The Best Places to Buy Bikes Online

Looking to buy a new bike? You’re in good company. The pandemic triggered a home-fitness boom, leading to increased demand for bicycles. But the pandemic also disrupted production and transit networks — most bikes are produced overseas — and many bicycle shops are still bare of new inventory or limited to a few models in odd frame sizes. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to buy a new bike in time for some summer fun. But it does mean that you’ll have to scour retailer inventories carefully and may not be able to buy the precise brand or model you want. Be prepared to wait for several weeks before your new bike is in stock and ready for delivery, too. If that doesn’t discourage you from buying a new bike (and it shouldn’t), start your search at one of the following online bike sellers.

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AMain Cycling is one of three online bike retailers owned by the same corporate parent (the other two are Nashbar and Performance Bicycle). Selection is somewhat limited — several models are only available for in-store purchase — but you’ll find road, mountain, BMX, and kids’ bikes by Giant, Specialized, Ridley, Surly, and others, plus accessories and biking apparel. 

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After selling bikes since 1928, Ben's Cycle founded Milwaukee Bicycle in 2002 to keep the bike-building tradition alive in the Badger State. Today, it sells nearly a dozen models, from fixed-gear commuters and racers to road bikes, many (though not all) Wisconsin-made by Waterford Precision Cycles. Ben’s also carries new and used bikes for adults and kids from brands like Salsa and Giant. 

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Dallas-based Bikes Direct has been selling bikes online for two decades. The brands they carry — Motobecane, Mercier, Gravity, and Windsor — may be unfamiliar to the casual cyclist, but the savings are worth any trade-off in brand-name recognition, many buyers say. Bikes Direct carries road and mountain bikes, plus hybrids, electric bikes, cruisers, and kids’ bikes, in a wide range of prices and builds for novices and weekend warriors alike.

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Bike Exchange doesn’t sell bikes itself. It's an online marketplace for new and used bicycles, connecting independent retailers and private sellers with buyers. You’ll find the usual range of new bikes for adults and kids (road, mountain, electric, etc.), from just about every major brand you can think of. But you’ll also find a good selection of used bicycles, including high-end road and mountain bikes from brands like Bianchi, Cannondale, and Cervelo, as well as parts, accessories, and clothing.

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This seller got started selling mountain bikes in a San Diego County, California, warehouse in 1992 — back when (almost) no one shopped for bikes online. These days, Bicycle Warehouse carries bikes for just about every kind of rider from BMX to fat-tire mountain bikes and electric models. Brands include Diamondback, Head, Raleigh, and others. Bicycle Warehouse also sells parts and accessories, including clothing.

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Chain Reaction began life as a bike shop in suburban Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1985, and has since grown into a global mail-order seller of bicycles and bike parts. Brands include Cube, Orro, and Vitus, which may be unfamiliar to American riders, but are common in Europe. All cycles ship from the U.K., but U.S. orders over $99 get free shipping, and Chain Reaction Cycles may waive the duty fees as well.

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The Motor City has seen a renaissance in small manufacturing thanks to small companies such as Detroit Bikes. Since 2011, it's been building steel-frame commuter bikes sold under its own brand and on a contract basis for others. If you're in Detroit, you may even be able to schedule a visit to its 50,000-square-foot factory.

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Best known for its kids' tricycles, Dirt King has been cranking out three-wheeled wonders since 1989 from its headquarters in WaKeeney, Kansas. Today, it manufactures five different trikes for kids and grownups, plus a kids' play wagon.

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Jenson USA sells bikes online and from two retail outlets in Southern California. You’ll find the usual assortment from brands including Kona, Orbea, Marin, and Specialized, plus components, accessories, clothing and more. You’ll also find a robust blog with lots of how-to videos and tips for choosing the right bike and cycling gear, plus brand profiles and new-model previews.

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This Brooklyn-based bike shop (which has a second store in Walnut Creek, California) has been at it since 1976. They promise that all advertised bikes are in stock and will ship upon ordering, a nice guarantee in an age of bike shortages. Brands include Felt, Scott, Bianchi, Cannondale, and Cervelo, and their inventory skews toward the higher end of the market (with some road bikes selling for more than $10,000).

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Universal has been in business since 1997, with a robust online presence in addition to stores in Beaverton, Oregon, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Brands include Brompton, Giant, Salsa, and Surly, and you’ll find a full range of bike styles. Universal also specializes in building custom wheelsets for riders who want to upgrade their current bikes or build a new one from the ground up.

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Brooklynites love their bikes, and Worksman Cycles caters to their commuting needs with custom-designed bicycles for easy riding. Cruiser bikes? Check. Comfort bikes? Check. Tricycles for adults? Check. Tandem trikes? Double check. Workman also sells folding bikes as well as cycles for businesses (check out its delivery bikes) and electric models.