Where to buy a bike: Are stocks finally starting to replenish?

Rutland Cycling employee helps a customer to buy a bike
(Image credit: Rutland Cycling)

It's old news now that the pandemic, with its resulting exponential increase in demand for bikes, and simultaneous factory closures, have left supplies very short for a long time. This means the question of where to buy a bike remains as relevant today as it was a year ago.

It's true that stock levels are starting to replenish now, but there are still plenty of shortages for certain brands, sizes, and models. That's true no matter if you're buying a road bike, a gravel bike, or you're in need of an electric bike

USA only: Competitive Cyclist

USA only: Competitive Cyclist is one of the largest cycling retailers in the US, and despite the shortage, there is still a good selection of bikes available. 

There are bikes that cover all spectrums from budget commuters to performance road bikes, kids bikes to electric mountain bikes. 

Some of the more popular brands covered include Cervelo, Santa Cruz, Pinarello, Bianchi, but there are plenty more to consider. 

Our pick of bike deals at Competitive Cyclist

Wilier Cento1HY e-bike - $5,999.99 $4,799.99
Cervelo Aspero XPLR - $5,500.00
Bianchi Sprint AXS - $4,200.00
Kids' balance bikes - up to 31% off

USA only: Jenson USA

USA only: Jenson USA is another USA-based retailer and usually has a good selection of off-road and gravel bikes, with a smaller selection of road bikes. The brands covered include Colnago, Look, Orbea, Santa Cruz, Yeti, Rocky Mountain, and more. There are even a few Jenson USA Exclusive Builds, which offer great value for money. 

Our pick of bike deals at Jenson USA

Marin Palisades Trail 2 - was $1,019.00 now $599.00

USA only: REI

USA only: REI is an outdoor retailer based in the USA, and its bike section is pretty huge. As well as its own range of Co-op Cycles bikes, there are bikes from Cannondale, Early Rider, Salsa and more. The options predominantly cover hybrid, road and kids bikes, but there are a few touring and mountain bikes on offer too. 

Our pick of bike deals at REI

Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 - $649.00 $448.93
Diamondback Division 2 - $975.00 $779.99
Cannondale Trail 8 - $635.00

USA only: Moosejaw

USA only: Moosejaw is an outdoor retailer, so while it doesn't specialise in bikes, the selection is typically broad. The current selection is slightly limited, but there are still options covering road, gravel, mountain and kids' bikes from brands such as Norco, Evil, Niner and Raleigh. 

Our pick of bike deals at Moosejaw

Diamondback Mason 1 MTB - $1060.00 $795.00
Surly Disc Trucker touring road bike - $1,999.00
Norco Search XR A2 gravel bike - $1,699.00

USA only: Backcountry

USA only: Backcountry, the US outdoor sports retailer, is partnered with Competitive Cyclist, so the product offering typically overlaps, but it's certainly worth double-checking as they don't always share the same pool of stock.

Burley MyKick Balance Bike - $129.99 $89.98
Ridley Kanzo Fast LTD - $8,500.00 $7,000.00
Factor Vista frameset - $4,799.00 $3,839.00

Worldwide: Wiggle

Worldwide: Wiggle is partnered with Chain Reaction Cycles, and therefore shares many of the same bikes. However, it's worth checking both stores because they don't always share stock, and you might get a better discount. 

Our pick of bike deals at Wiggle US
Fuji Touring LTD Bike - $1,365.00 $845.00
Rondo Ratt CF2 gravel bike - $4,614.99 $3,111.00
Vitus Energie cyclo-cross bike - $1,299.99 $1,199.99

Our pick of deals at Wiggle UK
Fuji Touring LTD Bike - £1,049.99 £649.99
Rondo HVRT CF 0 Road Bike - was £6,799.99 now £4,999.99
Vitus ZX-1 EVO CRS eTap AXS Road Bike - £4,799.99 £4,099.99

Worldwide: Chain Reaction Cycles

Worldwide: Chain Reaction Cycles is one of the world's largest online bike retailers, selling everything from kids' balance bikes to electric road bikes. Brands covered include Colnago, Cube and Fuji, as well as its own in-house brand, Vitus, which offers great value for money.

