How the Bike Index Marketplace works
We want this to be the easiest, most trusted place to buy and sell a used bike. Every bike listed is registered on Bike Index, and sales happen directly between you and the other rider.
Why a marketplace?
Buying used shouldn’t mean taking a chance on a stolen bike.
Bike Index is a free, nonprofit bike registry. For years we’ve helped riders register their bikes and get them back when they’re stolen.
Most used-bike sites don’t know anything about the bikes on them. We do. Because every listing here is a registered bike, one reported stolen can’t be listed, and the registration follows the bike to its new owner.
What we check
Registered bikes only
You can only list a bike that’s registered on Bike Index, so every listing is tied to a real registration and serial number.
Checked for theft
A bike reported stolen on Bike Index can’t be listed.
Ownership transfers
When the sale is done, the seller transfers the registration to the buyer. The new owner is on record from day one.
Bike Index members
Sellers who support Bike Index with a membership show a Bike Index member badge on their listings.
Buying a bike
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1
Find a bike
Search listing descriptions, pick a primary activity type, and set a price range. Choose “For sale in search area” to see bikes near you, or “For sale anywhere” to see everything.
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2
Contact the seller
Ask questions and arrange a time to see the bike. Look for the Bike Index member badge.
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3
See it or ship it
Local? Ride it and confirm the serial on the frame matches the listing. Out of town? Agree on shipping with the seller and ask for a photo of the serial.
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4
Pay and take ownership
You pay the seller directly. They transfer the Bike Index registration to you.
Selling a bike
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1
Register your bike
Already registered? Skip ahead. If not, it takes about two minutes and it’s free, forever.
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2
Mark it for sale
From your bike’s page, add a price, photos and condition. Specs come from your registration.
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3
Hand off or ship
Meet local buyers somewhere public. For out-of-town buyers, ship with a bike shipping service like BikeFlights.
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4
Transfer ownership
Once you’re paid, transfer the bike to the buyer’s email on Bike Index.
Across town or across the country
Every sale is person to person. Bike Index doesn’t handle payment or shipping, so buyer and seller agree on price, payment and delivery between themselves.
Local pickup
Meet in person, test ride the bike, and check the serial before you pay. The seller transfers the registration to you on the spot.
Shipping to an out-of-town buyer
It’s fine to ship. Sellers can use a bike shipping service like BikeFlights. Agree up front on who pays for shipping and packing, share tracking, and transfer the registration once the buyer has the bike.
A sign of trust, not a guarantee
Every bike here is registered, and a bike reported stolen can’t be listed, which says a lot about the bike. It doesn’t guarantee the honesty of the person buying or selling it. Ask questions, keep your messages, and trust your instincts.
PRO TIP!
A few habits keep person-to-person sales safe.
- Meeting locally? Pick a busy public place during the day.
- Check that the serial on the frame matches the listing before you pay.
- Shipping? Ask for extra photos, including the serial, and use a payment method with buyer protection.
- Be wary of anyone who pushes to move fast or pay in unusual ways.
- Make sure the registration is transferred to you when the sale is done.
