Bicycle Blue Book estimates a bike’s value based on its model year, components, and condition. While the valuations of newer models are generally deemed to be accurate, BBB heavily weights depreciation in its calculations, meaning older bikes may be listed at especially low price ranges.
Upway vs. Bicycle Blue Book: Which is Better for You?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 16, 2024 | Time to read 3 min
Used bike platforms like Upway and Bicycle Blue Book want to be your preferred choice when it comes to buying and selling second-hand. But with so many options just a few clicks away, which one is right for you?
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Originating from the famed Kelley Blue Book for cars, the term “blue book price” now commonly refers to the standard market value of something. In the cycling world, the Bicycle Blue Book (BBB) helps riders get a sense of what their used bike may be worth. Both the BBB and Upway help cyclists buy and sell used bikes, and there are pros and cons to using each platform. I’ll dive into their key differences below to help you out in your search for the biggest bike bargains.
What is Upway?
Upway is a trusted platform for buying and selling certified new and pre-owned electric bikes. Our expert mechanic team conducts thorough inspections and repairs to eliminate the uncertainty of purchasing a secondhand e-Bike, ensuring you get the highest quality bike. If you’re looking to sell, Upway can make an offer on your used electric bike with an additional $150 Upway voucher to go along with it.
Riders can sell their used e-Bikes to us or browse our wide selection of high-quality, affordable electric bikes. Each purchase comes with a 14-day return period and a 1-year warranty for total peace of mind. Upway makes it easy to get pedaling, all without overspending or worrying about the risks of buying a pre-owned e-Bike from other marketplaces.
What is the Bicycle Blue Book?
The name is a spinoff of the acclaimed Kelley Blue Book that has provided car valuations and appraisals for the past century. The Bicycle Blue Book database offers an estimate of what a specific used bicycle is worth. The site also has its own extensive marketplace that lets people trade in, buy, or sell used bikes directly.
The BBB claims it is the “cycling industry's definitive bike valuation authority” and helps users get an instant estimation before buying, selling, or trading their used bike. The BBB determines the market value of a bike based on model year, component spec, and condition. It tends to weigh depreciation quite heavily, meaning older bikes significantly drop off in value. Also, bikes with a trade-in value below $400 are not eligible for the Bicycle Blue Book trade-in program.
Is the Bicycle Blue Book value accurate?
The BBB’s most useful service is providing a quick valuation for almost any bicycle that’s ever existed, although there are times when a bike won’t have information available. The site provides a trade-in range that the BBB may offer to buy your bike and a private range for individual sales. That ballpark dollar amount can help you enter negotiations with a better idea of what a specific model is worth.
The biggest critique of the BBB estimate is that it often undervalues bicycles. Anecdotal evidence in the cycling community supports that many private sales go for much higher amounts than the range listed on BBB. I’ve been shocked at some valuations I’ve seen on the site, but then again, accurate quotes are difficult to give without the bike sitting directly in front of you.
Limitations to the BBB listed value:
- Access to re-sell data: BBB doesn’t have access to the same type of official sales, auction, and registration data that informs the Kelley Blue Book.
- Bike upgrades: Any newer or upgraded components on the 2nd hand ebike for sale won’t be reflected in the BBB value estimate
- Time of year: The price you can fetch for a bike varies depending on the season. Selling a road bike in the middle of a snowy winter isn’t the best idea.
- Trends: Sudden rises in the popularity of certain styles of bikes can significantly increase their value. Recent booms like the growth of gravel biking aren’t reflected in the BBB re-sell value.
Upway vs. Bicycle Blue Book Comparison
If you’re looking for a quick estimate of a used bicycle, hopping onto the Bicycle Blue Book can be a good starting point. Upway offers a trade-in program as well but goes a step further by certifying and refurbishing all of our used electric bikes.
- Inventory size: The BBB marketplace is huge and accepts both standard and electric bikes
- Upway is e-Bike-only: Even though BBB has a larger overall inventory, Upway has more e-Bikes for sale from top brands like Specialized and Rad Power Bikes
- Quality assurance: Upway provides a thorough History and Inspection Report with every bike along with professional refurbishing, detailed photos, a 14-day return policy, and a one-year warranty.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bicycle Blue Book determine the value of a used bike?
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Where is the Upway located?
Upway’s US headquarters is located in Brooklyn, New York. We have servicing UpCenter in NYC and soon Los Angeles.
Final Thoughts: What's the best deal on a high-end electric bike?
For riders planning to purchase a higher-end e-Bike, Upway is the right choice because of its additional quality assurances. Premium electric bikes are an investment and professionally inspected bikes will last much longer. Although the cost may be slightly higher than other platforms, the peace of mind that your high-end bike will be operating at its absolute best is well worth it.
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