What is Cyclesite and how does it work?

Cyclesite is a UK marketplace for buying and selling used bikes. Sellers photograph the bike's serial number when listing, and we check it against stolen bike databases before it goes live. Buyers browse for free, message sellers, and pay through Stripe with escrow protection. Listing fees start from £10.99.

Is it safe to buy a second-hand bike on Cyclesite?

Yes. The serial number photo that sellers provide when listing does two things: it proves the seller physically has the bike, and it lets us check the serial against stolen bike databases. If the bike comes back as reported stolen, the listing is blocked. Payments go through Stripe with escrow, so your money is held until you confirm you're happy. If something goes wrong, our dispute team can step in. You can also check any bike yourself for free at cyclesite.co.uk/stolen-bikes.

How much does it cost to sell a bike?

Listing fees start from £10.99 for a standard listing. Auction listings may include additional fees. There are no hidden charges, and you can see the full pricing breakdown on our pricing page before you list.

What bikes can I find on Cyclesite?

Everything from road bikes and mountain bikes to electric bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, kids' bikes, and folding bikes. You'll find popular brands like Specialized, Trek, Giant, Canyon, Cannondale, and Brompton, plus smaller and boutique brands. Listings cover the whole of the UK, with bikes available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and hundreds of other towns and cities.

How are payments handled?

Secure payments are available through Stripe. When you choose to pay through the platform, your money can be held in escrow until you've confirmed the bike matches the listing. Buyers and sellers can also arrange payment directly if they prefer.

How to Check if a Bike is Stolen

Frame number checks that take two minutes and could save you thousands. Here is how to verify any bike before buying.

Last updated 10 December 2024

Every bike listed on Cyclesite is automatically checked against UK stolen-bike databases before the listing goes live. You can also run our free stolen bike check tool by entering the frame number.

Why Frame Number Checks Matter

300,000 bikes vanish in Britain every year. A fair chunk of them end up sold to unsuspecting buyers. Get caught with stolen property and you lose both the bike and your money. Two minutes of checking prevents a world of grief.

How Cyclesite Protects You

Automatic Screening

Every bike listed on Cyclesite is automatically checked against:

UK stolen-bike databases: The UK's national cycle database
UK stolen-bike databases: Cross-referenced stolen reports
Police databases: Known stolen bike reports

If a match is found, the listing is blocked and our Trust & Safety team investigates.

Manual Verification

For high-value bikes (over £2,000), sellers can opt for enhanced verification which includes:

Proof of purchase or ownership
Additional photo verification
Identity confirmation

How to Check Yourself

Even with our checks, we recommend verifying independently:

Step 1: Find the Frame Number

Common locations:

Under the bottom bracket
On the head tube (front of frame)
On the seat tube
Rear dropout

Step 2: Check the Databases

UK stolen-bike databases - Free basic check
UK stolen-bike databases - Police database
UK stolen-bike databases - Property register

Step 3: Ask the Seller

Can they provide proof of purchase?
Do they have service history?
Why are they selling?
Are they the original owner?

Red Flags to Watch For

Seller can't show you the frame number
Price seems too good to be true
Seller is evasive about the bike's history
No paperwork or receipts available
Seller wants to meet in unusual location
Pressure to complete sale quickly

What to Do If You Suspect a Stolen Bike

1. Do NOT proceed with the purchase 2. Note down any details (listing URL, seller info) 3. Report to Cyclesite via our Trust & Safety page 4. Report to local police if you have concerns 5. Report to UK stolen-bike databases

After You Buy

Register your new bike on UK stolen-bike databases
Take photos of the frame number
Keep the receipt from the seller
Consider bike insurance

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find the frame number?

Usually stamped under the bottom bracket where the pedal cranks meet. Sometimes on the head tube or seat tube. Look for 6-12 characters. If you can't find it, or it looks ground off, walk away immediately.

What databases does Cyclesite check?

UK stolen-bike databases. Every listing gets screened automatically before going live. But do your own checks too. Belt and braces.

What if I accidentally buy a stolen bike?

Legally, you have to return it. The original owner remains the rightful owner regardless of how many times the bike has changed hands. You lose the bike and the money. This is exactly why checking matters so much.