How I Save on Bike Gear: My Favorite Tips & Where to Buy

Three female mountain bikers posing for selfie on trail in Mammoth Lakes California

I don’t know about you, but cycling gear adds up fast. Honestly, I probably spend more on my two-wheeled adventures than I do on my car. Between replacing worn-out chamois, picking up yet another pair of gloves, stocking up on socks, and convincing myself I need that one extra tool for my bike kit, the costs can spiral pretty quickly.

Over time, though, I’ve figured out a few tricks for finding quality gear without draining my bank account. From Patagonia’s Worn Wear collection to Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee, there are plenty of ways to save money, and even make more sustainable choices, while still riding in comfort.

6 Quick Tips for Finding Discount Cycling Gear

Buy off-season

Cycling gear is just like clothing— last season’s styles go on sale as soon as the new ones arrive. I’ve found some of my best deals in the “wrong” season, like picking up winter jackets in July or lightweight summer jerseys in October. If you can plan ahead, this is one of the easiest ways to save.

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I know, I know… nobody wants more emails. But I’ve scored some great discounts just by being on retailers’ email lists. Stores like Competitive Cyclist, Jenson USA, and REI often send out early access to sales or extra coupon codes that don’t show up anywhere else.

Don’t be picky about colors or models

I once bought a pair of neon-yellow cycling shoes simply because they were half the price of the black ones. Did I look like a highlighter on wheels? Yes. Did I save $120? Also yes. And I felt safer in traffic, too. If you don’t mind an “interesting” color choice or last year’s model, you can usually save big.

Compare prices before buying

It’s always worth doing a quick search before you click “buy.” The same item can vary a lot in price depending on the retailer. Sites like Jenson USA, Competitive Cyclist, and Chain Reaction often compete, so checking a couple before you commit can save you a chunk of change.

Know when to splurge (and when not to)

Not everything is worth buying cheap. I personally never skimp on helmets (safety first!). Tires and suspension are two more areas where I usually buy new, since warranties matter and performance can make a big difference. On the flip side, jerseys, shorts, gloves, and even pedals are totally fine to grab at a discount.

Check out secondhand

I’ve had good luck finding barely-used gear on sites like Pinkbike BuySell, Geartrade, and even Facebook Marketplace. That said, I usually avoid buying safety gear (helmets especially) secondhand… you just never know its history. But for shoes, jackets, or parts, secondhand places can be a goldmine.

Female mountain biker taking a selfie in a oak grove — The Giro Manifest is my favorite mountain bike helmet and I usually grab it when it’s on sale at the end of the season

Where I Buy Discount Cycling Gear

Over the years, I’ve built up a little list of go-to places where I always check first for deals. Some are online, some are secondhand, and some are right in my local bike shop. Here’s where I usually have the best luck:

Online Discount Retailers

Jenson USA — This is one of my favorite online stores to buy gear and they often have really good prices. Their outlet section has everything from clothing to components, and the shipping is quick.
Competitive Cyclist — I’ve found some solid deals in Competitive Cyclist’s sales section, especially on higher-end brands. It’s worth checking during holiday weekends when they usually run extra sales.
Mike’s Bikes Clearance — The Mike’s Bikes Clearance sections is worth checking regularly. They often have deeply discounted apparel, gear, and components from previous seasons. Inventory moves fast though, so it helps to keep an eye on their site.
The Bike Closet — I don’t know how they do it, but the Bike Closet has some screaming deals. The website is outdated, but I’ve ordered stuff from them and it’s legit. The only catch is that inventory is limited, so once something’s gone, it’s usually gone for good.
REI Outlet — The REI Outlet is one of my favorite spots to snag deals on cycling gear and apparel. You can find past-season jerseys, shorts, jackets, and even some accessories at a fraction of the original price.
Bike Tires Direct — While the name suggests tires only, they actually carry a wide range of cycling gear from tires and wheels to clothing and accessories. Their selection is large, prices are often better than local shops, and shipping is fast. Inventory can be limited on certain items, so if you see a deal, it’s best to grab it before it’s gone.
Steep & Cheap — This is the outlet store for the online retail giant Backcountry. While they aren’t cycling-specific, I’ve found great deals on cycling gear for as much as 75% off. I love to browse Steep & Cheap in the off-season since many retailers are trying to get rid of old inventory and you can find some really great scores.
Darn Tough Socks — These socks are a favorite of mine for both riding and everyday wear. They’re a bit pricier upfront, but the lifetime guarantee makes them a no-brainer. If they wear out, you can send them back and get a replacement, no questions asked. I’ve bought a few discounted pairs through outlets and sales, which makes them an even better deal.

