How fast do bikes depreciate?
Direct answer · Cyclesite
Bikes depreciate fastest in the first one to two years, when a new bike can lose roughly 20 to 30 percent of its RRP the moment it is ridden, and often 40 to 50 percent by three to five years old. After that the curve flattens and a well-kept bike holds its remaining value steadily. The exact rate depends on brand, condition, originality and how sought-after the model is. Cyclesite values bikes against real UK market prices, what bikes actually list and sell for, so the depreciation you see reflects the real market, not a guess. Two otherwise identical bikes can be worth very different amounts depending on wear, service history and whether the parts are still original, which is why a like-for-like comparison against recent sold prices beats any general rule of thumb when you want an accurate figure.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16
How fast bikes lose value
The steepest drop is immediate: like a car, a bike loses a chunk of its RRP as soon as it stops being new, commonly 20 to 30 percent in year one. By three to five years old many bikes sit around half their original price, and from there depreciation slows markedly, an older bike in good order can hold its value for years. Condition and service history matter more as a bike ages, so a clean, well-maintained example resists depreciation far better than a neglected one.
What slows depreciation
Strong brands with steady demand depreciate more slowly, as do bikes kept in excellent condition with original parts and proof of service. Desirable sizes and popular models hold value better because more buyers are looking for them. Upgrades rarely return their full cost, and crash damage or a replaced frame hits value hard. Electric bikes are a special case: battery health is a major factor, and a tired battery pulls the price down regardless of the rest of the bike.
How to value your bike accurately
Generic depreciation percentages are only a starting point, the real number is what comparable bikes have actually sold for. Cyclesite's valuation tool is built on real UK market prices, what bikes actually list and sell for, so it reflects genuine market value for your specific brand, model, age and condition. Across the marketplace bikes that sell typically do so in about 27 days, and pricing in line with recent sold comparables is the single biggest lever on selling quickly.
| Feature | Age | Rough value retained |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | 70-80% | |
| 1-2 years | 55-70% | |
| 3-5 years | 45-55% | |
| 5 years+ | 20-45% (flattening) |
Average used bike prices by category (UK)
| Category | Average price | Sample size |
|---|---|---|
| road | £1,477 | 13 |
| ebike | , | 6 |
| mtb | , | 3 |
| gravel | , | 2 |
| bmx | , | 1 |
Last updated: 2026-07-16
Related Questions
Do expensive bikes depreciate faster?
In cash terms yes, a higher RRP means a bigger first-year drop, but as a percentage premium bikes from sought-after brands often hold value as well as or better than budget models because demand for them stays strong.
Which bikes hold their value best?
Well-known brands in popular sizes, kept in excellent condition with original parts and service history, hold value best. For electric bikes, healthy battery life is decisive.
How do I find what my bike is really worth?
Compare it against real prices for the same brand, model, age and condition. Cyclesite's valuation uses real UK market prices, what bikes actually list and sell for, which is a far better guide than a fixed depreciation table.
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