Buying a used bike in Zürich: the complete guide

A good used bike is sustainable and often saves several hundred francs. To make sure the purchase isn’t a disappointment, a systematic look pays off.

The pre-purchase checklist

• Frame: Cracks, dents or rust at the welds? On carbon, tap for damage and listen for dull spots.
• Drivetrain: Check chain, cassette and chainrings for wear. Strongly “shark-toothed” teeth mean replacement soon.
• Brakes & wheels: Check rims for wear, spokes for tension and wheels for side-to-side wobble.
• E-bike: Ask about battery cycles and remaining capacity, check the display for error codes, and request the service booklet.

Where to look in Zürich

Instead of opening five apps, our bike marketplace aggregates listings from several sources. In addition, the Pro Velo bike markets and specialised used-bike platforms are worth it – see our directory for an overview.

Price and safety

Compare the asking price with the new price and condition. If possible, pay in person after a test ride and check the frame number. For stolen bikes, comparing against loss reports helps.

After the purchase

A freshly bought used bike benefits from a safety check. Compare workshops and mobile services in our bike repair ranking.