Bike ReSale
What is on offer?
The refurbished dealer from Dresden purchases bicycles from large leasing companies and collects them personally from the lessee or previous owner. Racing bikes and gravel bikes make up around seven per cent of the range. The majority are trekking bikes and e-mountainbikes suitable for everyday use. "Above a certain price range, people no longer buy used or reconditioned road bikes," says Markus Brauny, one of the two founders. In addition, many buyers use the leased bike to get to work, "so the focus is on utility". According to the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV), between 70 and 80 per cent of expensive e-bikes are leased. Reconditioning includes cleaning, inspection and replacement of locking parts as standard. Signs of use or damage are documented in the photo studio. Around 300 reconditioned bikes leave the warehouse every month.
How much can you save?
Compared to the manufacturer's recommended retail price, you can save an average of around 30 per cent on road and gravel bikes. The biggest "discount" in the research period was offered by a three-year-old triathlon bike from Trek (47 per cent).
What is the warranty?
Commercial sellers may reduce the statutory warranty period on used bikes to one year. Bike ReSale also does this. A 14-day return period is also granted.
Is a test drive possible?
Yes, either on site at the warehouse in Dresden or within the 14-day return period.
Are there any shipping costs?
The buyer bears the shipping costs (50 euros). There is also a fee for return shipping, which depends on the service provider or shipping company. "We want our customers to familiarise themselves with the bike beforehand so that we don't have to send an unnecessary number of bikes across the country. This also has something to do with sustainability," explains Managing Director Markus Brauny.
Buycycle
What is on offer?
Buycycle offers both used and refurbished bikes. More than half of the around 14,000 models on the online platform are racing bikes or gravel bikes. Almost 600 refurbished bikes have curved handlebars. From well-known and lesser-known manufacturers and in all price categories (600 to 10,000 euros). Other refurbished providers such as ReBike (see below) or Tuvalum also use the marketplace and offer refurbished bikes on Buycycle. In total, bikes from 29 countries are advertised on the platform, and Buycycle is now also active in the USA. "We think it's super cool that we can connect bike enthusiasts across Europe," says Theo Golditchuk, one of the three founders of the Munich-based start-up. When buying a used bike, the seller offers their bike on the platform in return for a commission (3.5 per cent of the sale price) for payment processing and shipping. In addition to the sales price, the buyer pays a fee (4.5 per cent of the sales price), which covers possible return shipping. Cleaning or inspection can be booked for an additional charge. This service is included for refurbished bikes. Carbon frames are also checked for damage using ultrasound.
How much can you save?
According to Managing Director Theo Golditchuk, the savings for reconditioned racing bikes and gravel bikes are around 40 per cent. Our sample showed slightly less: with ten bikes with different lifespans and original prices, the savings potential was 30 per cent.
What is the warranty?
Depending on the model purchased, Buycycle, which has been trading in used bikes since 2021, offers a warranty of up to two years. Refurbished models have a 14-day right of return. Used bikes from a private purchase can be returned if the model does not correspond to the specifications in the sales advert. Buycycle would like to point out that an unsuitable size is not a reason for return in this case. In addition, return requests must be reported within 48 hours of receipt of the bike.
Is a test drive possible?
Buycycle does not explicitly point this out, but as the right of return for refurbished bikes is 14 days, a test ride is possible during this period. This also applies to self-collection. Buycycle will only pay the purchase price to the seller once the buyer has confirmed the handover of the bike.
Are there any shipping costs?
Shipping within Germany costs 85 euros, collection from the seller is free of charge.
Used bike studio
What is on offer?
GebrauchtradStudio is the internet platform of Bravobike, which has specialised in the trade of reconditioned leasing returns since 2018. The focus is on e-bikes, with around six per cent of the range consisting of models with racing handlebars. During our research, there was only one road racing bike left in the shop. "The demand is so high that we can't meet it in some cases," says Managing Director Axel Donath. The used bikes mainly come from leasing providers such as Jobrad, which has a stake in Bravobike. In future, private purchases will again be possible via a separate platform. The bikes will be checked by the police. "We have already identified many sellers who have offered stolen bikes," says Donath. Every used bike is serviced and cleaned in Dachau near Munich.
How much can you save?
You can save between 30 and 60 per cent on bikes with racing handlebars compared to the new price. "The depreciation of a bike with an extremely high new price is naturally higher than that of a €2,000 racing bike," says Axel Donath.
What is the warranty?
The warranty period is one year and there is also a 14-day right of return.
Is a test drive possible?
Test drives are possible within the right of return.
Are there any shipping costs?
No. Both shipping and return shipping are free of charge within Germany. The bikes are delivered assembled and with pedals.
Rebike
What is on offer?
On the market since 2018, Rebike has developed into a specialist for reconditioned e-bikes. Around 10,000 bikes are sold annually via the platform or in the two branches in Munich or Frankfurt, with the fewest models being racing bikes or gravel bikes. "Our focus will continue to be on e-bikes. Our entire refurbishment department specialises in this," says Managing Director Thomas Bernik. Thanks to co-operations with leasing providers such as Business Bike or Jobrad, the majority of the fleet consists of bikes that are no more than three years old, which are "ideal for refurbishment" according to Bernik. New bikes, subscription models or hire bikes are also available. The refurbishment takes place in Kempten. Thanks to an automated car wash, the process only takes a few hours.
How much can you save?
Between 20 and 60 per cent, as our sample showed.
What is the warranty?
The statutory minimum warranty of one year applies to reconditioned road bikes. For e-bikes, Rebike offers a two-year warranty on the battery and motor.
Is a test drive possible?
As Rebike, like every online retailer, grants a 14-day right of return, a short test ride is possible during this period. This is not possible at the refurbishment centre in Kempten, as the bikes are stored in cardboard boxes. If you are interested, used bikes listed on the Internet can also be delivered to one of the two stores (Munich, Frankfurt) and test ridden.
Are there any shipping costs?
Shipping is free of charge, the bike can be returned within 14 days for a fee.
Other alternatives
- www.refurbed.de: Supplier for refurbished products of all kinds
- www.velio.de: Platform for reconditioned bikes of all types
- www.upway.com: Specialist for refurbished e-bikes
Buying a used road bike: Important tips
- Check prices: Refurbished dealers either quote the RRP or the new price at which the previous owner bought the bike. Nevertheless, it is worth checking the list price with the manufacturer. Example: If Model X from manufacturer Y is offered in Germany with a recommended retail price of 3999 euros, the list price abroad may have been higher - or even cheaper. The savings may therefore be less than stated by the used bike dealer.
- Test drive: Take the opportunity for a test ride. This is the best way to discover defects and see if the bike fits.
- Be quick: The demand for refurbished road bikes is high and the models are often only online for a few hours. If you are interested in a bike, you should be decisive or at least visit the online platform regularly to avoid being disappointed.
- Note shipping costs: Pay attention to the country from which the bike is being shipped. International refurbished dealers may charge a higher shipping fee.
Julian Schultz
Editor