Second Hand Options

Pinkbike BuySell — Most people use Pinkbike BuySell for used complete bikes, frames, and bike components, but you can find other gear on there as well. The community there is super active, so things move fast.
Patagonia Worn Wear — I love Patagonia’s Worn Wear program for both cycling and everyday outdoor gear. You can score lightly used jackets, jerseys, and other apparel at a fraction of the original price. The gear is high-quality, often like-new, and buying through Worn Wear feels good knowing you’re giving items a second life instead of letting them go to waste.
REI Used Gear — REI’s Used Gear section is a hidden gem if you don’t mind pre-loved items. You can pick up cycling apparel, gloves, and even accessories at a fraction of the retail price. Everything is inspected by REI, so you know it’s in good condition. It’s a great way to save money and give gear a second life.
Geartrade – A great place for lightly-used outdoor gear in general, but they often have cycling stuff at steep discounts.
The Pro’s Closet — If you’re looking for high-quality used bikes, wheels, or components, The Pro’s Closet is one of my top go-tos. Everything is carefully inspected and often lightly used, so you can snag great gear at a fraction of the price of new. I’ve found some excellent deals here, especially when I’m hunting for parts or upgraded components.
Facebook Marketplace & eBay – Both can be a bit of a rabbit hole, but I’ve found everything from barely-used shoes to brand new jerseys at a fraction of the price.

Cyclist riding bike on gravel road on the VTXL route in Vermont with forest on either side

What I Buy Discount vs. What I Buy New

Over the years, I’ve learned that not all cycling gear is created equal when it comes to buying discounted or secondhand. Some things I’m happy to grab at a deal, while others I always buy new, mostly for safety or performance reasons.

What I Usually Buy Discount

Clothing & accessories: Jerseys, shorts, gloves, socks, and base layers are perfect for discounted or outlet shopping. They wear out over time anyway, and it’s easy to find high-quality options on sale.
Shoes & pedals: I’ve scored some amazing deals on cycling shoes, especially from last season or lightly used sources. Pedals are also fine to buy discounted if you’re careful.
Components: Things like handlebars, saddles, water bottles, and some drivetrain parts are fine to grab on sale. Just make sure you’re buying from reputable sellers.

What I Usually Buy New

Helmets: Safety first. I never buy a helmet secondhand because you can’t always know its history after a crash. That said, I will pick up a new helmet on sale.
Tires & Tubes: Tires can degrade over time, even if they look new. I stick to buying fresh ones to avoid blowouts or other issues on the trail.
Suspension Components: Shocks, forks, and other suspension parts are better new for performance reasons and to preserve warranty coverage.

Need gear recs?

Head over to my gear closet! I’m always testing out new pieces of bike gear and if I really like them, they earn a place on this page.

See my gear favorites

At the end of the day, saving on cycling gear is all about being a little patient and knowing where to look. With a few tricks like shopping off-season, keeping an eye on sales, and checking out secondhand options, I’ve been able to get the gear I want without spending a fortune.

Between my favorite discount retailers and resale sites, I’ve upgraded my kit, stayed comfortable on rides, and even made a few more sustainable choices along the way. Now it’s your turn— go find some deals and get back out on the trails without stressing your wallet!

Where do you shop for discount cycling gear or used bike gear? Are any of these places new to you? Let me know in the comments!

How I Save on Bike Gear: My Favorite Tips & Where to Buy