

Frame size is also important - most road cyclists are average height: 1.80 for men, 1.70 for women. Average frame sizes sell better than small/large frame sizes.

→ Know exactly how to measure a bicycle frame? Use our guide!

If your bike has unique tuning, mounting or parts, ask yourself to what extent they will add value to a new owner. Sometimes it is better to modify or remove it.

You pay attention to the frame material, gear group, pedals and saddle. In addition to price and design, of course, which are personal choices. We explain what you need here.

Nowadays, most frames are made of aluminum, even in the lower segment, because they don't rust and are affordable. Steel frames are also still found among older road bikes. These are heavier and stronger but can rust. 

Higher quality bikes use carbon, ultra-light and strong material. A combination of the best elements of steel and aluminum. Because of the somewhat higher price, a common (and recommendable) hybrid, with a carbon fork and aluminum frame.

On a road bike you are regularly adjusting your riding speed through your gears. This is done through a group of parts consisting of the shifters, rear derailleur, front derailleur, crankset, brakes, cassette & chain. 

A road bike consists of several brands. Both the frame and parts have their own manufacturers, which often come pre-assembled on the bike. 

The best quality gear groups are produced by Campagnolo, Shimano & SRAM. Here there are different price/quality ratios for novice and advanced riders.

The frames come from a variety of manufacturers. Always ask about the type of material used in the frame. These is (or are) determining the durability and impact resistance of the road bike.

You have a choice of click system or flat (platform) pedals. The platform pedals are similar to normal bikes and suitable for less experienced riders.

In the click system, the shoe rotates with the pedal and your energy is converted to speed more efficiently. 

The shoe latches at 3 points, which can be uncomfortable at first, but a small movement of the ankle is sufficient for this. Be careful to adjust the bikes properly so they release easily - but not too easily. Otherwise, you'll get caught when you need balance, or your foot will shoot off when you're seeking grip.

If you pick out shoes, obviously pay attention to size. Most cyclists look for shoes that fall a little wide. This is because walking on them is uncomfortable.

Are you looking for more advice? Contact us via livechat, our bicycle experts will be happy to help you. Or take a look at our marketplace with new and used electric bikes!

FIND OUT MORE:

How to 'shoot' your bike: A photo guide

Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Bike

Bike locks: How do I choose the right one?! The ultimate guide.

Frame number: The real hero of the bike theft battle & how it can save your bike