FAQs
Buying a Bike or Booking a Repair/Service
- Do your bikes have a warranty?
Yes, our bikes come with a 90-day warranty. This covers mechanical faults but excludes wear-and-tear items such as punctures and brake pads. The warranty also doesn’t apply if the bike has been poorly maintained, for example, if it’s been left outside in unsuitable conditions.
- How long will by bike be in if booked for a service/repair?
The turnaround time for a bike service or repair is typically between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on how busy we are. Summer tends to be our busiest period, so wait times might be longer then. If there’s likely to be a longer wait, we’ll let you know when you book to help manage expectations.
- Where do your bikes come from?
Our bikes come from a variety of sources, including recycling centres, walk-ins, and household collections. Each bike is carefully assessed for suitability when it arrives. Once approved, it’s worked on by a qualified mechanic and then double-checked by a second mechanic to ensure it meets our high standards before being made available for sale.
- Do you provide any discounts on bikes?
No, we don’t provide discounts on bikes. Our bikes are priced as affordably as possible to help cover the running costs of our organisation. In fact, some smaller kids' bikes cost us more to provide than we make from them, but we believe it’s important to offer them to ensure everyone has access to a bike.
- Do you buy bikes or offer trades?
No, we don’t buy bikes as it goes against our constitution. For private sales, we recommend using platforms like Facebook or Gumtree. We also don’t offer trades or swaps.
- Is all your stock online?
No, not all of our stock is online. As a charity, our time and resources are precious, so we only list a selection of our bikes for sale online. This helps us focus on the work we do for the community.
- How do I know what size bike to get?
To find the right bike size, start by measuring yourself and using Google as a guide. Our online listings include the bike size and the average height range for the rider. However, every bike and person is unique, so it’s important to keep in mind that riding preferences and individual builds can vary.
- What types of bikes do you sell?We sell a wide range of refurbished bikes, including adult bikes, kids' bikes, occasionally e-bikes, and speciality bikes, such as road, gravel and full-suspension. All bikes are fully assessed and repaired by qualified mechanics.
The Bike Library
- How long is the rental period?Our standard rental period is 4 weeks - although we offer some flexibility so email info@recyke-a-bike to discuss if you need the bike for longer/shorter.
- Are there any costs involved?
No, there are no costs involved in using our bike library. We offer it for free to promote inclusive and accessible cycling for everyone. However, if you’d like to support our work, donations are always welcome and can be made via our website, in store, or by emailing info@recyke-a-bike.co.uk.
- Do you have any other bikes in the library that aren't online?
No, all of the bike library bikes are listed on our website.
- What is the minimum age for hiring a bike?We only accept rentals from those aged 18 or above.
- What is the process of hiring a bike through the library?You would need to book out the bike online after reviewing the stock that is available and the dates that you're looking for. It's worth noting that for some of the bikes we only have one bike available, and therefore it may not be available on the dates you'd like - so some flexibility is required. We will require you to agree to the terms and conditions and submit 3 proofs of identity (e.g. passport, driving licence, council tax letter). You would need to come into Recyke-a-bike to do some paperwork and have a short lesson on the bike, which normally occur on a Friday. Ideally, you'd take the bike away with you but we appreciate not all of the bikes can fit in cars/on standard bike racks (due to weight restrictions) so we may be able to drop the bike off with you, although we would be charging fuel costs.
Our Story
- Tell me more about your charity?
Recyke-a-bike began in 2005 as Fallin Community Enterprises, a charity focused on providing affordable bicycles, cycle training, and employment opportunities. The aim was to promote cycling as an eco-friendly and accessible mode of transport for the local community. Over time, the charity expanded its services to include bike repairs, maintenance courses, and a variety of community-focused cycling initiatives, such as Bikeability training for local schools and youth programmes.
- I'd like to make a larger cash donation to you than what I can on your website.Thank you, we are so grateful for your support. Please email info@recyke-a-bike.co.uk and one of our team will get back to you shortly.
- Can I donate a bike? Yes, we accept bike donations. If you have a bike you’d like to donate, you can drop it off at our shop or arrange a collection by contacting us.
- How can I support Recyke-a-bike? You can support us by purchasing a bike, donating a bike, or making a financial contribution. Donations help us continue our work in promoting cycling and providing training and support to the community.