The cheapest bikes come from big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and used sellers — not bike shops
If you want to spend the least money, buy from Walmart, Target, or Amazon rather than a dedicated bike shop. A new entry-level bike at a big-box store costs $80 to $200. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp let you buy used bikes for $30 to $150, often in good condition. Local pawn shops and police auctions also stock cheap used bikes. The trade-off is straightforward: big-box bikes need assembly and may have quality issues, used bikes need inspection before you ride, and online sellers offer no warranty.
Bike shops charge more because they assemble the bike, adjust it, and stand behind it with service. That costs money. If you are comfortable assembling a bike yourself or taking it to a shop later, the big-box route saves you $50 to $100 on the same model. If you want a bike today and do not want to hunt for used options, big-box is faster. If you want something that will last and need help when something breaks, a used bike from a trusted local seller or a new bike from a shop is worth the extra cost.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart and Target sell new bikes for $80 to $200, but they arrive unassembled and may need adjustment before riding.
- Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp have used bikes for $30 to $150, but you must inspect the frame, brakes, and drivetrain yourself before buying.
- Pawn shops and police auctions sell used bikes at low prices, though selection changes week to week and you cannot return them.
- Amazon and eBay ship bikes nationwide but charge for delivery and require assembly; read reviews carefully because quality varies widely by brand.
- A used bike from a local seller you can meet is safer than shipping because you can test it first and see the condition with your own eyes.
New bikes from big-box retailers
Walmart and Target stock bikes year-round in the $80 to $250 range. Models change by season — spring brings more options, winter brings fewer. You can see the bike in person, which matters because frame size and fit are hard to judge from a photo. The downside is that these bikes arrive partially assembled in a box, and the assembly is often careless. Wheels may be out of true, brakes may rub, and the seat may be loose.
If you buy from Walmart or Target, plan to spend an hour assembling it yourself or pay a local bike shop $30 to $60 to finish the job and adjust the brakes and gears. Many people skip this step and ride the bike as-is, which works for a while but leads to problems. The bikes themselves are not bad — they use the same components as bikes that cost twice as much — but they are not tuned before they leave the store.
Return policies at big-box stores are generous: Walmart takes returns for 90 days, Target for 30 to 60 days depending on the item. If the bike does not fit or you change your mind, you can bring it back. Online orders from Walmart.com and Target.com ship to your home or to the store for pickup, which saves shipping cost.
Used bikes from online marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp have the most used bikes in most areas. Prices range from $30 for a very old or damaged bike to $150 for a well-maintained road or mountain bike from the last five years. The advantage is price and selection — you can find dozens of bikes within a few miles. The disadvantage is that you are buying from a stranger with no warranty, and you must know what to look for.
Before you meet a seller, ask for photos of the frame, wheels, brakes, and drivetrain. Look for rust, cracks in the frame, bent rims, and broken spokes. Ask how old the bike is, how often it was ridden, and whether the brakes and gears work. Meet the seller in a public place during daylight, bring a friend, and test-ride the bike on a flat surface. Spin the wheels — they should turn freely without wobbling. Squeeze the brakes — they should stop the wheel without the lever hitting the handlebar. Shift through the gears — they should change smoothly.
If you find a bike you like, negotiate. Most sellers expect to come down $10 to $30 from their asking price. Once you buy it, you own it as-is — there is no return. If something breaks a week later, the seller is not responsible. This is why inspection before you hand over money matters more than the price.
Used bikes from pawn shops and auctions
Pawn shops in most towns have bikes in stock, usually priced $40 to $120. The selection changes constantly because bikes come in and out as people pawn and redeem them. You can see the bike in person and test it before you buy. Return policies vary by shop — some take returns for 30 days, others do not. Ask before you buy.
Police auctions and city surplus auctions sell bikes that were seized or turned in as lost and found. Prices are often lower than pawn shops because the city wants to clear inventory. Search "[your city] police auction" or "[your county] surplus auction" to find upcoming sales. Most auctions are online now, which means you bid without seeing the bike in person. Read the description carefully and look at all the photos. Bikes sold at auction are final sale — no returns.
The risk with auctions is that you cannot test the bike before you buy. If you win a bike and it arrives with a broken frame or seized brakes, you have no recourse. Bid only on bikes with clear photos and detailed descriptions, and bid low enough that you would not be upset if the bike needs $50 in repairs.
