If you're in the market for a bike but want to save some money, buying second hand is a great option. London has many shops and online marketplaces where you can find quality pre-loved bicycles. In this post, we'll highlight some of the best spots to search in various parts of the city.
Brick-and-Mortar Second Hand Bike Shops
LEZ Cycles in the Waterloo area is a small independent bike shop that offers a range of vintage bikes.
The Bike Project in Camberwell is a charity that collects donated bikes, refurbishes them and donates them to asylum seekers in London. They also have a shop where they sell a selection of restored second hand bikes.
Station Bicycles in Walthamstow specializes in reconditioned bikes. They offer a solid selection of used bikes along with accessories and repair services.
Chelsea Bikes has a range of used bicycles including road, hybrid, mountain and more. They also offer part exchange and buying services if you have an old bike to sell or trade in.
Marcus Bikes in Clapham offers a wide range of second hand road bikes, gravel bikes and Brompton bikes.
Buy Second Hand Bikes Online
In addition to physical shops, online marketplaces like Gumtree, Shpock, Facebook Marketplace and eBay are good places to find used bikes in your local area. If you decide to purchase a used bike online, here are a few extra tips:
Verify the seller's legitimacy. If you can, ask the seller if they have the original purchase receipt or other proof of ownership to ensure the bike wasn't stolen.
Always meet the seller in-person in a safe public place to inspect the bike before buying.
Check the bike's condition thoroughly. Look for any major damage, excessive wear, or signs that it may be stolen. This will potentially save you expensive repair costs down the line.
Make sure the bike fits you properly. Bring someone knowledgeable about bikes with you if needed.
Test ride the bike to ensure it's in good working order. Check the brakes, gears, and wheel alignment.
Don't Forget Cycling Accessories
Once you've found your perfect pre-loved bicycle, don't forget to budget for some essential accessories. Aim to get one or two high-quality locks, ideally gold or diamond certified, to keep your new ride secure. Gold bike locks offer a high level of resistance against thieves, while diamond locks offer the highest level of security.
Likewise, you'll also want to invest in a well-fitting helmet, a bike pump, and lights if you plan on cycling at night or in low visibility conditions. By spending a bit more on these key items, you'll be all set to cycle comfortably and safely (and keep your bike for longer!).
That's it! London by bike is amazing, so, happy riding!
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