Bicycles are elegant and simple in design and build. The basic mould of a frame and forks are largely unchanged by time. Travelling this way is as straightforward in the 21st century as it was when the bicycle was invented.

Once you’ve made your initial investment, you should be guaranteed years of enjoyment allied to the health benefits of cycling. There have been technological advances of course – developments in suspension, carbon-fibre, and disc brakes are three examples where the industry has moved forward.

Modifications like these are not mandatory purchases. You may simply love the one bike you own and keep it for life, without needing to consider how much it is worth. However, your love for riding may encourage you to upgrade, or to travel further, or to new territories.

If your first purchase was at the budget end of the range, you may want an upgrade and need to sell your current ride. If your bicycle is simply unwanted, explore here how to dispose of it.

How Much is My Bike Worth?

Our calculator uses a formula that assesses the main factors in bicycle value. It takes the purchase price, then assumes a 50 percent deduction within the first year. Then it assumes a loss of 10 percent each year, which is multiplied to the power of ‘n’ where ‘n’ is the age of the bicycle.

We assume this is factoring in all discounts and accessories which you intend to include in the valuation of the bicycle. The calculator works well with fewer upgrades. For example, it’s more difficult to add and subtract the difference between the stock wheels, and your upgraded wheels.

Not all bicycles halve in value, or reduce by 10% each year beyond the first year. A vintage ride, or one which contains a ‘first’ such as full suspension, a unique frame design, or was formerly ridden by professionals might attract a niche audience, and non-standard sale process.

Used Bicycle Value Calculator

Do Bikes Keep Value?

Generally speaking, no.  Many of the components are made to wear down. Our use will add to the depreciation as we rack up the kilometres. When bicycles are in plentiful supply, it’s easy to get your hands on a new model. When waiting times extend then used prices for certain types increase.

There are plenty of strong bicycle brand names we list here that have a good record of holding on to their value. Heritage, scarcity, hand-built frames and reputation will help prop-up the worth of your ride.

Keeping your bicycle in the best condition will see it hold onto more of its original price. Accidental damage is almost inevitable, but you can avoid scrapes along the frame by locking it up carefully. If you can avoid laying it down you will limit damage and scratches to the bolts or quick release elements at the centre of the wheels.

You can even limit wear to the cranks and scratches to the pedals if you keep it upright at all times, and watch out for kerbs.

Do Bikes Depreciate?

Inevitably (like most consumer products) bicycles lose some of their value over time. In accounting terms, depreciation is defined as ‘the annual allowance for the wear and tear, deterioration or obsolescence of the property’. Bicycles will never fade, but some components have a shelf-life.

The simplicity of a bicycle design is also something of a curse for manufacturers. Well-cared for and maintained, the frame, forks and wheels should not require replacement, and that’s why manufacturers like Trek offer a lifetime frame guarantee to the original owner.

Therefore you shouldn’t really need to replace anything other than the essential components designed to wear out as you use them.

So while we’ve seen that a bicycle does depreciate, we should pat ourselves on the back for investing and owning a product which, if looked after, gives us a lifetime of service. We have more detail about how long a bicycle should last here.

Some bicycle models are in high-demand – not just the expensive copycats of professional racing teams, but also e-bikes, commuters, and runarounds. When considering the value if your bicycle is less than two years old, we recommend looking at the waiting list for the latest version of the same model. If there’s a long lead time, a prospective owner might be willing to pay more for a top machine.

How Much Does a Bicycle Depreciate Each Year?

You can expect bicycle value to halve in the first year of purchase. After this you might see a 10 percent drop in value each year after that. Condition, popularity, and brand are also going to play their part in the perceived value, as well as demand and supply for the model.

We’ve identified that taking care of your bicycle will have a positive impact on the value – a 20 percent increase from fair to very good condition will give a big boost at the end of the calculation.

If you grab a bargain at your own point of purchase, you will benefit from an improved depreciation in an indirect fashion. The amount you saved when you got your own deal need not be passed on to the person buying from you. The newer your bicycle, the lower the depreciation will be if you saved a lot when you bought it.

Best Places to Sell a Used Bicycle

The internet has specific marketplaces to help you to sell a used bicycle, but before you start taking hundreds of photos, it may pay to look closer to home. Take a look around your commute or your local area to see if you can sell via word of mouth.

Your market may be closer than you think. Work colleagues, local Facebook cycling groups, even Strava pages can be used to advertise your bicycle. It’s easier and simpler to make direct contact and you can each make a confident assessment about the sale.

If you have to go online, the traditional routes of Gumtree or eBay are good options. Using PayPal helps both parties, especially those who are concerned about the process, but you have to take the time to photograph your bike and be prepared to answer FAQs.

Finally, you could consider using a third-party to sell your bicycle for you. There are many sites to have a look at, but consider that there may be a fee involved in the sale price. Before you can list the bicycle, you may have to prove to the site that your model is of a sufficient quality to be sold.

Many will only look at good sellers from strong brands, and have a minimum resale figure which is usually north of £750 / $964. We’ve talked more about where to sell a bicycle here.

