Local bike shops are your fastest option for new and used bikes
A local bike shop is usually the best place to start. The staff can measure you for the right frame size, adjust components to fit your body, and answer questions about what you actually need rather than what costs the most. Most shops stock bikes in multiple price ranges and can order models they don't have in stock.
To find shops near you, search "bike shop" or "bicycle store" plus your city name in a map process. Call ahead to ask what brands and price ranges they carry — a shop that specializes in road racing may not stock the upright commuter bike you want. Ask whether they offer a warranty on new bikes and what maintenance is included in the first year.
Used bikes from local shops often come with a tune-up and a shorter warranty than new ones, usually at 40 to 60 percent of the new price for the same model. The advantage is that the shop has already checked the frame for cracks and replaced worn parts, so you are not buying someone else's repair problem.
Key Takeaways
- Local bike shops measure you for frame size, adjust the bike to your body, and stand behind their work with warranties and tune-ups.
- Online retailers and big-box stores are cheaper but require you to assemble the bike and know what size and type you need before you order.
- Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-sell groups let you negotiate price directly with the seller, but you inspect the bike yourself and get no warranty.
- Bike rental shops rent by the hour or day if you want to try a type of bike before buying one, or if you only need a bike for a trip.
- Pawn shops and thrift stores sometimes stock used bikes at low prices, but the selection changes constantly and the bikes may need repair work.
Online retailers and big-box stores offer lower prices but require assembly
Amazon, Walmart, Target, and specialty retailers like REI sell bikes online and ship them to your home. Prices are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than local shops because there is no storefront overhead or staff to pay. The trade-off is that the bike arrives partially assembled in a box, and you either assemble it yourself or pay a local shop to do it for you.
Before you order, you need to know your frame size. Measure your inseam (the distance from your crotch to the floor while standing in bare feet) and use the retailer's size chart to find the right frame. If you order the wrong size, returns can take weeks and shipping costs money both ways.
Most online retailers do not offer the same warranty or tune-up service as local shops. If something breaks in the first month, you may have to pay to ship it back or take it to a local shop for repair. Read the return policy and warranty terms before you buy — some retailers offer 30 days to return, others offer a year.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for used bikes from private sellers
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you search for used bikes in your area and message the seller directly to negotiate price. You can often find bikes at 50 to 70 percent below retail because the seller is not a business and does not have overhead costs. The selection changes daily as people list and sell bikes.
Always inspect the bike in person before you hand over money. Look for rust on the frame or chain, cracks in the frame (especially around the welds), and test the brakes and gears to make sure they work smoothly. Spin the wheels to check for wobbling or flat spots. Ask the seller how old the bike is, how often they rode it, and whether any parts have been replaced.
Bring a friend if you can, especially if you are meeting someone you do not know. Meet in a public place during daylight. Do not send money before you see the bike, and do not agree to ship a bike to someone you have not met — the bike may arrive damaged and you will have no recourse.
Bike rental shops for short-term use or trying before you buy
Rental shops in most cities rent bikes by the hour, day, or week. This is the best option if you are visiting a city and want a bike for a few days, or if you want to try a type of bike (like a cargo bike or an electric bike) before spending money to own one. Rental prices vary widely — expect to pay $15 to $40 per day for a basic bike, more for electric or specialty models.
Search "bike rental" plus your city name, or check whether your city has a bike-share program. Bike-share systems (like Citi Bike in New York or Divvy in Chicago) let you unlock a bike from a station, ride it, and return it to any station in the network. Monthly passes are usually cheaper than daily rentals if you plan to use a bike several times a week.
Rental bikes are maintained by the shop, so you do not have to worry about repairs during your rental period. Most rental shops require a credit card and a photo ID, and some require a deposit that is refunded when you return the bike undamaged.
Pawn shops and thrift stores for budget options
Pawn shops and thrift stores like Goodwill sometimes stock used bikes at very low prices — often $30 to $100 for a working bike. The selection is unpredictable because bikes are donated or pawned on a random schedule, so you may find nothing one week and three bikes the next. Prices are negotiable at pawn shops but usually fixed at thrift stores.
Inspect the bike carefully before you buy. These shops do not always service bikes before selling them, so you may be buying a bike that needs new brake pads, a chain, or tire repair. Ask whether the shop offers any return period or warranty — most do not. Budget an extra $50 to $150 for a tune-up at a local shop if you find a bike you like.
Thrift stores often donate their unsold bikes to community programs, so if you do not find what you want, ask whether they have a waiting list or whether they know of other locations with bikes in stock.
Community programs and nonprofit bike shops
Many cities have nonprofit bike shops or community programs that refurbish donated bikes and sell them at low cost, or teach people to repair bikes and build their own. Organizations like Bikes Not Bombs, Community Cycling Center, and local youth programs often stock used bikes at $50 to $150 and may offer payment plans or sliding-scale pricing based on income.
Search "[your city] nonprofit bike shop" or "[your city] community bike program" to find organizations near you. Many also offer free or low-cost repair classes, which is useful if you buy a used bike and want to learn basic maintenance. Some programs accept bike donations and will refurbish a bike you already own if it needs work.
What to check before you buy any used bike
Whether you are buying from a shop, a private seller, or a thrift store, inspect the frame, wheels, brakes, and drivetrain. Look for rust, cracks, or dents in the frame — small dents are cosmetic, but cracks mean the frame is unsafe. Spin each wheel and watch for wobbling or flat spots. Squeeze the brake levers and make sure the pads contact the rim or rotor smoothly. Shift through all the gears and listen for grinding or skipping.
Ask about the bike's history: how old is it, how often was it ridden, and has anything been replaced? A bike that sat in a garage for five years may have dry-rotted tires and a rusty chain, but the frame and components are probably fine. A bike that was ridden hard every day may have worn brake pads and a stretched chain, which are cheap to replace.
If you are not sure whether a bike is in good condition, take it to a local shop for a pre-purchase inspection. Most shops charge $20 to $50 for this service and will tell you what repairs it needs and what they will cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a bike?
A functional new bike costs $300 to $600. Cheaper bikes often have poor brakes and gears that wear out quickly. Used bikes from shops or nonprofits cost $100 to $300 and are usually a better value than new budget bikes because the shop has already replaced worn parts. If you are not sure what type of bike you need, rent one first or visit a local shop to test-ride different styles.
What size bike do I need?
Frame size is based on your inseam. Measure from your crotch to the floor while standing in bare feet, then use the retailer's size chart to find your frame size in centimeters or inches. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller frame for a road or mountain bike, or the larger frame for a cruiser or commuter bike. A local shop can measure you and let you test-ride bikes in different sizes.
Should I buy new or used?
A used bike from a shop or nonprofit is usually better value than a new budget bike because the shop has serviced it and replaced worn parts. A new bike from a local shop comes with a warranty and tune-ups. A used bike from a private seller is cheapest but requires you to inspect it carefully and may need repairs. If you are not sure what type of bike you want, rent one first.
What if I buy a bike and it does not fit?
Local shops usually let you exchange a new bike for a different size within 30 days if it does not fit. Online retailers have different return policies — check before you order. Used bikes from private sellers have no return option, so inspect the bike and test-ride it before you buy. If you buy online and the bike does not fit, you may have to pay return shipping.
Do I need to buy anything else with the bike?
You need a helmet, which costs $30 to $150. You also need a lock if you plan to leave the bike unattended — a U-lock costs $30 to $80 and is more find than a cable lock. Lights, a bell, and fenders are useful but not required. A local shop can recommend what you need based on how you plan to use the bike.