How to buy bikes and parts on BikeList

BikeList is a marketplace for used and new bikes, parts, and accessories. You’re buying from other users of the site, or sellers as we like to call them. While buying from sellers can be more complicated than a trip to your local Dick’s Sporting Goods, we have made it as simple and easy as possible.

Step 1: Find the right bike or gear

We make searching easy and fast. When you find something you like, be sure to read the description carefully and look at the photos closely, as most of the items are used. Look for damage or other imperfections so there are no surprises later. If you’re looking for a bike, confirm the size and that any items shown in the pictures match the description. Is the price fair? Compare the item against previously sold items on eBay or Craigslist to get a feel for the price. Or, in a pinch, check against the price for a new version of the item and then adjust downward to account for age, condition, and use.

We now allow you to search for items offering Local Pickup near you. You can also search for items that ship to anywhere in the lower 48 United States.

We try to screen our sellers to provide the best gear and deals out there for buyers. That said, we also try to be seller friendly. Please realize you are buying used parts, and some are quite old! When you are ready to buy, then go ahead and click the buy button on the listing.

Step 2: Buy it!

You can ask a question of the seller by leaving a comment on the listing.

You can also make an offer for a lower price to the seller. The offer does not cover any shipping amount on the listing. You can include a comment with your offered amount. The seller can counter-offer, accept your offer, or reject it and send a comment back.

When it comes time to purchase, BikeList offers secure payment using a third pary (Stripe). Use your credit or debit card or you can always Buy Now and Pay Later with financing.

After you pay, you will receive a receipt and information when the item ships. If you have any questions we’ve got your back. Contact us here.

Step 3: Receive your gear

For Standard Shipping: Your package should arrive within 7-10 days of ordering, possibly sooner depending on your distance from the shipper’s location. The Seller will package up your item and ship it to you within 2-3 days of your order being placed. You should receive an email from BikeList with the package tracking information shortly after the item is picked up by the carrier. If there are any issues with your shipment, take detailed photos of the item and its packaging and contact BikeList Support to open a dispute. We will get you in touch with the seller to resolve the issue.
For Local Pickup: The seller will contact you over private message and arrange a pickup.