The post Used Bicycle Value Calculator: How Much is My Bike Worth? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Buying a bicycle, whether used or new, should be a considered decision, with time taken to make the right choices. Whether novice or expert, you want to take time to weigh up the pros and cons.

We’ve given some guidance on how much you should spend on a bicycle here. New versus used is a conscious decision being made more and more by consumers, as we consider the impact and availability of any product we would like to own.

There are bicycle frames made to last a lifetime. Many component parts must be replaced as you use them.

Stores in the UK are now selling second-hand bicycles, and new businesses have been set up offering a range of used rides from well-known manufacturers. 

New Bikes

Buying new provides the most flexibility. Your choice of colours, frames and options are endless. You have the opportunity to enter into a relationship with one brand. This might be of use if there is a store or independent in your neighbourhood that you can rely on to help you take care of your bicycle. 

Buying from a specialist store means that they are likely to set the bicycle up for you to ride away, and you will receive some great advice too – bicycle shops are always willing to answer questions.

Buying online is a favourite option for many. The upside is usually a reduction in cost. The downside is losing some of the individuality of the purchase, and buying new online will mean your bicycle arrives in a cardboard box for you to set up. 

If a manufacturer wants to get rid of old stock, you sometimes get a decent saving on a machine that will still give you everything you want and need out of a ride.

Do Bikes Have Good Resale Value?

Generally speaking, bicycles are not made, nor consumed, to hold their value. They’re designed so that some of the parts wear down, and need replacing. There is a depreciation rate for bicycles, and some models perform better than others. 

As a minimum, you could expect to lose around 50% of the value of the new machine in the first year.

We’ve covered the practical side of buying a bicycle to hold its value here.

Is Buying a New Bicycle a Good Investment?

How much commitment are you willing to give to owning, riding and caring for the bicycle you have bought? Your ownership should include simple maintenance and checking over the bicycle once in a while. It really pays to give it a once over every few rides.

Then you can enjoy years and years of fruitful and enjoyable riding. Riding that will, if you want, give you time during a spin to calculate how much you might have saved by owning the bicycle. No gym fees, reduced commuting costs, fewer prescriptions or medications (possibly) and lower fuel costs – fueling up for a bicycle ride is important but less costly than filling your car up.

There are longer-term renting options here that you could consider as an alternative.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Cycle to Work schemes have been a choice for people returning to owning a bicycle. It’s a simple concept offering qualifying UK employees the chance to enter into a salary-sacrifice process with an employer, usually for between 12 and 18 months.

They get a new bicycle and accessories (including essential clothing if needed) straight away. This spreads the cost when you are starting cycling from scratch. A wide range of shops accept cycle to work schemes. 

The financial incentive is in the salary sacrifice element. The deduction from salary is made before Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) are taken. So you pay less tax and less NICs. We have an article on Cycle to Work schemes here.

Second Hand Bikes

Although the essence of a bicycle is unchanged, the pace of development is steady and frequent. As products develop, riders who have caught the cycling bug will look to upgrade and trade in. Some will also decide cycling is not for them and look to make some space in the garage or shed. This keeps a steady flow of second hand bicycles in the marketplace.

Is It Worth Getting a Second Hand Bike?

There is a strong case for getting a better return on a second hand bicycle by treading carefully. Given that the value of a new ride reduces by 50% in the first year, you should be able to find something suitable on paper. 

You must invest time in checking the machine out and checking the owner out too, especially if buying from an auction site. We would very strongly recommend taking along someone who has an understanding of the mechanics of a bicycle to check it out, if you’re not 100% confident of doing so yourself. Taking another person along often helps balance out the pressure of a sale too.

eBay is a general site that includes second-hand bicycles, and it does create some accountability to sellers by providing their contact details, and feedback from other purchasers. You can still get your money back via PayPal if you don’t get what you thought you would.

Another option would be to consider a more specialist website or store selling second-hand bicycles. In the UK, Halfords offers ‘pre-pedalled’ rides. These come with a 12 month warranty. 

Can You Buy a Second Hand Bike on the Cycle to Work Scheme?

Some do, subject to qualifying criteria. Popular schemes include Bike2Work, Cycle Solutions, Green Commute Initiative and Cyclescheme. Though aimed at moving new bicycles to the market, some do offer refurbished bicycles that have a 12-month warranty. Cyclescheme is one such facility. 

How to Inspect a Second Hand Bicycle

A priority should be to examine the frame. Whilst components can be swapped, a badly dented or cracked frame spells the end for the bicycle. Check the welds and joins for cracks or workmanship. Ask if the bicycle has suffered any crashes. Take a mechanic if you can find one.

Check for movement or ‘play’ in the areas where bearings are used to assist motion – the wheel hubs, headset and bottom bracket are all areas to look at. If you want a suspension-bicycle, check the pivot points for wear and tear.

Try to obtain original sale documents. Find out how often the bicycle has been serviced and by whom. Check for modifications. It’s reassuring to know that you can build trust in the person you are buying from. Take someone with you if you don’t feel confident.

