The cheapest bikes come from big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and used sellers — not bike shops
New bikes under $200 are easiest to find at Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Used bikes under $100 are common on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp. Warehouse clubs like Costco stock seasonal inventory at lower markups than specialty retailers. The trade-off is clear: big retailers offer no assembly help and limited warranty support, while used bikes require you to inspect the frame and test the brakes yourself before money changes hands.
The cheapest route depends on what you need the bike for. A $150 Huffy or Kent from Walmart works for casual neighborhood riding. A $80 used Trek or Giant from a local seller works better if you want something that will last past one season. Department stores and online marketplaces prioritize price over durability; used-bike sellers often know the maintenance history and can tell you whether the drivetrain is worn.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart, Target, and Amazon stock new bikes between $100 and $300, with no assembly service included.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have used bikes for $50 to $150, but you must inspect the frame for cracks and test the brakes before buying.
- Costco and Sam's Club offer seasonal bike inventory at lower prices than specialty shops, though selection changes month to month.
- Department-store bikes are heavier and wear out faster than used bikes from established brands, so a $100 used Giant often outlasts a $150 new Huffy.
New bikes at big-box retailers under $200
Walmart carries Huffy, Kent, and Mongoose bikes year-round, with most models priced between $120 and $250. Assembly is not included; you either assemble it yourself using the included wrench and instructions, or pay a local bike shop $50 to $100 to do it. The bikes come partially assembled in the box — handlebars and pedals still need to be attached — so budget 30 to 60 minutes if you do it yourself.
Target stocks similar brands (Huffy, Kent, Schwinn) in the same price range, with seasonal sales in spring and early summer. Target's return window is 30 days, which gives you time to ride the bike and return it if the brakes feel unsafe or the frame creaks. Walmart's return window is also 30 days, but you will need your receipt.
Amazon carries Huffy, Kent, Mongoose, and Schwinn, plus smaller brands like Vilano and Retrospec. Shipping is free for Prime members; non-members pay $10 to $20. Assembly is still your responsibility, though some sellers offer assembly videos on YouTube. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most bikes, but check the seller's policy before ordering.
Used bikes on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for $50 to $150
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist list used bikes by location, so you can filter by distance and price. Most listings include photos and a description of the condition. Always ask the seller how long they have owned the bike, whether it has been in an accident, and whether the brakes and gears work. Meet in a public place during daylight and bring a bike lock to test-ride it.
Before you hand over money, spin the front wheel and back wheel — they should spin freely without rubbing. Squeeze the brake levers — they should stop the wheel with firm pressure, not feel spongy. Shift through all the gears — the chain should move smoothly without skipping. Look at the frame for cracks, especially around the welds where the tubes join. A cracked frame cannot be safely repaired and is not worth buying.
Common used brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and Cannondale hold their value and are easier to find parts for later. Department-store brands like Huffy and Kent are cheaper used but harder to repair because fewer shops stock replacement parts. If you find a used Trek or Giant for $100, it will likely outlast a new Huffy for $150.
Costco and Sam's Club seasonal inventory
Costco and Sam's Club stock bikes in spring and summer, usually between April and July. Prices are typically $150 to $400 for new bikes, which is lower than specialty bike shops but higher than Walmart. The advantage is that Costco bikes are often better-built than department-store models — they use Huffy or Kent frames but with slightly better components.
Both warehouses offer a 100% satisfaction may provide, so you can return a bike within a year if you are unhappy with it. You do need a membership to shop, which costs $60 per year at Costco and $50 to $110 at Sam's Club. If you are buying only one bike, the membership cost may not be worth it unless you shop there regularly.
What to avoid when buying cheap bikes
Avoid bikes with single-speed or coaster-brake drivetrains if you plan to ride hills or longer distances. These bikes are heavier and harder to pedal uphill. Avoid bikes with suspension forks (the springy part at the front) under $200 — they are usually low-quality and add weight without improving ride quality. Avoid bikes with 16-inch or 20-inch wheels unless you are buying for a child; adult bikes should have 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels.
Avoid buying a bike online without seeing it in person unless you are confident about assembly. Department-store bikes often arrive with bent handlebars or misaligned wheels, and fixing these issues requires tools and knowledge. If you are not comfortable with basic bike maintenance, budget an extra $50 to $100 for a local shop to inspect and adjust the bike after you buy it.
Comparing price across retailers
| Retailer | Price Range | Assembly Included | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $120–$250 | No | 30 days | Budget buyers, in-store pickup |
| Target | $120–$250 | No | 30 days | Budget buyers, seasonal sales |
| Amazon | $100–$300 | No | 30 days | Prime members, wider selection |
| Costco | $150–$400 | No | 1 year | Members, better components |
| Facebook Marketplace | $50–$150 | N/A | Negotiable | Used bikes, local pickup |
| Craigslist | $50–$150 | N/A | Negotiable | Used bikes, local pickup |
When to buy for the best seasonal prices
New bikes are cheapest in late summer and fall, when retailers clear inventory to make room for next year's models. August through October is the best time to find discounts at Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Spring is the worst time — prices are highest and selection is picked over by early shoppers.
Used bikes are cheapest in fall and winter, when fewer people are riding and sellers are motivated to clear space in garages. You will find more inventory on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist from September through November. Spring brings higher prices because demand picks up and sellers know they can ask more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $150 new bike better than a $100 used bike?
Not usually. A $100 used Trek or Giant will likely outlast a $150 new Huffy or Kent because the used bike has better components and a stronger frame. Department-store bikes are heavier, rust faster, and wear out within one to two seasons of regular riding. A used bike from an established brand is the better value unless you need a warranty.
Do I have to assemble the bike myself?
Yes, if you buy from Walmart, Target, Amazon, or Costco. Bikes arrive partially assembled, and you must attach the handlebars, pedals, and front wheel. If you are not comfortable doing this, take the bike to a local shop and pay $50 to $100 for assembly and a safety check. Used bikes from private sellers are usually already assembled.
What should I check before buying a used bike?
Spin both wheels to make sure they turn freely. Squeeze the brakes to make sure they stop the wheel firmly. Shift through all the gears to make sure the chain moves smoothly. Look at the frame for cracks, especially around the welds. Test-ride it on flat ground and a small hill to make sure it feels safe. If anything feels wrong, walk away.
Can I return a bike if I do not like it?
Yes, at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Costco — all offer 30-day returns, and Costco extends that to one year. You will need your receipt. Used bikes sold on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are usually sold as-is, so returns depend on what the seller agrees to. Always ask the seller about their return policy before you meet.
What size bike do I need?
Adult bikes come in frame sizes measured in inches (14 to 23 inches). The easiest way to find your size is to stand over the frame with your feet flat on the ground — there should be one to two inches of clearance between your body and the top tube. Most retailers list frame size in the product description. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller one for better control.