Where to Buy a Bike

Caveat Emptor

• Local Bike Shop (LBS)

  There's a saying in bike world: first find a shop you like, then buy the bicycle. Regardless of where you buy your bike, you are going to develop a relationship with your LBS.

  Look for a shop run by enthusiasts. You don't want to trust your ride to someone who's only wrenching because the barista thing "didn't work out."

  view pros & cons

  ×Local Bike Shop

  Advantages	Disadvantages
  Typically wide selection of models and sizes Community resource Friendly and knowledgeable staff* Bikes available for test rides Wide variety of accessories available Set up, warranty and limited service with purchase	Limited number of brands Not all neighborhoods are equally well-served. * Hopefully More expensive compared to other options

  
  

  close

• Discount Department Stores

  Department stores sell lingerie. Bike shops sell bicycles. Or put another way, you wouldn't go to a barber shop for a ham sandwich.

  In fairness, some of these stores fill a niche in areas underserved by traditional bike shops. But there are other alternatives.

  view pros & cons

  ×Discount Department Store

  Advantages	Disadvantages
  Less expensive compared to local bike shop	There's a reason Limited number of models and sizes Limited number of brands. May not carry nationally or internationally recognized marques Untrained sales staff Limited variety of accessories No service

• Online (New and Used)

  Buying a new bicycle online offers some advantages and disadvantages. If you know exactly what you're looking for and you are dealing with a trusted seller, it can work out fine.

  Buying a previously-owned bike online offers some advantages and but also entails some risks. You have to know exactly what you are looking for – and what you are looking at.

  view pros and cons

  ×Buy Online (New and/or Used)

  Advantages	Disadvantages
  Infinite number of brands and models Less expensive compared to other options DIY set-up	Finding the right bike may require both luck and patience (especially used bikes) Cost of shipping may offset lower price DIY set-up No test rides available Cost of LBS set-up may offset lower price Buyer may have to pay for return shipping (new bikes) Seller may not accept returns (used bikes) No service

• Previously Owned (In Person)

  Buying a previously-owned bike in person offers some advantages and but also entails some risks. You have to know what you are looking for – and what you are looking at.

  Occasionally you can find good deals at flea markets and garage sales. Shop and/or consult with a knowledgeable and cool-headed friend.

  If you are responding to a classified ad, DO NOT GO ALONE. Agree to meet in a public place and go with a friend.

  Caveat emptor.

  view pros & cons

  ×Buying Used Bike In-Person

  Advantages	Disadvantages
  Infinite number of brands and models Less expensive compared to other options	Finding the bike you want may require both luck and patience No service or warranty
  Test ride may or may not be available.

• Gift Bikes

  It happens more often than you'd think. A friend, roommate or colleague has a bike that they don't want or can't keep.

  While it's probably worth a look, the hardest part may be finding a way to graciously decline the offer ...

  ↴

  back

• Compare All