Perhaps most importantly, you can check the frame number against a number of checking sites – some are paid sites and require the original owner to have done the work but there are blogs and forums to cross-reference against.

Which Bikes Are Best to Buy Second Hand?

The less ‘action’ that the bicycle is likely to have seen the better. A mountain bike may have had more tumbles and stresses than a simple hybrid. Whilst they are built to withstand different stresses, your trust and instinct would be to select a bicycle that you believe has had less chance of barrage.

Unfortunately most bicycles lose their warranty once ownership passes to a second-owner but there are some brands that are better than others when it comes to running a second-hand steed.

The most important consideration would be the willingness and readiness of a mechanic to deal with repairs. Trek and Giant are two very well-known manufacturers offering a strong service, parts, and repair element to their businesses.

Is it Better to Buy a New Bike or Used?

You need to invest more time considering used over new. You’ll have the same considerations about frame size, materials, components but then you must build in the unknowns and lack of guarantees that come with buying second-hand.

Weigh up why you are buying second-hand carefully. You won’t regret taking extra time or walking away.

New Bike v Used Bike [Pros + Cons]

New Bike Pros + Cons

Used Bike Pros + Cons

Should I Buy a New or Used Bicycle?

If you don’t have a budget the obvious choice is to buy new. You’ll get a warranty, more choices and of course, the comfort of being the first rider. You can still maximise your budget in the used market but must research, tread carefully, and be prepared to take more time over your purchase.

The post New Bike vs Used Bike: Which is Best Value? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Even the most beloved bikes can become unwanted. Your bike may be beyond repair. Or simply not suitable for you, or your riding style, any longer.

There are many other reasons why you might want to get rid of your old bike. Maybe you want a change, or an upgrade. If you’re choosing a different kind of bike, and your bike is in reasonable condition, there are plenty of charities that will accept bikes for donation.

Even if you feel your old bike has simply had it, there are options. The good news is, your unwanted bike doesn’t have to end up in landfill!

What to Do with Old Bicycles

Old bicycles can be sold, or donated to charity if they’re in decent working order. If your bike is in bad condition, you don’t have to write it off as ‘scrap’ either. Your bike can be sold (or donated) for parts, or for refurbishment. You can also recycle, or even upcycle, old bicycles.

Can I Give My Old Bike to Charity?

The short answer is yes. There are a number of charities, local and national, that will take old bikes. Some accept bikes for distributing overseas. Other charities refurbish bikes to put back into the community. There are even charities who take bikes to be refurbished within the prison service. This aims to teach those in custody a new, useful skill.

How Do I Donate a Bike to Charity?

The charity you donate to will depend on the condition of your bike. Some will take bikes in need of repair. Others require the bike to be in good condition. Transport could also be a factor. Some charities will pick up a bike from your home, but many will ask you to take the bike to a shop or drop-off point.

The drop-off locations may determine which charity you choose. However, there are many charities to choose from, and you should easily find one to suit you.

Keep reading, as we cover specific charities that you can donate your bike to.

Do Halfords Take Old Bikes for Charity?

Halfords do take old bikes for charity! Since 2013, they’ve worked in partnership with Re-Cycle. This innovative charity takes used bikes, and ships them to Africa. For some communities bicycles are an invaluable form of transport, whether for travelling to work, to school, or to move and sell goods.

Re-Cycle works with partners in Africa, who employ people to refurbish the bikes locally. They’re then distributed to people living in rural communities, or put into Re-Cycle projects. It’s a fantastic way of improving people’s lives and prospects.

To date, the Halfords/Re-Cycle partnership have collected just under 60,000 bikes. And with over 70 Halfords drop-off locations across the UK, donating couldn’t be easier.

Will Charity Shops Take Bikes?

The Sue Ryder charity accepts bike donations at selected shops across the country. This is part of the Sue Ryder Bicycle Workshop scheme. Donated bikes are repaired in prisons, before being sold on at affordable prices.

Working closely with HM Prison Service, Sue Ryder enables inmates to gain new skills through both learning about and becoming qualified in bicycle mechanics. This training helps inmates to access employment when they’re released.

As well as reducing landfill, the scheme enables people to have access to great bikes, that may otherwise be out of their price range.

Other charity shops may not advertise for bike donations, but it’s worth checking with local shops to see if they’ll accept used bikes in good repair.

Charity shops do not accept used bike helmets. However, there are other options for recycling bicycle helmets if yours is damaged or expired.

Which Charities Take Old Bikes?

As we’ve covered, charities that take old bikes include Re-Cycle, who provide bikes to communities in Africa, and the Sue Ryder Bicycle Workshop, with stockists around the country.

