Refurbed, remaining stock & last year's models: Here comes the big savings guide for bike buyers

The BIKE conclusion: Saving without regrets. With the right strategy and a little patience, you can easily save 500 to 1500 euros when buying a bike - with identical or minimally reduced quality. The key lies in timing, flexibility in terms of colour and exact model as well as the willingness to consider refurbished or last year's models. Our final tip: Invest the euros you save in high-quality accessories such as a good lock, lights or bike bags. This will help you get even more out of your Sparfuchs bike!

But why save money when buying a bike? Let's just take a look around the shops. Prices for bicycles have exploded in recent years. A solid trekking bike starts at 800 euros, good mountain bikes quickly cost 2000 euros and upwards, and high-quality e-bikes rarely start at less than 2500 euros. However, there are legal and smart ways to significantly reduce these prices - often without compromising on quality.

Price-performance table: An example from Cube

Model: Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE22 Pro 800

First things first: Saving money when buying a bike does not mean buying an inferior bike. It means buying smarter than the masses. Let's start with an overview of the four golden savings strategies.

Last year's models: The classic with a 40 per cent discount

This is how it works: The bicycle industry presents new model series every year, usually between July and September. This means that the previous models have to go, even though they are often technically almost identical. The savings potential can be between 15 and 40 per cent, depending on the time and dealer. The best time to buy is at the beginning of the year in January and February. This is when there are leftover items from the previous year, with discounts of up to 30 per cent in the best cases.

The months of July and August are also interesting: the new models arrive during this time. That means: the old ones have to go! 20 to 35 per cent is easily possible. Things get really hot in October and November. This is when dealers are particularly keen to get rid of the last leftovers before the winter break. In some cases, they offer a 40 per cent discount.

Our practical tip: Actively ask for discontinued models. Many dealers store these in the back room and do not actively offer them on their sales floor. Don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for alternatives when you see an eye-catcher in the showroom: "Do you still have that model from the 2024 or 2025 vintage?" But be careful: With e-bikes, older models may have outdated motor generations or battery technology that is now obsolete. Go back a maximum of one year here.

Refurbished: Used, but professionally refurbished

This is how it works: Platforms such as Refurbed or Rebuy buy used or returned bikes, refurbish them professionally and sell them on with a guarantee. Another provider is JobRad Loop, which specialises in returns from company bike leasing.

Here, too, the savings potential is impressive: 20 to 45 per cent compared to the new price is not uncommon. So what do you get for your money? As a rule, you get tested and serviced bikes that even come with a respectable warranty period of 12 to 24 months and often a 30-day right of return. There is also a detailed description of the condition of the bikes on offer, for example "like new", "very good" or "good". Here is an overview of the most important platforms:

• Refurbed.de: Wide range, including e-bikes, 12-month guarantee
• Rebuy.de: Focus on branded bikes, advertises with strict quality control
• Greenstorm.eu: Deals in e-bikes from hotel fleets, often as good as new
• Jobrad-Loop.com: Reconditions leasing returns from JobRad, often low kilometre performance

Our practical tip: Subscribe to the newsletter! Many platforms offer an additional 5 to 10 per cent discount for first-time customers or during special promotions.

Direct sales & online brands: Inexpensive without a shop

This is how it works: Brands such as Canyon, Rose and Radon sell directly to end customers without intermediaries. This saves the usual retail margin of 30 to 40 per cent. The savings potential is then reflected in the calculation of the actual sales prices and can amount to around 25 per cent or more compared to comparable brand bikes in specialist shops.

On top of that, you can make additional savings: Last year's models in the outlet area can be reduced by a further 20 to 30 per cent. And even more is possible with mail order companies: B-goods with minor visual defects reduce the price by a further 10 to 15 per cent. In the online shops, there are also mail-order returns: these can be priced up to 40 per cent below the RRP.

The disadvantages are easy to name: no test ride on site, on delivery you have to take care of the (manageable) assembly yourself. The biggest hurdle: local service at a local bike dealer can be difficult to organise. Workshops are very busy and initially allocate appointments to their own customers.

Our practical tip: Check the outlet areas of online manufacturers regularly. New offers are often posted on Wednesdays in particular.

Remaining stock & special sales at the retailer

This is how it works: Specialist dealers often have individual bikes in unusual sizes, demonstration bikes or exhibition bikes that they sell at favourable prices. The savings potential: from a manageable 20 to an incredible 50 per cent, provided you have good negotiating skills.

When to get particularly good deals: Demonstration bikes after the season are often available as new. Unusual frame sizes (e.g. XXS or XXL) are also sold off at very favourable prices after too long a standstill. And then there are the colourfully advertised stock clearances in the event of business closures or conversions, which are usually advertised colourfully and garishly in local newspapers or advertising leaflets

Our negotiating tip: If you're the type, then bargain like at an Arabian bazaar: "What would be your best price if I pay cash today and take it straight away?" If the dealer responds, you can get an additional 5 to 10 per cent as a buyer.

When to buy? The overview for optimal time planning

Advantages & disadvantages in a quick check

Previous year's models

Pro:

• New goods with full warranty
• View at the local dealer

Contra:

• Limited range of sizes/colours
• Quickly out of stock

Refurbished platforms

Pro:

• Tested quality with guarantee
• Convenient online, large selection
• A clear conscience (sustainability)

Contra:

• No test drive beforehand
• For e-bikes: check the battery life

Online direct sales

Pro:

• Best price-performance ratio
• Current models also cheaper

Contra:

• No personal counselling
• More complicated service in case of problems

The ultimate savings strategy

This is the best way to proceed:

• March/April: Start research, test drives at the dealer (without pressure to buy)
• May/June: Identify desired model, set price alarm on comparison portals
• July/August: Buy last year's models online or from the dealer
• Alternative: Wait for October/November for maximum discounts

Pro Tip: Combine strategies! Buy a previous year's model from an online brand in the outlet area - the discounts stack up to 50 % and more.