The future of cycling is not only riding on new roads, but also on used wheels. In recent years, the market for second-hand and reconditioned bikes has experienced extraordinary growth, driven by new consumption models, greater environmental awareness and the evolution of digital and logistics services that make buying (and selling) a used bike easier, safer and more sustainable than ever.
A booming market
According to the latest CONEBI 2025 Report (Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry), the European market for used and reconditioned bikes has exceeded €7 billion in value, with an estimated annual growth rate of around 10% until 2030. This growth is fuelled by two converging trends:
The boom in the circular economy, with consumers increasingly focused on reducing waste and environmental impact.
The digitalisation of marketplaces, which simplifies the matching of supply and demand and increases confidence in the buying and selling process.
Marketplaces, from the more or less vertical ones, are revolutionising the way we buy bikes: no longer a “new or nothing” asset, but a product that can go through multiple cycles of use, maintaining value and performance thanks to the control, review and certification processes that these platforms often provide.
The role of integrated logistics: the new backbone of the market
The growth of the second-hand sector would not be possible without efficient, traceable and sustainable logistics. The main challenge for those selling or buying a used bike, especially online, has always been shipping: how to safely transport a bulky, fragile and often valuable item?
This is where specialised operators such as Ship To Cycle come into play, transforming bicycle shipping into a tailor-made, door-to-door service with real-time tracking and simplified management.
This model not only meets the needs of private customers, but also offers a competitive advantage to shops and marketplaces:
- National and international delivery throughout Europe, thanks to a network of selected and optimised suppliers.
- Reliable and planned delivery times, reassuring the end user and improving the shopping experience.
- Greater customer confidence, as they receive their bicycle ready to ride, without any operational complications.
- Management of after-sales activities, including returns, replacements and repairs, simplifying processes for the seller.
In this scenario, logistics becomes an enabler of the circular economy, making it possible to move used goods on a global scale with reduced environmental impact and a smoother user experience.
Sustainability and new consumption models
According to the European Cyclists’ Federation, using reconditioned bikes can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared to manufacturing a new bike. What’s more, the average consumer is increasingly inclined to consider buying a used product ‘not as a compromise, but as a conscious choice’.
In 2025, over 35% of European cyclists say they are interested in buying a used or refurbished bicycle (source: Statista Consumer Insights, 2025), especially among the 25-45 age group, where the balance between sustainability and affordability has become a determining factor. This has also opened up new opportunities for traditional bicycle shops, which can now integrate the sale of used bikes as a premium service, building customer loyalty and opening up new business channels.
Ship To Cycle: logistics for the Circular Bike Economy
At the heart of this revolution, Ship To Cycle is the go-to logistics partner for individuals, e-commerce businesses, marketplaces and retailers in the sector. Through customised solutions and a dedicated international network, it supports every stage of a bike’s life cycle, from sale to delivery, right through to return for servicing or refund. Thanks to:
- Real-time tracking and centralised management;
- Multilingual customer service, managed by real people;
- Standardised operating procedures, which guarantee efficiency
- Reliability and consistent quality in shipment management.
Ship To Cycle accelerates the second-hand market, making sustainable and scalable what was logistically complex just a few years ago.
A new value chain
The Circular Cycling Revolution is much more than a trend: it is a new economic and cultural paradigm.
Bikes are no longer simply bought and discarded, but circulate, are regenerated, travel… often thanks to a digital and logistical ecosystem that accompanies them at every stage. The result?
A more sustainable, efficient and connected industry, where every ride tells a story that continues beyond the first owner.