There are also many local charities around the UK that will take second-hand bikes:

• The Bike Project take second-hand bikes and donate them to refugees and asylum seekers
• Bikes For Good Causes, based in London, are committed to supporting the community and offering affordable bikes and repair work.
• Life Cycle UK, with cycle drop-off points in Derby and Bristol, have won multiple awards with their community cycling projects.
• Ride On – Cycling For All in Exeter do valuable work to promote and give people access to cycling.
• In Norfolk and Suffolk, Cycle Recycle refurbish bikes for affordable sales, or recycle them for parts.
• In the North East, Recyke y’Bike specialises in refurbishing used bikes and selling them at affordable prices to fund charitable objectives. They give away hundreds of bikes a year to schools, community groups, and people on very low incomes in the North East.
• Back 2 Bikes in Stafford sell refurbished bikes cheaply, and offer volunteers of all abilities the opportunity to gain skills and experience in bike mechanics.
• For large numbers of bike donations, Recycle Your Cycle will take 20 bikes or more. They will collect them on arrangement.

This is by no means the full list of charities in the UK that accept bike donations. A quick Google search will bring up one or more in your area. It’s inspiring that so many people are working hard to make cycling more accessible, as well as keeping old bikes out of landfill!

Donate Bikes in Need of Repair

Of all the charities that take used bikes for donation, most will accept bikes that need repair or refurbishment. If the bike is beyond repair, they will often accept it for spare parts.

In Scotland, The Bike Station (with drop-off centres in Perth and Edinburgh) refurbishes bikes. They are then used for community work, or sold at affordable prices. They accept “the good, the bad, and even the ugly”. All bikes, bike parts, and accessories are acceptable.

Glasgow-based Bike For Good will take any usable bike parts for use on other bikes.

Best Place to Donate Bikes

It’s difficult to pinpoint the best place to donate a bike, with so many charities doing commendable work for the community, and beyond. But Re-Cycle and The Bike Project certainly stand out in terms of the valuable work they do to help and empower people in need.

With such a range of options to choose from, perhaps the best place to donate bikes is with the charity that resonates most with you.

Bicycle Recycling

There are many parts of a bike that can be recycled. Tyres and inner tubes can be taken to recycling centres. Frames will often be accepted at scrap yards to be broken down, and repurposed. Chains are difficult to recycle, but you may be able to donate them to a bike shop or charity for re-use.

Can You Part Exchange a Bike?

Many bike retailers will accept your bike in part exchange if the condition of the bike is good. Some, such as Halfords, will only accept bikes bought from one of their own stores. Cycle Exchange works with a range of partner stores around the UK, where you can part exchange your bike easily.

Wherever you’re based, it’s worth checking with your local bike store for their own terms and conditions on part exchange.

How Do I Get Rid of My Old Bike in the UK?

If your bike is in too poor a state to be donated or sold (even for parts), as a last resort you can take it to a scrap yard. They’ll break down the frame for re-use. Ask your local council where you can take your frame.

Before you dismantle your bike for recycling, however, it is worth contacting charities. Many of them will take bikes in horrible conditions to use for parts.

You could also consider upcycling, to make some unique artwork for your home or garden!

By cleaning and de-rusting, you can use parts of your bike in useful, decorative ways. The ideas are endless.

The post What to Do with Old Bikes: Repair, Recycle or Donate? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

If you’re looking to sell your bicycle to make room for an upgrade, or even just having a much needed clear out, knowing the best way to sell a bike can make a big difference.

This doesn’t just streamline the process to ease stress, but also ensures your beloved bike is fully utilised in its next life! 

What is the Best Way to Sell a Bicycle?

Deciding on the best way to sell your bike should begin with establishing its value in its current state. This includes considering wear and tear, the age of parts, and any damage that may be visible. 

A great idea would be to check in with your cycling friends, or even fellow club members (if you’re part of a cycling club). It’s an easy way to see if there’s any immediate interest in the bike you’re selling. 

Word of mouth is arguably the best way to sell your bicycle. It saves on time and energy, as there’s no need to list it online, or on a notice board. However, if this doesn’t suit you, there are other methods that are very effective.

Where is the Best Place to Sell a Bike? 

There are some great places to sell your bicycle both on and offline. Bear in mind that some places may take a cut of your sale. For others, you’ll need to obtain permission before your bike can be listed. 

However, rest assured, there’s a marketplace for everyone! 

Training Facility Notice Board

Firstly, listing your bike on a notice board at a local cycling facility is a great way to generate interest. It’s in a targeted area, and people who ride bikes also buy bikes. This is a great option, regardless of the type of bike you’re selling. 

Asking to post an advert on a notice board at your local track or cycling club can be a cost effective, efficient way of ensuring your target audience sees your goods.

At A Bike Race 

Similarly, selling a bike at a race is another brilliant way to have your bike seen by fellow cyclists. Taking your bike along and popping a ‘for sale’ sign on can generate rapid interest. Once again, it’s a cheap (or free!) way to advertise. 

Potential buyers will be able to see your bike in the flesh, and decide on the spot if they’re interested. This weeds out potential time wasters, who can often be found online. 

Facebook Bike Selling Groups

Although mostly used for keeping in contact with friends and family, Facebook also has a bustling online marketplace. This can be a great place to sell bikes. 

There are also closed groups you can join that specifically sell bikes, and bike related goods. There’s likely to be a group for your local area regardless of where you’re based, with members including riders of all types and levels.

Gumtree

Another option is to list your second-hand bicycle on a site like Gumtree. This is a great place to advertise, as people can filter for local listings – making the transaction quick and easy. 

