In partnership with OpenMedias
With the onset of the health crisis, the cycling sector is seeing more and more followers.
Proof of this is that the specialist in buying and selling used bicycles on the internet, Tuvalum, has seen its sales volume increase by 60% over the past year.
“
Since the start of this pandemic, cycling has really been on the rise.
After several confinements, people want to practice physical activity outdoors.
The major bicycle brands that had established slower forecasts spread over several years have found themselves caught off guard with very strong demand since the start of 2020. For some products, the waiting list can take up to 8 months with deliveries. planned for 2022
”, explains one of the managers of the company.
A platform for the purchase of certified second-hand bikes
Faced with this situation, many individuals are turning to the second-hand market.
"
We can now see a segment of cyclists who have traditionally rejected the second-hand market, but who are now turning to it again, finding no other way to get the bike they are looking for
."
Depending on their budget, the marketplace allows cyclists to find a new or used bike adapted to their practice and at a price consistent with the market (rigid mountain bike, full suspension mountain bike, road bike, triathlon bike, electric urban , cyclo-cross, electric mountain, fatbike, etc.) through a completely secure purchase.
In their workshop in Spain, the company's mechanics carefully check all the bicycles offered for sale on the platform through more than 50 check points, aesthetic and mechanical.
They of course check the authenticity of the product and its serial number.
The company then takes care of all the logistics, from the seller's home to the buyer's address.
It takes between 5 and 15 working days for the customer to benefit from his purchase.
Quality bikes on the used market
While more and more people are turning to the second-hand market, their motivations are also changing. The idea is no longer just to find the most affordable prices, but to have access to good quality bikes, quickly. In France and in the rest of Europe, we can see that the cyclist is looking for a type of bicycle that is always more efficient which will allow him to meet more demanding objectives.
“
We see that individuals have extremely precise criteria on the second-hand market.
The bicycle is no longer just a simple everyday object.
Buyers want to find an ever more high-end performance bike with quality assembly and components.
As the market is saturated and bicycle manufacturers are experiencing many stockouts, it is now individuals who are creating the offer through the circular economy system
”.
Second-hand shopping and quality products, two terms that are no longer contradictory.
Tips for beginner cyclists
For beginner cyclists, Tuvalum brings its expertise to guide them towards the model of bike that will be adapted to their practice and their objectives.
“
Despite popular belief, the ideal is not necessarily to focus on the cheapest product, it is essential to think in the short / medium term.
What if in six months you want to give up cycling and start another sport
?
Reselling a bike that is too old or with outdated components will be difficult and you will have a hard time recouping part of your investment.
This is why we recommend not to buy a bicycle over 7 years old, or over 5 years old if possible ”.
For the person who wishes to invest more in his practice, the purchase of the first bike is important.
Focusing on a quality product whose components are in line with the current market, will allow it to amortize more and have a better return on investment by reselling it.
“
We recommend that a novice go with an 11-speed transmission, as the 10-speed transmission is relatively devalued in the market.
For a mountain bike, we recommend starting on 27.5 "or 29" wheels; the 26 "are no longer relevant
".
Customer service close to its users
To support beginners, amateurs or experienced cyclists throughout the year, Tuvalum offers responsive customer service and has direct contact with its users thanks to the availability of its advisers by telephone.
“
Our customer service helps answer the many questions our users have and help them find the right bike.
We then support them throughout the process ”.
The company hopes to eventually become the leading marketplace in Europe specializing in the purchase / resale of certified second-hand bikes.
Its French users, already numerous to buy on the platform, will soon also have the possibility of selling their bikes on the site, a feature which was until then reserved for Spanish users.
This content is designed and produced by OPENMEDIAS, the editorial staff of the Figaro sports channel did not participate in its production.
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