Many factors should to be taken into consideration when evaluating the value of a bicycle,

 

  • Condition : This is of primary importance, along with the bicycles age. There is a guide at the bottom of the page on how we assess condition.
  • Age: The newer the bicycle the more it is worth. However we often sell bikes that are 5+ years old so we may still offer you a trade-in value, but realistically it won’t be worth as much as a 1-2 year old bike.
  • Specification : Is your bike up-to-date or is it fitted with older technology ? Times change…. Is that £1000 road bicycle you bought 3 years ago is still as modern as £1000 road bicycle you could buy now ? Probably not… When evaluating its value its important to consider how technology has changed over the intervening period since new. We are regularly offered new old bikes through trade distributors on great deals, for example….3 years ago an Alloy road bike with 10 speed 105 groupset may have retailed for £1000, but now Shimano have released 11 speed 105 instantly making that £1000 bike worth £800…sadly its already outdated. Customers are unlikely to pay £1000 for a 10 speed bike when they can buy an 11 speed one for the same price, the same applies to second hand bikes.
  • Trade Value : How much the bike was worth new at trade price. This is not always easy to determine but its approx 55% of its retail price. That 45% markdown includes dealer profit margin and VAT ( bike shops buy new bikes at trade price excluding VAT)

 

Please click google link below for an approximate valuation.

Trade in Calculator

 

 

Condition Guide

Excellent:

The bicycle looks good, may have minimal cosmetic (only) blemishes on the frame, fork, components, parts and/or accessories

  • The bicycle may require minimal service adjustments without the need of replacing any parts. (Service adjustments are typically easy and fast to make. Usually required in the first 6-12 months of ownership when the bike was new.)
  • The braking surface is clean with some signs of usage yet free from grooves & pitting.
  • The brake pads may show signs of usage yet have a majority of their life remaining.
  • Front and rear suspension are clean with some signs of usage yet free from grooves & pitting. May include slight discoloration on stanchion(s) from activation alone.
  • Tyres may show signs of usage but have a majority of their life remaining. No cracking, slashes or flint holes.
  • Grips/Handlebar tape may show slight signs of usage, but must be clean and free from oil/grease/dirt residue. Handle bar tape must securely in place with no curling at the edges or loose wrapping.

Good:

  • The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes.
  • The frame (if metal) may have minor dings
  • Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched.
  • Bicycle is free of major mechanical issues but may require some service. Some parts may require replacing, not to include front or rear shocks, wheel(s), shifters, front or rear derailleurs, braking systems, crank set or chain/cassette/chainrings.
  • Items to consider replacing include: grips/handlebar tape, brake pads, brake hoods, brake cables, gear cables, any/all housing, brake fluid (if applicable) & shock oil (if applicable).
  • Braking surfaces may have minor grooves or discoloration
  • Front and/or Rear hydraulic brakes may need to be bled (if applicable)

Fair:

  • The frame or fork or components or accessories has cosmetic blemishes.
  • The frame (if metal) has minor dings
  • Front &/or Rear shock needs to be serviced
  • Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched.
  • The bicycle has some mechanical issues and a tune up is necessary
  • An overhaul is recommended
  • Multiple parts need to be replaced including chain and/or cassette and/or chainrings and/or derailleurs.
  • Tyres & tubes worn out and require replacing.
  • Front and/or Rear Shock may need to be serviced

 

Poor: ( as fair plus)

  • Wheels buckled and/or spokes broken and/or hub bearings worn out ( likely needing new wheels)
  • Paint/lacquer in poor condition and/or oxidizing of aluminium
  • Rusty or rounded off structural bolts (stem etc)
  • Front suspension and/or Rear Shock may need to be replaced