Advertising your bike on sites like this can generate significant interest. Potential buyers often search these sites looking for a bargain, and are willing to travel outside of their local area for one! Therefore, it’s likely your listing will have a substantial reach. 

Recycle Now 

Recycle Now doesn’t actually help you sell, or buy your bicycle from you. However, it’s a great option to consider if you’re in a position to recycle or donate, instead of selling for financial gain. 

The Recycle Now website directs you to local places, organisations, and charities, where you can donate your bike (or other goods) to help those less fortunate. 

This means you can donate your bike to a good cause instead of waiting for a buyer. Alternatively, through this method your parts may also be salvaged and reused. it’s a great socially responsible, eco-friendly, and sustainable option.

Can You Sell Bikes on eBay? 

Yes, you can sell bikes on eBay! It’s actually a very popular site for bike sales, and can be a fast and efficient way of getting rid of your bike if you’re pressed for time. 

To sell on eBay, firstly you need to create an account. Next, take some good, clear photos of your bike. Make sure you include pictures of any damage to the paint, or to parts like the frame, or the wheels. 

You’ll also need to choose the format you’d like to sell your bicycle under. On eBay this will either be an online auction, or a ‘Buy it Now’ listing, where you set the price. This option might be preferable if you’re looking to sell your bike quickly, as you don’t need to wait for bids to roll in.

If you’d prefer to list your bike under the traditional auction/bidding format, you can set a minimum reserve to help ensure your bike won’t sell for less than you’d like. 

Remember that with either option, eBay will take a cut of your sale profit. Therefore, it’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions before committing to sell on the platform.

Overall however, it’s a good place to generate interest, as it’s a popular site for second-hand bike sales.

How Can I Sell My Bike Fast? 

If you’d like to sell your bike fast then, the best way would be to use a mixture of the above methods. This will help create a wider reach, and increase exposure to a range of potential buyers.

Another option would be to set a low asking price for your bike. This is a good way to sell your bike quickly, but won’t be a good option for those looking to generate funds from the sale. Your bike could end up selling for a lot less than the current market value. 

Halfords also have a scheme called Re-Cycle. You can donate your old bike, which is sent to Africa, and given to people in rural communities to use for transport. This can be a great way to get rid of your bike fast, for a good cause. 

Fastest Ways to Sell a Bike 

If time is of the essence then the fastest way to sell your bike would be to list it on a range of online selling sites and forums (including Facebook groups), and to set the price low. This will attract people looking for a bargain. 

As we’ve covered, you could also consider donating your bicycle to charity, if you’re in a position to do so. It’s a quick option if you’re short on time or space, and the charity will either reuse your parts, or refurbish the bike and gift it to those in need. 

How Much Should I Sell My Bike For? 

How much you should sell your bike for depends on a few factors. These include its age, condition, and any previous damage. You’ll also need to take into account any work that’s been done on the bike, such as carbon repairs. 

However, the first step would be to research bikes that are the same make and model, and see how much they’ve been listed for. Remember to also check how much they’ve sold for! This will help to give you an idea of a fair asking price. 

If you’ve tried to research but haven’t been able to find anything similar to use as a comparison, it’s worth asking a local bike shop for their opinion. Often, they’ll have a good idea of a fair price point. They may even know of a potential buyer!

The post What is the Best Way to Sell a Bike? [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Many of us make lists of considerations before purchasing a bicycle. Things like comfort, purpose, brand, design standards, durability and maybe even colour might make that list. But one thing that is unlikely to break the top five is the potential resale value of the a bike.

Advertisers and marketers sell these ideals to us. They rely on us having a weakness for stretching the depth of our pockets further than we should. They inject us with streams of positive and happy images of open, sunny trails or fast countryside lanes. Or colourful, clear urban routes.

You may not be OK with that principle but manufacturers have always tended to produce models for each type of buyer. Budget is probably number one on most buyer’s list of considerations. 

If you are a short-distance commuter, you may only spend a relatively small amount on your bicycle. Your use for it is spartan, functional. If it is stolen from your place of work or railway station, you shrug your shoulders and replace it. You’ve already forgotten what colour it was. You don’t care about its resale value because you use it like a pair of sneakers.

If you like to push yourself on steep, rugged yet fast terrain, you may go for a niche electric mountain bike with the latest suspension technology and long-life battery. You degrease it, lube it and prep it after each ride. Its cost may make you blush when in polite circles. But you adore it. Your social media is festooned with images of you and it traversing continents, smashing KOMs, living your best life. You don’t care about its resale value because it’s a cherished member of your family. You clean it more often than you clean your dog.

Bicycles are designed in a way which means that components wear out and need replacing. The cost of replacing these moving parts is a consideration when looking at value and will increase depending on the frequency of use.

There are countless other reasons for buying before thinking of resale value. But are you missing out if you ignore it? Can you find room for warranty-transfer opportunity, depreciation, value-in-use, and opportunity costs alongside tyre grip, dealership networks and frame colour? Do you need a degree in economics to invest in a bicycle, or to at least placate others in your circle that you’ve made a sound, if potentially more expensive, investment? 

