Upgrade the right way

Trade-In for Shop Credit

Looking to move on from a bike and put that value toward something new?

Our Trade-In for Shop Credit Program is designed for riders who want a simple, transparent alternative to private selling — without the hassle, risk, or guesswork.

We evaluate your bike using real market data, service requirements, and resale standards — then offer shop credit you can use where it matters most.

THE PROCESS

STEP 1

Bring your bike into our store or use the form below to submit your bike for a trade in value estimate. Please be real with your photos; the final offer is subject to change in person if not. We do not accept trade ins by mail.

STEP 2

Accept or refuse the offer. Either way, assessments are free. We believe in being up front. We cap offers for any used bike at $1,500 in order to maintain a quick turnover rate on inventory.

STEP 3

Use your trade in credit at Flat Tire Co. for whatever you please. A new bike, another trade in, service dollars, Flat Tire swag. The world is your oyster.

TRADE IN FAQ'S

What You Can Realistically Expect

We believe in being upfront.

While maximum values are listed, most trade-ins fall within these average ranges:


  • Mountain bikes: $350–$850 in shop credit

  • Road & gravel bikes: $350–$850 in shop credit

Bikes valued closer to $1,500 are typically:


  • Near-mint condition

  • Recently serviced or lightly used

  • High-end models with strong resale demand

  • Able to be resold with minimal additional work

Those bikes are the exception — not the expectation.

To keep the program fair and sustainable, all bikes must meet the following criteria.

Bikes We Accept

Rail-Trail & Fitness Bikes

  • Bike-shop brand names only
  • Modern, serviceable condition
  • Up to $150 in shop credit

Mountain Bikes

  • Model year within 5 years of the current year
  • Modern geometry and components
  • Up to $1,500 in shop credit

Road & Gravel Bikes

  • Model year within 5 years of the current year
  • Modern standards and serviceable condition
  • Up to $1,500 in shop credit

Every accepted trade-in is resold on our shop floor and must meet our Flat Tire Certified standard. Any service on the bike will be factored into the initial trade-in offer.

That means we account for:

  • Brake pads or contaminated rotors
  • Worn bottom brackets
  • Cable or hydraulic issues
  • Suspension bushings or bearings
  • Deferred maintenance that isn’t obvious on a test ride

Selling bikes as-is leads to problems after the sale — and that’s not something we’re willing to put our name on.

Bikes We Do Not Accept

  • E-bikes of any kind
  • Bikes outside the model year limits
  • Bikes with structural damage
  • Bikes that cannot be safely serviced and resold

All trade-ins require a final in-person inspection.

We reference the same places riders do:

  • Bicycle Blue Book
  • The Pro’s Closet
  • Pinkbike
  • Facebook Marketplace

We then adjust based on:

  • Condition and wear
  • Market demand
  • Service required to meet our resale standards

Two bikes of the same model and year can receive different offers depending on what it takes to work at a resale standard.

If you’d like to research before coming in, those same platforms are a great starting point.

If our offer doesn’t make sense for you, that’s okay — private sale may be the better option.

Our Trade-In Program is for riders who value:

  • Convenience
  • Transparency
  • Professional resale standards
  • Keeping value inside their riding ecosystem

How Shop Credit Can Be Used

Trade-in credit can be applied toward:

  • Another Flat Tire Certified used bike
  • A new bike
  • Professional service or suspension work
  • Bike fitting or Flat Tire Certified setup
  • Parts, accessories, or future maintenance

Shop credit does not expire. You can buy anything we sell with it.