Deals on wheels at the London Cycle Exchange
When buying a second hand bike there isn't always a lot you can do to guarantee that the bike you're buying will be in good nick, or indeed belong to the person selling it. You could bag yourself an eBay bargain, or deal with a classified dud.
"If you don't know a lot about it then you have to find the right source and then you've got to trust the source," says Matt Connelley, founder of the London Cycle Exchange.
"You want to know that a month down the line you won't have to replace the groupset and you've lost the money you saved from going second hand."
Connelley's interesting idea is to bring the concept of ‘used approved' to the second hand bike market. By only purchasing used bikes worth around £1,500 or more when new, and with a full-service history and proof of purchase, it carries out a full service before offering buyers a three month-long warranty with their purchase.
"70% of cars bought are second hand, and 50% of used car sales go through dealerships because people want the warranty," Connelley explains. "This business is about being that trusted name in cycling."
It's early days for the project. Most of its current income is from selling bikes owned and ridden by cycling event organisers HotChillee and Jelli, with Connelley admitting that he only makes a small return dealing with individuals.
However the aim is to one day rent commercial premises where the bikes and operations can be housed: essentially a second hand bike dealership.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I want it to be a drop in centre with all the bikes where people can drop their bike in, get a price for it there and then, part exchange it for one that's there, or they can just buy one that's there."
To find out more about the idea, head to www.londoncycleexchange.com
Related links
Segregated cycle lanes using planters and armadillos could spread across Britain
British teams prepare for Tour of Britain at Ipswich and Coastal GP
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Richard Abraham is an award-winning writer, based in New Zealand. He has reported from major sporting events including the Tour de France and Olympic Games, and is also a part-time travel guide who has delivered luxury cycle tours and events across Europe. In 2019 he was awarded Writer of the Year at the PPA Awards.
-
I'm about to turn 40 - how can I keep riding fast?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
By Charlie Graham-Dixon Published
-
Life Time Grand Prix to have fewer riders and wild cards in 2025
The flagship US gravel series has confirmed the six races that will be a part of the competition next year
By Adam Becket Published