Cyclesite is built on transparency, verification and user education. Every bike is checked against UK stolen-bike databases before the listing goes live. Pricing is a flat fee, tiered by asking price, shown before anyone commits, and there is no commission on classified sales.
This page explains how Cyclesite protects the UK cycling community, what we do, and what we deliberately do not do.
Informed users, built-in verification.
Cyclesite only deals with bicycles, which lets us build bike-specific verification and write detailed, relevant safety guidance.
Rather than promising protection we cannot guarantee, we give you the tools and knowledge to protect yourself. Every safety guide, verification check and pricing tool on Cyclesite is designed to help you make better decisions.
- 125,000+
- Stolen bikes in UK database
- 100%
- Listings verified before going live
- £0
- Commission on sales
Five pillars of marketplace safety.
Each pillar covers a specific part of the system.
- Stolen Bike Verification. Every bike listed on Cyclesite is checked against UK stolen-bike databases using its frame number before the listing goes live. This protects buyers from unknowingly purchasing stolen property and deters thieves from using the platform. How stolen checks work →
- Frame Number Transparency. Cyclesite requires sellers to provide frame numbers for verification. Frame numbers are the unique identifier for every bicycle and allow buyers to run independent checks against stolen-bike databases. Find and verify frame numbers →
- Buyer Safety Guidance. Detailed, UK-specific guidance helps buyers meet sellers safely, inspect bikes properly, spot scams, and conduct secure transactions. Our 30-point inspection checklist and scam pattern guides are free to access. Complete buyer protection guide →
- Seller Protection. Guidance for sellers covers pricing, photography, handling enquiries, avoiding scams like overpayment fraud, and conducting safe viewings. Sellers learn how to protect themselves from test-ride theft and fake payment confirmations. Complete seller safety guide →
- Transparent Pricing. Cyclesite uses transparent flat listing fees, tiered by asking price and shown upfront before you publish, with no commission on classified sales. Optional Buyer Protection and secure delivery are shown clearly at checkout. You always know what you're paying before you advertise. Advertise your bike →
What Cyclesite does not do.
Cyclesite is a classified advertising platform. We connect buyers and sellers, but we do not operate like eBay or Amazon.
- Guarantee classified payments. For most classified sales, payment is directly between buyer and seller. Cyclesite does not process, hold, or guarantee it. For added protection, optional Buyer Protection with escrow (via Stripe) is available on eligible transactions.
- Store or ship bikes. Cyclesite does not warehouse, ship, or physically handle any bicycles. We are an advertising platform only.
- Guarantee condition. Cyclesite cannot verify the mechanical condition, service history, or authenticity of listed bikes. Buyers must inspect in person.
- Provide warranties. Cyclesite does not offer warranties on used bikes. Buyer protection with escrow is available on eligible transactions through Stripe. Used bikes are otherwise sold as-seen.
- Mediate disputes. Cyclesite cannot arbitrate or resolve transaction disputes between buyers and sellers. Users should involve police or trading standards if necessary.
- Verify seller identity. While we offer optional verification badges, Cyclesite cannot guarantee any seller is who they claim to be. Always verify in person.
Important. All transactions are between you and the other party. Cyclesite provides tools and guidance, but you are responsible for your own safety. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and walk away.
Use these before you buy or sell.
- Check if stolen. Free, instant verification against UK stolen-bike databases.
- Buyer safety guide. Protection guide with a 30-point inspection checklist.
- Seller safety guide. Avoid scams, price correctly and conduct safe viewings.
- Frame numbers. Find and verify your bike's serial number.
Law and consumer rights.
Understanding UK law helps you protect yourself when buying or selling bikes privately.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Private sales are not covered by the Consumer Rights Act. Goods must only be "as described" - there is no automatic right to return. Buyers have fewer protections than when buying from a business.
- For Cyclesite users: Private bike sales on Cyclesite are between individuals. Buyer beware applies.
- Stolen Goods (UK Law)
- Under UK law, a buyer cannot obtain legal ownership of stolen property, even if purchased in good faith. If a bike is later identified as stolen, it must be returned to the rightful owner.
