Do bikes hold their value?
Direct answer · Cyclesite
Most bikes take their biggest hit in the first year, dropping 20-30% of value, then lose roughly 4-7% of their remaining value each year after that, not a flat percentage of the original price. That means a £2,000 bike is typically worth £1,200-£1,500 after two years, around 40-60% of RRP by 2-3 years. Premium brands (Specialized, Trek, Canyon, Brompton) hold value better than budget brands. Brompton folding bikes hold value best of any brand, often retaining 70-80% after 3 years. E-bikes depreciate a little faster due to battery concerns.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16
Depreciation by bike type
Every type takes its biggest drop in year one, then loses roughly 4-7% of remaining value each year after that. The first-year hit is where they differ. Road and gravel bikes: around 20-25% in year one (carbon holds better than aluminium, and strong demand keeps gravel values up). Mountain bikes: around 25% (full suspension depreciates faster). Hybrid bikes: around 25-30%. E-bikes: around 30% or a little more, as battery age weighs on later years. Folding bikes: closer to 15% (Bromptons are exceptional and can hold 70-80% after 3 years).
Brands that hold value best
Brompton is the standout, used Bromptons regularly sell for 70-80% of new price. Other strong value holders include Specialized (strong brand loyalty), Trek (wide dealer network), Canyon (direct-to-consumer value), and Santa Cruz (cult following in MTB). Budget brands like Btwin lose value faster but offer low entry prices.
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
Which bikes are the best investment?
Brompton folding bikes hold value best. Among standard bikes, premium road and gravel bikes from Specialized, Trek, and Canyon retain the most value. The best "investment" is buying a quality used bike 2-3 years old, the steepest depreciation has already happened.
Find Bikes on Cyclesite
Browse 66 verified bikes with automatic stolen-bike checks on every listing. Transparent flat listing fees, no commission on classified sales.