When you're buying a refurbished bike, you want to know exactly what you're getting. We get that. It's why we back every single one of our bikes with a 12 month warranty and put each one through a thorough refurbishment process before it reaches our shop floor.
But what does "refurbished" actually mean? Let's walk you through the exact process every bike goes through before we'll sell it.
A 12 Month Warranty On Every Bike: How Are We Able To Do This?
It's simple really. We've developed a comprehensive refurbishment process that covers everything from obvious cosmetic issues to the hidden components most people wouldn't think to check. Here's a breakdown of what we do to every bike that comes through our doors.
Damage Inspection: The First Check
Before anything else, we inspect the entire bike for damage. All bikes at Cycle Exchange have any cosmetic damage clearly marked and photographed to show their exact condition to potential buyers.
Here's the important bit: bikes with anything we consider to be more than cosmetic damage never reach our website. If a frame has structural issues or if there's damage that could affect performance or safety, that bike doesn't get listed. We're pretty strict about this because we'd rather not sell a bike than sell one that isn't up to standard.
Contact Points: Where You Actually Touch The Bike
This is where a bike shows its age most obviously. We're talking about saddles, bar tape, shifter hoods, and tyres - all the bits you're in contact with when you ride.
We check all of these for scuffs, wear, and general condition. If they're worn beyond what we consider acceptable, we replace them. There's no point selling you a bike with a tatty saddle or handlebar tape that's coming apart. It's just not a good experience, and we want you to actually enjoy riding it.
Drivetrain: The Heart of the Bike
The drivetrain is where things get technical. We check everything from the chain and cassette right down to the jockey wheels.
Our rule is straightforward: if any component has more than 50% wear, it gets replaced. This isn't just about performance (though a worn drivetrain shifts terribly), it's about longevity. A worn chain will destroy your cassette, which then wears out your chainrings. By replacing worn components now, we're saving you money and hassle down the line.
We're checking for chain stretch, cassette tooth wear, chainring condition, and making sure the jockey wheels are spinning freely. If something's marginal, we replace it.
Safety Checks: The Non-Negotiables
Brakes are probably the most important safety component on your bike, so we take them seriously. All brake systems - whether mechanical or hydraulic, disc or rim - are inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's standards and wear indicators.
For hydraulic brake systems, if needed, we bleed them if needed to ensure consistent, reliable stopping power. We check rotors for wear and warping, inspect pads for remaining life, and make sure everything is set up correctly.
If your brakes aren't working properly, nothing else matters. This is the section we're most thorough about.
Hidden Things: The Stuff You Don't See
This is where our refurbishment process goes beyond what most people would think to check. We're looking at components that are easy to forget about but crucial for a smooth, reliable ride.
Headsets - that bearing system that lets your handlebars turn - often get neglected. We check them for play, roughness, and wear. If there are issues, we service or replace them.
Bearings throughout the bike (bottom bracket, hubs, etc.) get scrutinized. If they're rough or loose, they're replaced or serviced.
Batteries for e-bikes are tested thoroughly. We check capacity, charge cycles, and overall health. You'll know exactly what you're getting in terms of battery life.
This section also includes the finishing touches: gear indexing to make sure your shifting is crisp, brake setup to ensure everything feels right, and final adjustments to guarantee a smooth ride.
Why This Process Matters
When you buy a refurbished bike from us, you're not getting someone's old bike with a quick wipe down. You're getting a bike that's been systematically checked, serviced, and where necessary, had components replaced to bring it back to a reliable standard.
That 12 month warranty we mentioned at the start? We can offer that because we're confident in the work we've done. We know what's been checked, what's been replaced, and what condition everything is in.
The Result: A Bike You Can Trust
Refurbished doesn't mean compromised. It means a bike that's been through a thorough process to ensure it's safe, reliable, and ready to ride. You get a quality bike at a better price point, and we get to keep good bikes in use rather than heading to landfill.
If you're looking at our refurbished bikes and want to know more about the specific condition of a particular model, just ask. We photograph and document everything, so we can tell you exactly what work has been done and what condition each component is in.
Every bike is different, but the process is always the same: thorough, systematic, and focused on making sure you're getting something you can rely on.
Interested in our bikes? Browse our current stock or get in touch to find out more about specific models.