- For Cyclesite users: This is why Cyclesite verifies frame numbers against stolen databases before listing.
- Action Fraud Reporting
- Online fraud should be reported to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), the UK national fraud reporting centre. Police cannot investigate without a crime reference number.
- For Cyclesite users: If you are scammed, report to Action Fraud immediately and contact your bank.
- Trading Standards
- Trading Standards can investigate businesses that mislead consumers. For disputes with retailers on Cyclesite, contact your local Trading Standards office.
- For Cyclesite users: Business sellers on Cyclesite are subject to consumer protection laws.
Trust system map.
Quick links to every trust and safety resource on Cyclesite.
Before You Buy
Before You Sell
Frequently asked.
Is Cyclesite safe for buying bikes?
We provide the tools - stolen bike verification, safety guides, seller history. For most sales the transaction happens directly between you and the seller, so meet in person, inspect the bike, verify the frame number yourself, and use common sense. For added protection, optional Buyer Protection with escrow (via Stripe) is available on eligible transactions. Most transactions happen without problems.
How does Cyclesite check if bikes are stolen?
Every frame number gets run against UK stolen-bike databases before the listing goes live. Flagged bikes get blocked and reported. This deters thieves from using the platform because their stolen stock never makes it online.
What if I buy a bike that turns out to be stolen?
UK law is clear: you cannot keep stolen property regardless of how you acquired it. The bike goes back to its owner. You might recover costs through household insurance or civil action against the seller. Our verification reduces this risk significantly, but no system catches everything. Verify the frame number yourself as a second check.
Does Cyclesite handle payments?
No. All payments happen directly between buyer and seller. Cash works best for in-person sales - immediate and final. Bank transfer works if you verify funds have arrived before releasing the bike. Avoid PayPal Friends and Family and never send deposits before viewing. We connect people, we do not move money.
What happens if I have a dispute with a seller?
We cannot arbitrate disputes. Private sales offer limited legal recourse - the bike only needs to match its description. Business sellers fall under the Consumer Rights Act. For fraud, report to Action Fraud and your bank. Keep message records as evidence. Prevention beats cure: inspect thoroughly before paying.
How do I know if a seller is trustworthy?
Check their profile history and ratings from previous buyers. Verified badges mean something. Communicate through our messaging so there is a record. Meet in person, ideally somewhere public. If the story keeps changing or they refuse normal requests like test rides, walk away. Instinct usually gets it right.
Why does Cyclesite need my frame number?
To check it against stolen databases before your listing goes live. Buyers know bikes on this platform have been verified. Thieves know their stolen goods will get flagged. The frame number also helps with insurance claims, registration, and proving you own what you are selling.
What is the difference between Cyclesite and eBay?
We are UK-first and bike-specific. Every listing is automatically checked against UK stolen-bike databases, and pricing is a transparent flat listing fee tiered by asking price, with no commission on classified sales. eBay is a much larger general marketplace, free to list for UK private sellers in most categories, but it has no bike-specific verification, no frame-size or groupset filters, and a shipping process that most standard couriers will not handle for a full-sized bike. Different trade-offs for different priorities.
Can I get a refund if a bike is not as described?
From a private seller, probably not. UK law only requires goods match their description. From a business seller, the Consumer Rights Act gives you more protection. We do not process payments so we cannot process refunds. Inspect the bike properly before handing over money. Prevention is easier than dispute.
How do I report a scam or suspicious listing?
Use the Report Abuse link on any listing or contact support directly. Tell us what looks wrong. We investigate every report and ban fraudulent accounts. If money actually changed hands fraudulently, also report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and your bank.
Is my personal data safe on Cyclesite?
Encrypted, securely hosted, GDPR compliant. We do not sell data to third parties. Your contact details stay private until you choose to share them with a buyer or seller. See the Privacy Policy for the full details.
What should I do if my bike is stolen?
Report to police first - call 101, get a crime reference number. Then mark it stolen on UK stolen-bike databases. Contact your insurer within their required timeframe. Monitor online marketplaces including this one. If you spot your bike listed, do not confront the seller - tell the police and let them handle it.
Need help?
Report suspicious activity, ask a question or reach the support team.