Our pick of bike deals at CRC

Vitus Energie EVO C CX bike - $2,599.99 $1,949.99
Cinelli Zydeco Apex CX bike - $1,949.00 $1,949.00

UK only: Cyclestore

UK only: Cyclestore is a proud dealer of Specialized, Giant and Cannondale bikes, and currently has stock of bikes ranging from a few hundred pounds, right up to the £12,000 S-Works Aethos. 

Our pick of bike deals at Cyclestore

Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 Low Entry e-bike - £2,800.00 £2,199.00

UK only: Evans Cycles

UK only: Evans Cycles has been around for decades, and comes with a comprehensive online shop as well as stores up and down the country. There are bikes covering everyone's needs, be they commuting to work or sending gaps in the bike park, with brands such as Specialized, Trek, Cannondale and more. 

Our pick of bike deals at Evans Cycles

Pinnacle Laterite 2 - £800.00 £575.00
Pinnacle Laterite 3 - £900.00 £650.00
Schwinn Vantage FB1 2020 Hybrid Bike - £700.00 £489.00

UK only: Tredz

UK only: Tredz is a retailer for brands such as Cannondale, Specialized, Brompton, Merida and more. With bikes covering road, mountain, kids, commuting and more, it's a good place to browse if you're unsure exactly what you want. 

Our pick of bike deals at Tredz

Cannondale Trail 7 Ltd mountain bike - £550.00 £479.00
Tifosi Scalare 105 Disc road bike - £1,999.00 £1,729.00
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Red ETap AXS - £11,500.00 £8,999.00
BMC Timemachine 01 ROAD ONE - £12,100.00 £9,675.00

UK only: Rutland Cycling

UK only: Rutland Cycling is another UK-based shop with stores around the country. There are bikes covering all spectrums of cycling, both with or without a motor, with brands such as Bianchi, Brompton, Frog, Whyte, Scott and more. 

Our pick of bike deals at Rutland Cycling

Raleigh Pioneer Low Step - £474.99 £399.00
Giant Escape 3 Disc - £478.99 £349.99
Giant FastRoad SL 1 - £1,098.99 £819.99
Liv Thrive 1 - £1,098.99  £819.99

UK only: Hargroves Cycles

UK only: Hargroves Cycles is another stockist of Cannondale, Specialized, Brompton and more, with over 200 different models in stock, each in a range of sizes, at the time of publish. 

Our pick of bike deals at Hargroves Cycles

Orbea Vector 15 Hybrid Bike - £1,099.00 £934.00
Ridgeback Voyage Reynolds Steel Touring Road Bike - £1,349.99 £1,079.00
Ridgeback Electron+ Electric Bike - £2,599.00 £2,099.00
Bergamont Paul-E EQ Edition Electric Folding Bike - £3,079.00 £2,079.00

USA only: Walmart

USA only: Walmart might be a left-field inclusion in this list, but if you're after something super simple such as a budget kids bike, then Walmart is worth checking. The one thing it has on its side is an abundance of options, so just do your research and ensure you're not wasting your money on a bike that's not fit for purpose. 

WorldwideDecathlon

Worldwide: French company Decathlon has a presence worldwide and sells many own brand bikes under a range of names, including B'Twin, triban and Van Rysel. Its products tend to be well designed and good value.

Worldwide: Amazon

Worldwide: Amazon, probably isn't exactly the first retailer you think of when shopping for a bike but there's little the world's largest retailer doesn't sell. It's unlikely you'll find a high-end carbon road bike, but if you're shopping for kids bikes, then Amazon is worth a look. 

UK only: Tweeks Cycles

UK only: Tweeks Cycles is a UK retailer covering all disciplines. The brands stocked include GT, Raleigh, Lapierre, Cube, and Scott to name a few. 

