Buyer Protection is coming soon. It will hold your payment in Stripe escrow until you confirm the bike matches the listing, and it will cover courier shipping, a 48-hour inspection window, and dispute resolution by a human on our UK team. Until it launches, arrange payment directly with the seller and inspect the bike before you pay.
When you buy with Buyer Protection, Cyclesite holds your payment in escrow until you have had the bike for 48 hours. If it does not match the listing, you can return it at no cost and get a full refund.
The Basics
- Cost, 3.5% of the sale price, shown on the order summary before you pay.
- Inspection window, 48 hours from delivery.
- Refund policy, full refund if the bike is not as described, including the shipping cost.
- Transit insurance, included, with no excess.
- Coverage, automatic with delivery; optional on in-person collection.
What Buyer Protection Covers
- Bike not matching the listing's condition rating (for example, listed as Excellent but arriving in Good condition).
- Wrong model, year, size or specification.
- Undisclosed damage, missing components or mechanical faults.
- Lost or damaged in transit, fully insured.
- Seller failing to ship within the agreed collection window.
What Buyer Protection Does Not Cover
- Change of mind, the bike is exactly as described but you no longer want it.
- A correctly listed size that turns out not to suit your riding style.
- Normal wear consistent with the stated condition rating.
- Issues raised more than 48 hours after delivery, though UK consumer rights for faulty goods still apply.
The 48-Hour Inspection Window
The clock starts the moment the courier records delivery. You have 48 hours to:
- Unpack the bike and inspect every component against the listing photos.
- Take a test ride, check brakes, gears, bearings, headset.
- Confirm or dispute through your order page.
If you confirm (or do nothing): after 48 hours the sale completes, the seller is paid, and you are the owner.
If you raise a dispute: our team reviews within one working day. You will be asked to upload photos and describe the issue. If the dispute is upheld, we arrange a free return and refund you in full. If the evidence supports the seller, the sale completes as normal.
After the Inspection Window
Once 48 hours have passed, Buyer Protection ends. You are still covered by:
- UK consumer rights for faulty goods, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 covers latent defects discovered later, though proving the fault existed at purchase becomes harder with time.
- 14-day distance-selling cancellation, applies to purchases from business sellers (those with a Business Seller badge), not to private sellers.
How to Raise a Dispute
From your order page, choose Report an issue. Upload photos showing what is wrong, describe the problem plainly and submit. Our disputes team takes it from there. A few tips:
- Raise the dispute as soon as you spot the issue, do not wait.
- Photograph the bike as it arrived, including any packaging damage.
- Keep the original listing as a reference, save the photos and description.
- Do not attempt to repair the bike before the dispute is resolved.
- Do not return the bike yourself, we arrange collection through our courier.
What the Fee Covers
The Buyer Protection fee covers payment processing, escrow handling, the disputes team, insurance pass-through and the free-return logistics if something goes wrong. It is shown up front on the order summary and never applied to listings where buyer and seller transact directly in person.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to inspect a bike after delivery?
You have 48 hours from the moment of delivery. Use the time to unpack, inspect and test ride the bike. Raise any issues through your order page before the window closes.
How much does Buyer Protection cost?
Buyer Protection is 3.5% of the sale price, shown on the order summary at checkout before you pay. It is optional, you can also buy by in-person collection without it. We recommend it for any bike you cannot see before paying.
Does Buyer Protection cover me if I change my mind?
No. Buyer Protection covers the bike not matching the listing, wrong model, wrong condition, undisclosed damage, transit damage. It does not cover a change of heart. Purchases from business sellers carry a separate 14-day right to cancel under UK distance-selling rules.
What happens if the courier damages my bike in transit?
You get a full refund. Every shipment is fully insured with no excess. We handle the claim on your behalf, your only job is to report the damage within the 48-hour inspection window.
How do I raise a dispute?
From your order page, choose Report an issue. Upload photos, describe what is wrong and submit. Our disputes team reviews within one working day. If the dispute is upheld, we arrange the return at no cost to you. Do not return the bike yourself, we arrange collection.