Buyer FAQ

How does Local PickUp Work?
When creating a listing, the seller can mark it as available for Local Pickup, available to ship anywhere in the lower 48 United States, or both. Potential buyers can search for listings that are close to their location to find the local pickup listings or browse all listings nation-wide. When purchasing the item, the buyer will select if they want Local Pickup or Shipping if both are offered for the listing. The seller will receive an email confirmation once the item is sold and instructions for how to arrange the local pickup or arrange shipping (depending on the method selected by the buyer). The Seller will need to use the Private Messaging feature on this site to communicate with the buyer to arrange pickup. After picking up the bike, the seller needs to log into their BikeList account and mark the item as successfully picked up. Then, the seller will get paid (less the seller's fee). If there are any issues during the pickup process, BikeList Support is just a click away.
How does Standard Shipping Work?
When creating a listing, the seller can mark it as available for Local Pickup, available to ship anywhere in the lower 48 United States, or both. Potential buyers can search for listings that are close to their location to find the local pickup listings or browse all listings nation-wide. When purchasing the item, the buyer will select if they want Local Pickup or Shipping if both are offered for the listing. The seller will receive an email confirmation once the item is sold and instructions for how to arrange the local pickup or arrange shipping (depending on the method selected by the buyer). The Seller can contact the Buyer with Private Messaging after the item is purchased. For Online Shipping orders the seller needs to arrange to ship the item and provide BikeList with a tracking number from either UPS, USPS, FedEx or BikeFlights. Once the tracking number is verified, BikeList will pay out the seller (less the seller's fee). If there are any issues during the buying and shipping process, BikeList Support is just a click away.
Who pays for shipping?
The Seller pays shipping, and can set a shipping amount for the listing which will be included in the total price paid by the buyer.
How is the shipping amount determined?
The seller sets the shipping amount for the listing. Some sellers may choose to offer Free Shipping. The Shipping Amount is added to the item amount at checkout.
Does BikeList charge any fees?
There are no fees for the buyer. The Seller pays a transaction fee. Learn more here: Selling on BikeList.
Can I just pay the seller directly with PayPal?
As a company, we have to use PayPal Business and would pay out sellers as a Goods and Services, which would require the seller to have a PayPal Business account. As a company we're different than PayPal'ing a rando user on Facebook Marketplace.
What do I do if the Seller wants me to pay him directly with PayPal?
We ask that you decline any offers to transact off the website. This helps support the upkeep of the website, marketing, and everything else we do to here. Also, we can't support any transactions that occurr off this site.
How do I become a buyer?
Create a free account. That's it!
When does the seller get paid for a sale?
Local Pickup - After the buyer confirms with BikeList pickup of the item.
Online Shipping - After providing BikeList with the tracking number AND BikeList verifies it as a valid shipment.
How do I contact the seller?
There are several ways. You can leave a comment on a listing and the seller will be notified. Also, after purchasing an item you will receive instructions in email on how you can private message the seller.
If I buy more than 1 item from a seller, can they combine shipping and reduce the price?
We don't yet offer "combined shipping" rates. It's pretty rare at the moment. But, you can arrange with the buyer to Make an Offer on the additional item at a lower price to compensate for the combined shipping savings. We allow sending comments in with Offers so you can reference another item you're interested in buying from the seller.
Does BikeList offer buyer protection
Not yet. You can work with our customer service on any issues. Also, check with your credit card company if they offer buyer proection (many do).
Can I trust BikeList with my credit card?
BikeList uses a 3rd party called Stripe to handle credit card transactions. We never handle credit cards directly or have access to your information.
How is the shipping amount determined?
The seller sets the shipping amount for the listing. Some sellers may choose to offer Free Shipping. The Shipping Amount is added to the item amount at checkout.
Does BikeList charge sales tax?
Since we're a small business, we are not at the size yet that requires sales tax in some states. During checkout, we use a third party (Stripe) to determine if sales tax is requried and it will show you the amount, if any, before completion of the purchase.
I did not receive an item or the item I received is not as described?
If your item is damaged, missing (never delivered), or not as described in the listing contact [email protected] within 7 days of delivery to get connected with the seller to resolve the issue. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution with the seller, you can ask BikeList support to step in and mediate the issue with the seller within 7 days of first reporting the issue. It is highly recommended that the buyer take good photos of any items delivered damaged or not as described and do not discard the packaging or anything included in the shipment. If a partial or full refund is determined by the seller, the amount will be refunded onto the original payment method used to purchase the item. If buyer and seller agree to return the item to the seller for a refund, then the refund may be issued after the seller has confirmed delivery of the return.
What happens if the seller doesn’t ship the item purchased?
If the seller does not provide BikeList with proof of shipment and is unreachable then the order will be canceled and the full amount will be refunded to the buyer’s payment method used to purchase the item. This process will typically take up to 10 business days.
Who pays for return shipping?
If a return is agreed to by the seller due to item not as described or damage then the return shipping will be at the seller’s expense.
How do I cancel an order?
You will need to arrange a cancellation with the seller. Contact BikeList by using the Contact Us Form and we will connect you with the seller.

Stolen Bikes

What does BikeList do to prevent stolen bikes from being sold on its marketplace?
BikeList staff reviews new listings and contacts the seller if the listing looks suspicious. We also search serial numbers against online bike registries for open theft reports. We reserve the right to remove any suspected stolen bike from the marketplace.
Which Online Bike Registries does BikeList work with?
BikeList is integrated with Garage 529, one of the largest online bike registries in North America. We are also looking into working with Bike Index.
What is an online bike registry
Online Bike Registries like Garage 529 and Bike Index help reduce bike thefts by allowing owners to create stolen bike reports which are sent out to local law enforcement and their members. If the bike is recovered, the owner can be notified and return can be arranged. It is strongly recommended to register a bike with these registries and apply the shield/number sticker to your bike. .
Where do I find my bike's serial number?
Flip your bike over and look at the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet. There may be multiple numbers stamped on the bottom of the bike - the serial number as well as the model numbe of the bike. If in doubt, look up the model number of your bike online (or at the mfg's web site). For more information about locating the serial number, including pictures, see this article: https://thebestbikelock.com/bike-serial-number/