Top 8 Best Places to Buy and Sell Used Bicycles in Calgary, Alberta.

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Quick List of Where to buy Used Bikes in Calgary

1. Bow Cycle – A long-standing bike shop in Calgary that often has used bikes available for sale, along with a range of accessories and services.
2. Calgary Cycle – A well-known local bike shop that often has a selection of used bikes for sale and may also take trade-ins.
3. The Bike Shop – This shop offers a variety of new and used bicycles, and they have a reputation for quality service and knowledgeable staff.
4. 9 Bears Calgary – An online classifieds platform where individuals can buy and sell used bicycles directly. It’s a popular choice for finding local deals.
5. Calgary Bike Swap – An annual event where individuals can buy and sell used bicycles. It’s a great way to find deals and connect with other cycling enthusiasts.
6. Bike Calgary Forum– An online community that often has listings for used bikes and accessories, as well as information on local cycling events.
7. Bike Root – a volunteer-run, community DIY bike shop (many kinds of names for this type of shop including club, cooperative, and collective) at the University of Calgary providing used refurbished bikes for sale.
8. Pink Bike Calgary – Another online classifieds site where you can find a variety of used bicycles for sale, allowing for direct communication with sellers.

Quick List of Where to sell Used Bikes Calgary

1. 9 Bears Calgary – An online classifieds platform where individuals can buy and sell used bicycles directly. It’s a popular choice for finding local deals.
2. Calgary Bike Swap – An annual event where individuals can buy and sell used bicycles. It’s a great way to find deals and connect with other cycling enthusiasts.
3. Bike Calgary Forum– An online community that often has listings for used bikes and accessories, as well as information on local cycling events.
4. Pink Bike Calgary – Another online classifieds site where you can find a variety of used bicycles for sale, allowing for direct communication with sellers.

Why Buying a Used Bicycle Is a Win for the Planet and Your Wallet

So, you’re thinking about buying a used bicycle? Nice move! Whether you’re a seasoned pedal-pusher or a newbie rider with Tour de France dreams, snagging a secondhand bike is a savvy decision that does double duty—it saves cash and helps save the planet. Let’s roll through the upsides, speed bumps, and green perks of going the pre-loved route.

🚲 Why It’s Good for the Environment

1. Less Waste in Landfills
   Every used bike bought is one less hunk of metal destined for a landfill. Bicycles are built to last, and with a little TLC, even a decades-old frame can ride like new.
2. Reduced Resource Consumption
   Producing a new bike requires mining metals, refining materials, and burning fuel for manufacturing and shipping. Buying used skips that entire environmental cost, lowering your carbon tire-print.
3. Recycling with Style
   Used bikes have character—vintage frames, quirky paint jobs, retro handlebars. You’re not just helping the planet, you’re making a fashion statement and reviving a piece of history.

💸 Why It’s Great for Your Wallet

1. Major Cost Savings
   New bikes can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars. A good-quality used bike might set you back just a few hundred—or less. That’s money you could use for upgrades, accessories, or you know… snacks.
2. Lower Depreciation
   Bikes lose value the minute they leave the shop floor—just like cars. When you buy used, someone else already took that financial hit. You get the same functionality without the “new bike tax.”

⚠️ But First—The Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)

1. Worn Parts
   Chains, brakes, tires—they all wear out. Make sure to inspect these or ask a pro to check for signs of excessive wear. A good deal can sour fast if you’re stuck replacing half the bike.
2. Unknown History
   Was it lovingly maintained in a garage or left to rust behind a shed? Ask questions. Check for rust, cracks in the frame, and any suspicious creaks.
3. Stolen Goods Risk
   Unfortunately, bikes are often stolen and resold. Always ask for proof of ownership (or a receipt), and avoid shady deals that feel too good to be true. Bike karma is real.
4. Sizing Issues
   A too-small or too-large frame can make every ride feel like a medieval torture device. Know your measurements and try before you buy.

🎉 Final Spin

Buying a used bike is kind of like adopting a pet—you’re giving it a second chance at life, and in return, it’ll take you on some unforgettable journeys (and possibly to the farmer’s market). With a little caution and a good eye, you can score a solid ride, lighten your environmental footprint, and keep your wallet happily padded.

Ready to roll? 🌍💚🚴‍♀️

Great! Here’s a Used Bike Buyer’s Checklist you can take with you—whether you’re browsing Craigslist, checking out a local shop, or sizing up a garage sale find:

✅ Used Bike Buyer’s Checklist

🚴 Fit & Size

• Is the frame the right size for your height and riding style?
• Can you stand over the top tube with an inch or two of clearance?
• Are the handlebars and seat adjustable to your comfort?

🔍 Frame & Fork

• Check the frame and fork for dents, cracks, or significant rust.
• Look at the welds—are there any signs of stress or separation?
• Is the frame steel, aluminum, carbon, or titanium? (Steel can rust; carbon needs special inspection.)

🔩 Wheels & Tires

• Spin the wheels—do they wobble? They should turn straight and smoothly.
• Check for broken or missing spokes.
• Are the tires dry-rotted or cracked? Do they hold air?

⛓️ Drivetrain (Chain, Crankset, Gears)

• Is the chain rusty, stretched, or skipping?
• Do the gears shift smoothly through all ranges?
• Are the chainrings and cassette teeth worn down or “shark fin” shaped?

🛑 Brakes

• Do the brake levers work smoothly?
• Do the brake pads still have life left (not worn down to the metal)?
• Test them—do they stop the bike quickly and evenly?

⚙️ Steering & Bearings

• Turn the handlebars—is the movement smooth and tight?
• Wiggle the wheels side-to-side—do you feel any play in the hubs or headset?
• Bounce the bike—does anything rattle?

🔐 Legitimacy Check

• Ask for the original receipt or proof of ownership.
• Check the serial number (usually under the bottom bracket) against online stolen bike databases like Bike Index or Project 529. Check our article on bike theft prevention for more deets.

💰 Extras & Overall Value

• Are any accessories included? (Lights, rack, fenders, bell, etc.)
• Factor in potential repair costs—still worth it?
• Trust your gut—does the seller seem legit?

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Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about any of these items, a local bike shop will often do a quick inspection for a small fee—or free if you’re polite and bring donuts. 🍩