Do Bicycles Hold Their Value?

On the whole, no. Bicycles are not typically manufactured, nor bought and sold, to hold their value. It falls as soon as we first swing our leg over the saddle. We use it, we contribute to wear and tear. Its components are constantly refined and updated which reduces value for soon outdated parts.

It’s important to balance the value lost with how much we have gained over the lifetime of our ownership. That includes the physical and mental health benefits, reduced day-to-day transport and parking costs, and time saved with each commute.

Most manufacturers would like us to buy new bicycles from them every three years or so and build marketing strategies around this. Model updates and the desirability factor of newer machines affect the value of a bicycle.

More expensive bicycles from brand leaders with a reputation for winning professional races with high-quality components attract desirability and some more value. The US company Specialized went one step further when they created S-Works; a premium ‘brand within a brand’, to ramp up the kudos and premium status of ownership. At the time of writing, a 2020 model S-Works Enduro 29 mountain bike is £8,999 / $12,366 online, direct from Specialized. In very good condition, it is estimated that the value one year later would be up to £7,487 / $10,289.

At the less expensive, more functional end of the scale, it could be argued that bicycles hold some of their value too. If the price point is much lower, there is less money to lose from the outset and shallower intake of breath when you receive an offer for it. The market for buying second-hand mass-market bikes is usually on auction sites like eBay or Craigslist. You can ride away a new 2021 model B-Twin Riverside Hybrid Bike for £230 / $316. Within the first year, the model is offered, used, on eBay for £115 / $158.

READ: Best Hybrid Bikes for Commuters

How Much Value Do Bicycles Lose?

With many influencing factors, called market forces, and more than one way to calculate loss in value, no one can be precise. After the first year, it might be expected that the value of a new bicycle with one year of average use will fall by 50% and then 10% for each year of use after that. 

From the earlier example, the Decathlon bought B-Twin Riverside Hybrid Bike above validates this. But the S-Works Enduro 29 mountain bike was estimated to have dropped by just 17% in the first year. 

Market forces represent the current philosophy and bias of each of the buyers and sellers of bicycles around the time of sale. As we write in September 2021, some models are in short supply due to delays in producing their components. Global brands still mass-manufacture even at this end of the price range. 

This makes market forces for the very good condition 2020 S-Works Enduro 29 tip in favour of the seller. There may be more demand than usual for an older model when the 2021 or upcoming 2022 version has a long or unknown waiting list. More demand and limited supply usually means higher prices. And therefore value is retained. This is just one example.

Bicycle Depreciation Rate

Depreciation is defined as ‘the annual allowance for the wear and tear, deterioration or obsolescence of the property’. Accountants and finance managers employ depreciation rates on company assets such as buildings, production line equipment and office furniture. There is more than one method for calculating this allowance, depending on the asset and how it is used.

The ‘straight line’ depreciation rate reduces the value of your bicycle equally each year over its useful lifetime. A £1,000 / $1,384 bicycle, given a useful lifetime of 5 years, would be said to depreciate by £200 / $277 each year.

The ‘accelerated’ depreciation rate reduces more of the value of the bicycle earlier within the period of its useful lifetime. The depreciation rate reduces towards the end of its useful lifetime. This seems the more appropriate method of calculating a bicycle depreciation rate than the straight line method due to the proportionately high loss in value at the end of the first year of ownership.

Bicycles typically lose 50% of their value in their first year, followed by a 10% depreciation each year after that.

Bicycle Deprecation Formula:

(PURCHASE PRICE ÷ 2) × 0.9ⁿ = CURRENT BICYCLE VALUE

Obviously this is very generalised, as the condition of the bicycle will also be a key consideration, while the popularity of the brand and model will also have a significant impact in the perceived value.

Which Bikes Hold Their Value? 

Top-level race success, sponsors and influencers, universal appeal and lack of very specific niche technologies contribute to a slower depreciation in value. Standards in design which may stand the test of time for longer do better. Choosing a timeless frame colour will help. 

Key changes in bicycle technology play a part in determining value. Mountain bike designers introduced the 29 inch and 27.5 inch wheel to improve traction, grip and control. This quickly reduced the value of mountain bikes with 26 inch wheels. 

Road bike design has crossed a threshold of brake design in the last five years. Traditional rim brake technology is being replaced by disc brakes. Now competing with rim brakes, disc brake road bikes are now the most dominant in the market. 

Rim brakes are perceived to suffer from a design redundancy and lose some value as market forces reduce demand. Although rim brake technology suits some road bike users, many manufacturers have ceased production of rim brake bicycles. Their perceived usability is hindered and the universal value falls.

The feeling for the strong brand in the eye of the mainstream helps bikes to hold their value. They review well, usually have a good dealership network or local bike shop support and a track record for quality. This will all help you if you buy new. 

Buying direct from the manufacturer might also help when buying new as you avoid contributing to the margins that a dealership or local bike shop collects if you buy from them.

Do Road Bikes Hold Their Value?

