Why Chicago Cyclists Are Selling Their Bikes

Chicago may be best known for its skyline, deep-dish pizza, and sports teams, but beneath it all lies one of the country’s strongest cycling communities. From commuting along the Lakefront Trail to hammering through group rides on Milwaukee Avenue, and even gravel adventures outside the city, cycling is woven into the daily life of many Chicagoans. Yet, as vibrant as the bike scene is, there’s also a steady stream of riders selling their bikes. Here’s why:

Urban Commuting Realities

Chicago is one of the top biking cities in the U.S., with miles of dedicated bike lanes and infrastructure. But with that also comes the reality of theft and storage challenges in dense neighborhoods. Riders often sell bikes because they can’t store multiple rigs in apartments, or they decide to downsize to one versatile commuter instead of juggling road, mountain, and cargo bikes.

Upgrades for Performance

The Chicago cycling scene is competitive. Group rides on the North Shore or races at the Major Taylor Velodrome in nearby Indiana push riders to upgrade. Road cyclists frequently trade in older aluminum frames for carbon aero machines, while commuters shift to e-bikes to handle longer daily rides with less effort. Each new purchase fuels the resale market as well-loved but still valuable bikes find new homes.

Life Transitions

Chicago is a city of movement; young professionals, students at UChicago and Northwestern, and families shifting between city neighborhoods and suburbs. Those moves often mean selling bikes. Retirees sometimes trade race bikes for more upright hybrids or e-bikes, while college graduates might cash in on their rigs before relocating.

So Why Goodbye Cycle?

Selling locally through Craigslist or Facebook in Chicago can be risky or inconvenient. From no-shows to haggling, the process can be extremely frustrating. Goodbye Cycle solves that with fair offers, nationwide buyers, and fast payouts, so Chicago riders don’t waste time when they’re ready to move on.

Get Started Selling Your Used Bike Here!