UK only: Leisure Lakes

UK only: Leisure Lakes is another retailer with stores dotted around the country. Covering everything to electric commuters to race bikes, it's another great place to browse for new-bike inspiration. 

UK only: Halfords

UK only: Halfords is more committed to the leisure side of cycling, specialising in the more budget side of things as well as kids bikes. With brick-and-mortar stores in almost every town, you're never too far away if you want to try before you buy. 

WorldwideTrek Bikes

Worldwide: Trek Bikes is a worldwide bicycle manufacturer catering to everyone from first-time amateurs to WorldTour professionals. Their website allows bikes to be ordered direct, and they'll happily deliver it to your local Trek dealer where it can be built up by a professional. Their collection encompasses road, mountain, hybrid, electric and kids' bikes, with all budgets catered for. 

WorldwideCanyon

Worldwide: German brand Canyon specialises in direct sales of its bikes, which have a reputation for quality and low prices. Its bikes span the whole range from pro level road bikes through hybrids and electric bikes to mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes.

WorldwideSpecialized

Worldwide: USA-based Specialized has recently added a direct-to-consumer sales model to its business, and that means certain territories can now have any Specialized bike delivered to your home, courtesy of either a courier or a 'white glove service' from a Specialized employee. 

USA only: The Pro's Closet

USA only: The Pro's Closet is an online bike marketplace that does things a little differently. By acting as the intermediary between sellers and buyers, The Pro's Closet ensures that all second-hand bikes are inspected, serviced and then sold at a fair price, removing all concerns about the bike's condition as well as any concern around scammers. 

It covers bikes of all disciplines for all ages at the full spectrum of budgets, and will even allow you to trade in your old bike. 

UK only: The Bike Club

UK only: The Bike Club is a bicycle subscription business that allows you to loan a bike for a monthly fee, upgrading that bike as and when you desire. 

Especially useful for growing children, the rates start at £3.50 for balance bikes. The company is also set to launch a similar scheme for adults bikes. 

USA only: Revel

USA only: Revel is an eBike monthly subscription scheme that costs $99.00 per month. After signing up, you'll receive delivery (at no extra charge) of your eBike, the charger and a lock. 

Managed via an accompanying app, if your bike is damaged, simply request a repair and it will be actioned within 24 hours, all included in the monthly fee. Then if you wish to cancel the subscription, the bike will be collected free of charge at a time convenient to you. 

UK only: Brompton

UK only: Brompton is easily one of the best folding bikes around, and now Brompton Subscription is offering its bikes for a monthly fee. 

With a yearly commitment, you'll get the Brompton for £45 per month, which gets you access to unlimited repairs, insurance, and a full service after six months. Or you can pay £60 per month on a rolling 30-day contract and get the flexibility to cancel at any time. 

The bike can either be delivered to your door or it can be collected from one of Brompton's many public lockers dotted around the UK. 

USA only: Walmart

USA only: Walmart might be a left-field inclusion in this list, but if you're after something super simple such as a budget kids bike, then Walmart is worth checking. The one thing it has on its side is an abundance of options, so just do your research and ensure you're not wasting your money on a bike that's not fit for purpose. 

WorldwideDecathlon

Worldwide: French company Decathlon has a presence worldwide and sells many own brand bikes under a range of names, including B'Twin, triban and Van Rysel. Its products tend to be well designed and good value.

Worldwide: Amazon

Worldwide: Amazon, probably isn't exactly the first retailer you think of when shopping for a bike but there's little the world's largest retailer doesn't sell. It's unlikely you'll find a high-end carbon road bike, but if you're shopping for kids bikes, then Amazon is worth a look. 

UK only: Tweeks Cycles

UK only: Tweeks Cycles is a UK retailer covering all disciplines. The brands stocked include GT, Raleigh, Lapierre, Cube, and Scott to name a few. 

UK only: Leisure Lakes

UK only: Leisure Lakes is another retailer with stores dotted around the country. Covering everything to electric commuters to race bikes, it's another great place to browse for new-bike inspiration. 

Josh Croxton
Associate Editor (Tech)

Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews. 

On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.