Overall, depreciation rates are no different in road bikes from other bicycles you can buy. A titanium frame, universally recognised for durability, allied to high quality components from a strong brand who wins races, will hold value more than a carbon / steel bicycle in similar condition. Damage harms value.

The popularity will influence the number for sale on auction sites or specialised second hand sites. Attracting buyers requires a detailed listing and accurate history of use to achieve the best value.

Do Giant Bicycles Hold Their Value?

Giant Bicycles have a reputation for quality and dependability across their wide range. They are one of the largest frame builders in the world. They have been in business for over 50 years and have a universal appeal. All of these factors help when weighing up long term value. 

A 2020 Giant ToughRoad SLR 2 aluminum hybrid bike would cost £759 / $1,050 new. In good condition the value would be up to £605 / $837. This model retains more value than the average.

Do Trek Bikes Hold Their Value?

Trek invests in frame geometry design and is innovative. They have a reputation for quality and comfort. Trusted around the world, they support pro teams to enhance the value of their products and they have a wide support network.This helps build confidence in their offer and supporting value.

A 2019 Trek Domane SL7 Disc Women’s road bike would cost £4,178 / $5,780 new. In good condition, the value would be up to £2,351 / $3,252. This model retains more value than the average.

Bike Brands That Hold Their Value 

All of the above brands are oozing with the factors and reputation which make their bicycles desirable and in demand. They have a very loyal fanbase which keeps positive reviews flowing from followers and the media. All very useful in attracting customers and value.

Yeti and Colnago hold iconic status which turn heads on the trails and roads. They have heritage and class. Pinarello and S-Works have modern, race-winning heritage allied to build quality which makes them an alluring package.

Santa Cruz and Canyon produce lower volumes without compromising quality or research and development. Santa Cruz hand-assemble their bicycles under one roof in California. Canyon only sell their bicycles directly to the public which reduces the loss in value to the new owner as it cuts out a retailer margin. Although there is no dealer network the brand is trusted by local bike shops so value is protected.

Which Bike Has the Best Resale Value?

With so many variables and no budget, this feels like an impossible task. We can narrow our search by looking at constant factors like using the same resale websites, only look at mountain bikes and road bikes in good condition from 2020 and from brands with universal appeal. 

With this in mind, using exchange rates at the time of writing, we only look at 2020 models of road and mountain bikes, in good condition, from well known brands with universal appeal, it is hard to see past the Specialized S-Works Venge Disc road bike. 

It has race-bred credibility and loyal followers flock to the brand. The frame is of a universally-accepted design and components are high quality. The eye-watering price of new models shores up the one-year price for a new model. Then add in some emotional and unproven factors such as kerb-appeal and an expected top-level maintenance programme (S-Works bikes can include 3 months free maintenance from new) from a hopefully careful and trusted owner. After all, they will have paid £9,035 / $12,500 new. 

TOOL: Which Bike Should I Buy?

The post Bicycles That Hold Their Value: Top 6 Bike Brands appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

IN 2020, DISCERNING CYCLIST WILL DONATE £5 FOR EVERY OLD BICYCLE DONATED TO RE-CYCLE AND ALSO SEND THE DONOR A BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATED CYCLING PRINT BY STE JOHNSON. SIMPLY DONATE YOUR BIKE TO RE-CYCLE AND SEND A PIC OF YOUR BICYCLE TO US HERE!

If you’re visiting Discerning Cyclist, the chances are you’re a big fan of bicycles.

Every year, around 3 million brand new bikes are bought in the UK. But what happens to cyclists’ old bikes?

Well, unfortunately, those that aren’t sold or left to rot in a shed end up in landfill.

That’s why, in 2020, Discerning Cyclist is supporting Re-Cycle – an amazing charity that accepts unwanted bikes in the UK and sends them to rural communities in Africa where they can literally transform lives.

Re-Cycle – Bike Donation in the UK

Over the past 21 years, Re-Cycle, based in Colchester, Essex, have accepted over 100,000 bike donations from the UK and sent them to people in need in rural Ghana, Zambia, The Gambia and South Africa.

For those in need, a bike can be the ultimate gift of independence. It can be a way to get to school. It can be a way to reach a job. It can even be used to collect clean and safe drinking water for a whole family.

Many people in these communities spend hours walking every day in order to collect living essentials such as water, food or firewood, meaning they don’t have time to go to school or get a job. With a bicycle, they can drastically reduce the time such activities take, enabling them to use their time in other ways, while also massively broadening the area that they can reach.

How Re-Cycle Recycle Bicycles

Having partnered with other companies, Re-Cycle have over 100 drop-off locations in the UK, where you can donate your old bike. Their biggest partnership is with Halfords, with over 70 of their stores accepting bikes, before sending them down to Re-Cycle’s HQ in Essex.

At their headquarters, Re-Cycle then turn the bike into a “flatpack” for transportation by turning the handlebars and removing pedals etc. in order to be able to send as many bikes as possible in each container to Africa. They manage to get around 500 bikes in each container and, in 2019 alone, they sent over 20 containers. If my maths is right, that’s over 10,000 bikes and even more lives transformed.