Online retailers and shipping options
Amazon, eBay, and specialty sites like Walmart.com and Target.com ship bikes to your home. Prices are similar to in-store prices — $80 to $250 for entry-level bikes — but you pay shipping, which adds $20 to $50. The bike arrives in a box and requires assembly. Amazon and eBay let you read reviews from other buyers, which helps you avoid brands with known problems.
Shipping a bike is risky because the box gets thrown around in transit. Wheels can bend, frames can crack, and components can break loose. When the bike arrives, inspect it carefully before you assemble it. If something is damaged, contact the seller for a replacement or refund. Most online retailers will replace a damaged bike, but it takes time — usually two to four weeks.
Some online retailers offer assembly service for an extra fee, usually $50 to $100. This is worth it if you do not want to assemble the bike yourself. Check the product page to see if assembly is offered before you buy.
What to check when you inspect a used bike
Frame: Look for cracks, dents, and rust. A small dent does not matter. A crack in the frame means the bike is unsafe and not worth buying. Rust on the surface is cosmetic, but rust that eats through the metal is a problem. Run your hand along the frame — if it feels rough and pitted, the rust is deep.
Wheels: Spin each wheel by hand. It should turn freely for at least five full rotations. If it stops quickly, the brakes are rubbing or the bearings are tight. Sight down the rim from above — it should be straight. If it wobbles side to side, the rim is bent. Look for broken or missing spokes. A few missing spokes can be replaced, but more than three means the wheel needs rebuilding.
Brakes: Squeeze the brake levers. The brakes should engage smoothly and stop the wheel without the lever hitting the handlebar. If the lever goes all the way to the bar, the brake pads are worn or the cable is loose. Both are cheap to fix, but they are signs the bike was not maintained.
Drivetrain: Shift through all the gears while the bike is stationary. Each gear should engage without grinding or skipping. If the chain skips or the derailleur does not move, the cable may be loose or the derailleur may be bent. Spin the pedals backward — the chain should move smoothly. If it is stiff or makes noise, the chain may be dry or damaged.
Comparing cost across different sources
| Source | Price Range | Condition | Assembly | Warranty or Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart / Target | $80–$250 | New | Partial, needs finishing | 30–90 days |
| Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist | $30–$150 | Used, varies | Ready to ride | None |
| Pawn shops | $40–$120 | Used, varies | Ready to ride | 30 days (varies by shop) |
| Police auctions | $20–$100 | Used, unseen | Ready to ride | None |
| Amazon / eBay | $80–$250 + shipping | New | Partial, needs finishing | 30–60 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $100 bike from Walmart good enough to ride?
Yes, if you assemble it correctly or have a shop finish the assembly. The frame and components are the same quality as bikes that cost twice as much. The difference is that Walmart bikes are not tuned before they leave the factory. Brakes may rub, wheels may be out of true, and gears may not shift smoothly. Spend an hour assembling it yourself or $40 at a bike shop to fix these issues, and the bike will ride fine.
How do I know if a used bike is stolen?
Ask the seller for the serial number and check it against the National Bike Registry or local police stolen bike lists. If the seller does not know the serial number or seems evasive, walk away. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame where the pedal cranks attach. If the seller cannot show you the serial number or it has been filed off, do not buy the bike.
What is the cheapest way to get a bike if I have no money right now?
Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for bikes listed as free or very cheap. Many people give away old bikes they no longer use. Search "[your city] free bike" or look for posts that say "free to good home." You can also visit local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook, where people post items they want to give away. Police auctions sometimes have bikes that sell for under $30 if you bid low.
Should I buy a bike online or in a store?
Buy in a store if you want to see the bike and test the fit before you pay. Buy online if you know what size and model you want and do not mind waiting for shipping and assembly. In-store shopping takes an hour but you ride home the same day. Online shopping takes a week and requires assembly, but you can compare prices across many retailers without leaving home.
Can I return a used bike if something breaks after I buy it?
Not from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist — those sales are final. Pawn shops may take returns for 30 days, but check their policy before you buy. Police auctions are final sale. If you buy from a retailer like Walmart or Amazon, you have 30 to 90 days to return it. This is why buying from a retailer costs more — you get protection if something is wrong.