How To Buy a Cycle Guide in Germany [2024]

Bikes and cycles are prevalent in Germany for sports, leisure, vacation, or commuting. There are almost 81 million bicycles in Germany which is nearly equal to 80% Germans. If you want to buy a bike or cycle in germany, you will find multiple options according to your requirements and budget. Flea market, eBay (Kleinanzeigen), and Facebook groups are the top options to purchase your cycle in Germany. If your budget is limited, you can go for a used cycle but in this case, the risk is high as the cycle might be stolen, and the thief might try to sell it immediately.

Purchasing a Brand New Bicycle

Here are two options for purchasing a brand-new cycle in Germany. You can buy it from a physical shop by visiting the market or online.

Online Purchase

Technological advancements have made it easy to buy anything online, but it is not highly recommended for a cycle. You would pay a hefty price, so it is risky to assemble the parts at home by yourself if you are not an expert.

Physical Purchase

Stadler is the largest bicycle retailer in Germany, and there are many smaller bike shops. If you are looking to buy a cycle from a physical shop, it is good to visit it in person and buy a bike yourself. This is good as you know the model, design, type, and size of your bike. You can also find shops that offer discounts, initial inspections, and warranties.

Purchase a Used Bike

You can buy a used bike from various places such as flea markets, Kleinanzeigen, auctions, or others.

Purchase From A Flea Market

Bicycles are available at a local flea market for 25 Euros, but there are some risks associated with such a purchase. The chosen bike might be stolen and be in the market for resale. At a flea market, you can choose from hundreds of bikes and have a test drive before deciding what bike you want to buy. If you want, you can seek a professional and expert opinion to make an informed buying decision.

Purchase From Kleinanzeigen

You can test and ride your bike before you purchase it. Ask the seller to provide you with a purchase contract or receipt to prove that the bike is not stolen. Be aware of the scams if you are buying a used bike online and prefer reliable platforms like eBay to make purchases.

Purchase From An Auction

Bicycle auctions (Fahrradversteigerung) are frequent in almost every German city, and you can see many lost and found bikes there. You can buy a bike for a little money, as they have been unclaimed for more than six months. Discounts are available for high-quality bikes. Do not forget to receive a legal document of ownership of your bike after making a purchase.

Purchase From A Bicycle Market

If you are not an expert in buying cycles, prefer buying it from a bicycle market so you can choose the right cycle from various options in the market. When you are looking at the cycles displayed in windows, you can inquire and ask questions from the shopkeeper. Ensure that the bike is not stolen and complete paperwork is available. You can also check the technical condition by testing or riding your chosen bike. Do not forget to lubricate every node of your bike, adjust the steering wheel, pump up the wheels, and then go. It is up to you if you want to visit multiple shops to get the best price after negotiation. Prices might be a bit high compared to the online sellers as these shopkeepers have to bear the shop expenses too, so they price accordingly. To get the best price, do a market survey before you buy your bike. A German city, Berlin regularly hosts bicycle fairs, where you can find a huge range of both new and used bikes at best prices. If you are interested, you can search Facebook for event details. Be aware of the thieves, as they might be there to sell their stolen bikes, so always receive the paperwork before you make payment. Compare the frame number and make a Kaufvertrag. You can also inquire about the history and proof of purchase of your chosen bike.

Types of Bicycles

Sports Bikes

Sports bike is for high-speed riders, long distances, and paved paths. These bikes are made up of lightweight frames of carbon or aluminum, and high-quality composite materials to get the high speeds. These bikes are not recommended for people with back issues so always consult your doctor if you are planning to buy a racing bike. If you need a bike to conquer the woods or zip through the terrain, buy a mountain bike to get the stable driving experience and high safety on bumpy roads. These bikes have sturdy frames, wide tires, and high-quality handlebars.

Everyday City Bikes

These bikes are best for those who need to ride their bike around the city. The sturdy frame and comfortable drive have made these bikes popular for daily riders.

Budget Considerations

When buying a bike, check the various online and offline options before making a final choice. Choose a bike that is within your budget, but never compromise on the quality. You must consider it a one-time purchase, so look for longevity, quality, and budget. Good quality does not always mean high price, so visit multiple suppliers to choose your chosen model.

The Price of Bicycles

The price of a bicycle depends on several factors, like age, type, and quality of the bike. The cost of a brand-new professional bike might be around 5,000 Euros, while the cost of a brand-new supermarket bike is about 150 Euros. The cost of a used bike depends on the model, condition, and features and can range between 40 to 500 Euros. Racing bikes are usually expensive compared to other bikes. If your budget is less than tha Euros, buy a bike from flea markets or auctions of unclaimed lost and found items but it involves some risks of the bike being stolen.

Get The Proof Of Purchase

Whenever you buy a bike, ask your seller to show the proof of purchase so you can secure your purchase. Get the repair receipts if the frame number is present on the bike. If seller fails to provide repair receipts, determine the ownership by asking the seller:

• When did you purchase the bike?
• From where did you purchase the bicycle?
• Do you drive it frequently?
• What is the reason to sell your bike?

Instructions When Buying a Used Bicycle

Choosing a used bike is always risky and difficult, so here are the essential instructions you must remember when buying one.

Brake Pads

Test and ride your chosen bike to check if the brake pads work correctly. If there is any problem, do not buy and choose another bike with good brake pads condition. Careful purchase is necessary to avoid replacement costs.

Frame Number

Never forget to check the casing or frame number of your bike. The number is usually given under the button section or on the edge bar. Stolen bikes do not have frame numbers, so do not buy a cycle without a frame number.

Tires of The Bike

Examine the tires of your chosen two-wheeler. If the bike has not been used for some time, the tires can get old, so release some air from the tires, knead the casing, and pump them to their maximum capacity to test your bike’s rubber. The tire replacement cost is around 60 Euros, so if there is any problem with the rubber or casing, do not buy it.

Bike Theft Insurance

Get your bicycle insurance to avoid loss due to bike theft in Germany. Many insurance companies offer coverage at the best prices, such as Getsafe and Feather, if you are an English speaker. The insurance cost by Getsafe is just 3.75 Euros per month. Get bicycle insurance (Fahrradversicherung) or household insurance (Hausratversicherung) that covers bike theft if you have an expensive bike. Older bikes are not covered by bicycle insurance.

Registration of Your Bicycle

Bike theft cases are widespread in Germany. According to research, approximately 30,000 bicycles are stolen in Germany every year, which means one bike per minute. Whenever you are out, lock your bike carefully. Get a license sticker and register your bike with the police database to keep it safe at all times. This registration helps the police track the location of your bike if it is stolen. To register your bike, follow the steps given on the official website of the municipal police department.

Know The German Cycling Rules

Once you have purchased your bike, learn German cycling rules and regulations before riding it on the roads in Germany. These rules are about using bike paths, signaling when turning, and whether you need a cycling license in germany.

Final Words

When buying a bicycle, consider the use and budget before visiting the physical or inline seller. It is important to make an informed decision to avoid any future inconveniences. If you have no experience, visit a shop and get professional advice on the bike’s type, size, model, and features. Test and ride your chosen bike, get complete paperwork, scrutinize it, and then make payment.