How and Where to Donate a Bike

Both kids and adult bikes can be donated to Re-Cycle – so long as the bike is still in working order, they’ll accept it.

Donating is also very easy.

Simply find a drop-off point near where you live (full list here), select a location on the Re-Cycle website and then complete the online form.

And Discerning Cyclist would like to give you some extra motivation to donate your bike in 2020… as for the first 100 bikes donated by the Discerning Cyclist audience, we’ll donate £5 per bike to Re-Cycle AND send you a special illustrated print by Ste Johnson that reflects the Re-Cycle mission.

All we ask is that you send an email to pete@discerningcyclist.com with a picture of you and the bike you’re donating (or just the bike, if you’re camera shy). We’ll be putting these pictures together on a celebratory post on Discerning Cyclist.

Other Ways to Support Re-Cycle

Don’t have a spare bike that you’re willing to say goodbye to? No problem.

If you have a few quid to spare, you can also donate to Re-Cycle to help fund their amazing cycling mission.

Discerning Cyclist 2020 Mission

In 2020, Discerning Cyclist wants to help donate an extra 100 bikes to Re-Cycle. What’s more, for every bike donated, we’ll also donate £5 and also send you a special cycling illustration by Ste Johnson as a way of thanks.

If you’d like to donate, here’s what you need to do:

• Find a place to donate here
• Once you’ve selected your location, simply complete the form
• Then drop off the bike and take a picture!

For every picture we receive of you and your donated bike, we’ll also donate £5 and send you a beautiful illustration!

Your unwanted bike could change a life.

BIKE DONERS WALL OF FAME

Bike #007 – Dean, Surrey (Picture to follow)

Bike #009 – Craig (Picture to follow)

The post Your Old Bike Could Change A Life appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

When it comes to investing in a bike, value for money is everything. If you’re a commuter looking to cycle to work, for example, it’s important that you’re sure you’re making the right choice before parting with your money.

Don’t think you’ve got to have an enormous budget, either. In many cases, a cheap commuter bike can do just as fine a job for a fraction of the cost of a state-of-the-art model, so whatever your price range, there’s always something for everyone.

With that in mind, then, it’s important to consider these six pearls of wisdom before finding your perfect commuter bike:

Used Bikes Are Always The Cheaper Option

If you’re searching for the most cost-effective answer to this question, look no further than second hand bikes. Why spend more than is necessary on a new model when these are right under your nose?

Second hand bikes may come with more risks attached; you will want to check the seller is reliable, and, of course, that the bike is still in a good condition, for instance.

But if you’re happy enough to take the plunge, used bikes can be a great way of finding just what you need without burning a hole in your wallet.

Use Bikesoup To Find Second-Hand Bikes Online

If indeed you decide to go down the second-hand route and the Internet is your first port of call, the best website you could hope to find for this is Bikesoup.

This site not only allows you to buy and sell bikes, but also boasts its own cycling blog packed full of reviews and opinions on the latest models.

You can also refine your search to match your budgetary limits, your preferred manufacturer, size, groupset and bike type.

Plus, at the time of writing, there are almost 2,500 used bikes on their market, so expect to be spoilt for choice, too.

Visit Bike Shops and Markets

Alternatively, you can always check out nearby bike shops and ask if they have any second-hand bikes.

Not only that, but some cities, such as Berlin, London and Amsterdam, also have their own bike markets for sale on certain days of the week, so check these out for a bargain if you can.

But If You Want a New Bike, Decathlon is the Place to Go

If second-hand isn’t for you, Decathlon is your best bet to find cheap bikes for sale.

Like Bikesoup, they have an enormous and wide-ranging variety of bikes to choose from but also offer more in the way of refining your search.

You can still set your price limits, type of bike, size and brand, but you can specify so much more with Decathlon too.

Whether it’s full, front or no suspension you’re after, an aluminium, steel or carbon frame, or a bike with or without disk brakes, Decathlon will no doubt have the perfect new bike for you. You can even search for bikes in specific colours if you want one that looks the part, too.

If You’re Shopping Cheap, Don’t Go Full-Suspension

Especially in the case of those without a large budget, it probably won’t be worth investing in a bike with full suspension.

Cheap suspension bikes can be less enjoyable to ride than a bike with no suspension, and will likely prove less reliable than front-suspension only or no suspension bikes which are worth the same amount of money.

But Check You’re Not Buying a Stolen Bike First

Bike theft can be a serious and common problem, especially in big cities and in the second-hand market. As mentioned earlier, it’s vital that you check first that the bike you want to buy hasn’t been stolen.

Thankfully, there are plenty of guidelines on how to check if a bike is stolen. Do you trust the seller? Has the bicycle’s serial number been scratched off? Has it been spray-painted, perhaps to hide its original identity? Has the frame been bent?

You can also carry out a quick stolen bike check over at BikeRegister, which will quickly and easily determine whether the bicycle in question is registered as stolen. Of course, it does require that the original owner registered their model with the site, but it’s a step closer to ensuring you’ve made a good deal.

The post Where to Find a Cheap Commuter Bike in Your City appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.