Cycling is a great way to travel and commute around town, especially in a flat town like Düsseldorf, you have no excuse not to (plus and minus a few legitimate ones). Of course, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you start cycling in Düsseldorf, but nothing that should put you off of buying your own bicycle for the city!
There are so many beautiful bike paths in the city just calling your name, so what are you waiting for?! Buy a bike! Better yet, buy a used bike and save some Euros!
If you’d like to compare the prices of new bikes before you look into used bikes, you have websites like Fahrrad-XXL (a great online shop if you’re looking for something specific – they have an amazing selection) and FaFit24 (they sell all the top-of-the-line bikes on the market).
If you’re anything like me, and you have no idea where to get a used bike, there are people like Eric Oberlin, Founder of URBAM Bamboo Bikes, and local Düsseldorf expat, who know the answers. That’s why we had Eric give us his 5 tips for finding used bikes in Dusseldorf.
Finding used bikes in Dusseldorf can be a good deal, but make sure you try it out first to get a grip on the bike and make sure it has been maintained correctly.
This can be done by looking at the general state of the mechanics, but also by asking questions to the seller. Try asking questions like:
- Where did you originally purchase this bike? Was it already second-hand?
- Have you ever changed the bike chain?
- Is there anything I should consider replacing?
Or, at the very least, you want to check the smooth rotation of the wheels and chain, the gears, the frame for impacts, and the state of the brakes.
Remember that a bike needs a bit of cleaning and oiling every now and then to extend its life and avoid later repairs.
Do you have insurance yet? It’s important to make sure you have some sort of bike insurance, so if you’re bike gets stollen (which they so often do) you can make a claim with your insurance provider. Feather and Getsafe Insurance are two big favourites.
Now, let’s start shopping for used bikes in Dusseldorf!
Bike Auction at the Fundbüro Düsseldorf
When a bicycle is abandoned in Düsseldorf, or it had to be moved away because of some event, or it was stolen and then found again but they had no way to contact you, they end up at Fundbüro Düsseldorf where you can buy a used bike during one of their auctions. The auctions take place every one or 2 months.
I still think it is the best way to buy a used bike in Dusseldorf as it is still cheap, but you are sure that you are not buying a stolen bike.
Aachener Platz Flea Market
Aachener Platz is a big flea market hosted every Saturday from 6:00 am until 4:00 pm. You’ll be able to find anything and everything you are looking for, from very cheap small items to antique furniture. It is also a good place for cheap bikes and if you’re really serious about buying a good bike, make sure you show up in the morning.
However, this market also has the reputation of being that market where you find your bike being sold by the person who stole it from you. So make your pick wisely.
You can also check out all the other flea markets around Düsseldorf for more used bikes, Aachener Platz is just a very popular one for used bikes.
ADFC Used Bike Market
ADFC, (the German Association for Cycling) is a well-organized and well-intended association working to promote biking in our cities, teaching our kids how to cycle and making traffic less dangerous. They organize tours, and a few times per year, a used bike market. The models for sale there tend to be from more serious riders. This means the bikes are more expensive, but also more valuable than a bike you might find at the flea market. However, don’t let that make your decision, there is also usually a very wide offering available as well.
eBay Kleinanzeigen or Other Online Platforms
You will find a lot up for sale on Ebay Kleinanzeigen and other online selling platforms, especially bikes. They may be better deals, but it will also be more difficult to decide on a bike, as you will not be able to try them out unless traveling to visit the seller first. However, online platforms are a good option if you are looking for something very specific.
Your local shop
To be honest, this tends to work less and less nowadays, but your local shop may have used bikes for sale. It is still worth asking them. However, chances are they will show you entry-model new bikes instead and argue that it is not so much more expensive and you are safer on a new ride. The choice is up to you!
However, if they do offer second-hand bikes, they will have the advantage of being already checked and brought to a good mechanical state.
