Bike shops, big-box retailers, and online sellers all carry bicycles
You can buy a bike from a local bike shop, a general retailer like Walmart or Target, a sporting goods chain, or an online seller. Each type of store has different strengths: local shops usually offer assembly and repair information; big-box stores offer lower prices on basic models; sporting goods chains fall somewhere in between; online sellers have the widest selection but require you to assemble the bike yourself or pay for assembly.
The store you choose depends on what you need. If you want help choosing the right size and type, or if you want the bike assembled and tuned before you ride it home, a local bike shop is your best option. If you want the lowest price on a straightforward commuter or kids' bike, a big-box store works. If you want both selection and some guidance, a sporting goods chain is a middle ground.
Key Takeaways
- Local independent bike shops assemble and adjust your bike before you leave, and staff can help you pick the right size and type for your needs.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target sell bikes at lower prices but often ship them partially assembled, requiring you to finish setup at home.
- Sporting goods chains like Dick's Sporting Goods and REI carry multiple brands and price points, with varying levels of assembly and repair support.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have the largest selection but require you to handle assembly yourself or arrange paid assembly.
- Specialty online bike retailers like Backcountry and Competitive Cyclist focus on higher-end bikes and often include assembly or detailed setup instructions.
Local independent bike shops
A local bike shop is a store that sells only bicycles, parts, and accessories. Staff are usually cyclists themselves and can answer questions about fit, type, and maintenance. When you buy a bike at a local shop, it arrives fully assembled and tuned—the wheels are straight, the brakes are adjusted, and the gears shift smoothly. You can ride it home the same day.
Prices at local shops are typically higher than big-box stores for the same brand and model, sometimes by $100 to $300. However, you get assembly, a test ride, and the ability to return for free adjustments if something feels wrong after a few rides. Many local shops also offer a discount on your first service or repair.
To find a local bike shop, search "bike shop near me" or check the websites of bike brands you are interested in—most have a store locator. Call ahead to confirm they have bikes in stock and in your size range.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and similar stores
Walmart and Target sell bikes in their sporting goods section, both in-store and online. These are usually entry-level models from brands like Huffy, Kent, and Mongoose, priced between $100 and $400. The bikes arrive partially assembled—the frame and wheels are attached, but you need to attach the handlebars, seat, and pedals yourself, or pay a service to do it.
Assembly at home takes 30 to 60 minutes if you have basic tools and follow the included instructions. If you do not want to assemble it yourself, some Walmart locations offer in-store assembly for a fee, usually $15 to $30. Target does not typically offer assembly services, but you can arrange it through a third-party service.
The main advantage is price and convenience—you can pick up a bike the same day or have it shipped to your home. The main drawback is that staff cannot help you choose the right size or type, and the bikes are not tuned or tested before you receive them. Brakes may need adjustment, and gears may not shift smoothly until you or a mechanic fine-tunes them.
Sporting goods chains: Dick's, Academy, and REI
Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports carry bikes from multiple brands at various price points, usually $150 to $800 for entry-level to mid-range models. REI, a membership-based cooperative, focuses on higher-end bikes and outdoor gear, with prices starting around $300. All three chains have staff trained to help you choose a size and type, and most offer in-store assembly as part of the purchase or for a small fee.
Dick's and Academy assemble bikes before you leave the store if you buy in person. REI includes assembly with most bike purchases. This means you get a bike that is ready to ride, similar to a local shop, but with more brand options and often lower prices than independent shops.
The trade-off is that staff at these chains are less specialized than at a local bike shop. They can help you pick a size and answer basic questions, but they may not have the depth of knowledge about fit and maintenance that a dedicated bike shop offers. Return policies vary: Dick's and Academy typically allow returns within 30 days, while REI allows returns within one year if you are a member.
Online marketplaces: Amazon and eBay
Amazon and eBay list thousands of bikes from dozens of brands, with prices ranging from $80 to $2,000 or more. You can compare models, read reviews, and often find sales. Bikes ship to your home, usually within a week.
The catch is assembly. Most bikes arrive in a large box, partially disassembled. You need to unpack it, attach the frame to the base, install the wheels, handlebars, seat, and pedals, and adjust the brakes and gears. This takes 1 to 2 hours if you have tools and follow the instructions. If you do not want to do it yourself, you can pay a local bike shop or a handyman service to assemble it, usually for $50 to $100.
Amazon and eBay do not test or tune bikes before shipping, so you may receive one with misaligned wheels or loose components. Return policies vary by seller. Amazon's standard return window is 30 days, but some sellers have shorter windows. Always check the seller's return policy before buying.
Specialty online bike retailers: Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist, and others
Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist, and similar sites focus on higher-end bikes and components, with prices starting around $400 and going well above $2,000. They carry brands like Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, and Giant. Many of these retailers include assembly or provide detailed setup instructions and videos.
Some specialty retailers ship bikes fully assembled and tuned, ready to ride. Others ship them partially assembled but include a detailed guide or video walkthrough. A few offer a service where you can have the bike assembled at a local bike shop of your choice, with the retailer covering the cost.
These sites are best if you know what you want and are willing to pay more for selection and service. They often have lower prices than local shops for the same bike, especially on high-end models, because they buy in bulk and do not have the overhead of a physical store.
Department stores and general retailers
Stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and Kohl's occasionally stock bikes, usually during spring and early summer. Selection is limited—typically one or two models at a time—and they sell out quickly. Prices are competitive with big-box stores, and bikes arrive partially assembled.
These stores are worth checking if you are a member and happen to see a bike in stock, but do not count on finding what you want. Stock changes frequently and varies by location. Call ahead or check the store's website to see what is currently available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy from a local bike shop?
No. Local shops are useful if you want assembly, informed information, or straightforward access to repairs, but you can buy from any retailer. Big-box stores and online sellers are cheaper if you are comfortable assembling the bike yourself or paying for assembly elsewhere.
What is the difference between a bike that arrives assembled and one that does not?
An assembled bike is ready to ride when ready. A partially assembled bike requires you to attach the handlebars, seat, wheels, and pedals, and then adjust the brakes and gears. Assembly takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your skill and tools. A professional assembly costs $50 to $100.
Can I return a bike if something is wrong with it?
Yes, but return windows vary. Local shops often allow returns within 30 days and may waive the fee if the problem is a manufacturing defect. Big-box stores and online sellers typically allow 30-day returns. REI allows returns within one year. Always check the store's return policy before buying.
Should I buy online or in a store?
Buy in a store if you want to test-ride the bike, get help choosing the right size, or have it assembled before you leave. Buy online if you know what you want, want a lower price, or prefer a wider selection. Online is cheaper; in-store is more convenient and offers more guidance.
What if I do not know what size bike I need?
A local bike shop or sporting goods chain can measure you and recommend a size. If you buy online, most retailers provide a sizing chart based on your height and inseam. Measure your inseam by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and measuring from your crotch to the floor in inches, then compare it to the chart.