Bicycle clothing: Buy & sell used

Second-hand is basically the most charming form of sustainability: things get a second chance. Instead of languishing in the wardrobe after the second season or ending up in the bin, products are given a second life. This saves resources, is easy on the wallet and feels a bit like treasure hunting with a clear conscience.

Of course, the whole thing also has its pitfalls: You need patience because the exact model in the desired colour and size is not always available. The condition varies and the idea that someone else has already sweated in the jersey, jacket or gloves may not appeal to everyone.

In return, you get quality at a fair price and consume more consciously. Second-hand is therefore less about doing without and more about a change of perspective: not "new at any price", but "good is good - even the second time round". For sellers, second-hand means a clear conscience - and a nice bonus on top, because you even get money back for discarded items.

Buy second hand cycling clothing

Some manufacturers and online retailers such as Vaude or Bergzeit offer second-hand goods. Vaude has several hundred products on offer, mostly high-quality outdoor clothing, but also bike-specific clothing such as trousers, jackets, waistcoats and even mountain bike rucksacks - all from Vaude itself, of course.

The products are well photographed and described with a small paragraph, for example: area of use, properties, material, size, etc. The condition of the second-hand goods is also stated. The condition of the second-hand goods is also stated.

At the Outdoor retailer Bergzeit is similar. However, products from different brands are offered here. The offer is called "Re-Use".

In addition to size and material, the condition is also categorised here:

• Perfect: Like new - no signs of wear and in perfect condition.
• Very good: A used item with slight, invisible signs of wear.
• Good: Visible signs of use that do not restrict the functionality of the item.

Whether at Vaude or Bergzeit, you can't expect prices like at a flea market here. High-quality outdoor clothing from popular brands can cost around 100 euros or even more. A rucksack from Evoc in "good" condition, for example, costs 62.90 euros.

Sell second hand cycling clothing

Anyone who has had enough of their bike shoes, jacket or rucksack can sell their items. Either in the traditional way via WhatsApp Status or Ebay classifieds - or via providers such as Vaude (for Vaude products) Bergzeit or big players such as the Swedish label Sellpy. Advantage in contrast to Ebay classifieds: You don't have to take any photos, post anything online, answer any queries from potential buyers or worry about receipt of payment and dispatch.

Mountain time

With Mountain time you simply enter the brand and category and must confirm a disclaimer that the product does not have the following:

• Severe stains or discolouration
• Holes or severe tissue damage
• Defective seams, zips, worn-out cuffs, etc.
• Heavy wear (e.g. pilling)
• Heavy soiling or unpleasant odour

Then you are immediately given a price without a photo. Our example: Five Ten shoes, 13 euros. Funnily enough, it doesn't seem to matter which model is involved. In the next step, you can request a free shipping label.
One more click and you can finally choose between a credit note and a payout. Both happen after viewing Bergzeit.

Vinted

Vinted is a peer-to-peer marketplace where private individuals trade clothing and other items directly with each other. Sellers create photos, descriptions and prices themselves, communicate with interested parties and take care of shipping; in return, they usually keep the full selling price. Buyers pay the item price plus shipping and a small service fee, but receive buyer protection via the integrated payment system. Vinted thus offers a great deal of control and usually higher revenues for sellers - but also requires more effort on their part.

Sellpy

Sellpy is a Swedish online second-hand shop (part of the H&M Group) that makes selling second-hand clothes particularly easy. Users send in their clothes and Sellpy takes care of the photos, description, pricing and dispatch. Buyers benefit from a 30-day right of return. Primarily casual brand clothing is sold here, but you can also find cycling clothing.

How does it work? Sellers fill a blue bag (can be sent for little money), send it in - Sellpy takes care of everything else. Remuneration: 40 % of the proceeds up to 50 €, 70 % for higher prices. Before an item goes online, Sellpy shows you a Price suggestion - You can change this yourself before the advert is published.

Advantages of second-hand cycling clothing

• Significantly cheaper than new goods
• High-quality branded products at an affordable price
• Sustainable consumption, less use of resources
• Extended service life of functional materials
• Possibility to find older or limited collections
• Smaller ecological footprint

Disadvantages of second-hand cycling clothing

• Limited choice of size, colour and model
• Traces of use or material fatigue possible
• Functional membranes (e.g. in rain jackets) may have lost performance
• Hygiene concerns, especially with close-fitting clothing
• No or only limited warranty claim
• Returns or exchanges sometimes more difficult than in traditional retail