Shopping for bike gear online has become the go-to for cyclists seeking to save both time and money. The vast selection, speedy delivery, and user-friendly experience offered by the Best Online Bike Stores often outpace what traditional local bike shops can provide. For cycling enthusiasts, the convenience and competitive pricing of online retailers are undeniable advantages.
As someone who regularly shops for everything cycling – from complete bikes and wheelsets to essential components, apparel, and accessories – I understand the importance of finding reliable online sources. My shopping list is extensive, driven by the need to test new products and maintain my bikes in top condition. Without online bike stores, I’d spend countless hours traveling between physical shops, sacrificing valuable time.
While the idea of browsing local bike shops, enjoying a coffee, and chatting with fellow cyclists and mechanics is appealing, the reality is that online shopping is often more practical and efficient. It allows me to balance my passion for cycling with family time and budget considerations. The key is navigating the crowded online marketplace to find the best online bike store that offers not just great prices, but also a superior shopping experience.
The challenge, as many cyclists discover, is the sheer number of online bike stores. Some are well-known, while many others are unfamiliar, appearing only during product searches. Determining which stores are trustworthy, offer the best prices, have a wide selection, and ensure customer satisfaction can be overwhelming. You want to be confident you’re choosing from the best online bike stores available.
Over years of extensive online bike gear shopping, I’ve developed a keen understanding of the market. I consistently monitor prices across numerous online stores, assess their product ranges and inventory, and track customer satisfaction through independent review platforms. This experience has allowed me to identify the top performers in the online cycling retail space.
To share this knowledge, I’ve evaluated nearly 100 online bike stores, ranking them to help you make informed decisions. My rankings are based on four critical factors: price, customer satisfaction, product selection, and support. These ratings are data-driven, analytically rigorous, and specifically tailored to the needs of road and gravel cycling enthusiasts – riders like us who are passionate, knowledgeable, and committed to our sport. This ranking is updated quarterly to reflect the dynamic nature of the online retail landscape.
Here are my latest rankings to guide you to the best online bike store for your needs:
Online Bike Store Rankings
| Rank | Store | Price | Satisfaction | Selection | Support | Model | HQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BTD (BikeTiresDirect) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Superstore | US |
| 1 | Performance Bicycle | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Selection | US |
| 3 | Lordgun | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Superstore | IT |
| 4 | Merlin Cycles | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Superstore | UK |
| 5 | Mantel (3) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Superstore | UK/NL |
| 6 | Competitive Cyclist | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Service | US |
| 7 | Alltricks | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Selection | FR |
| 8 | Bike24 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Superstore | DE |
| 9 | Sigma Sports | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Extension | UK |
| 10 | Bikebug | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Discounter | AU |
| 11 | JensonUSA | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Discounter | US |
| 11 | Tredz Limited (2) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Extension | UK |
| 11 | Cyclestore | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Discounter | UK |
| 11 | Tweeks Cycles | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Discounter | UK |
| 11 | Leisure Lakes Bikes (2) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Chain | UK |
| 16 | Slane Cycles | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Extension | UK |
| 16 | FuturumShop (7) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Superstore | NL |
| 16 | JeJames (2) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Extension | UK |
| 16 | 12GoBiking (6) | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Extension | NL |
| 20 | Starbike | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Superstore | DE |
| 20 | Tree Fort Bikes (1) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Extension | US |
| 20 | 99 Bikes | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Chain | AU/UK |
| 20 | Pro Bike Supply | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Discounter | US |
| 20 | Pushys | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Superstore | AU |
| 20 | bike-discount | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Superstore | DE |
Source: <em>In The Know Cycling</em>, January 3, 2025 Unless noted, stores listed above ship internationally. Exceptions: <span>(1) <span>Ships only to US and Canadian residents</span></span> <span>(2) <span>Ships only to UK residents</span></span> <span>(3) <span>Ships only to UK and European residents</span> </span> <span>(4) <span>Don't ship to UK and European residents <span>(5)</span> Ships only to European residents <span>(6)</span> Ships only to Netherlands and Belgium <span>(7)</span> Don't ship to US and Canadian residents </span></span>In The Know Cycling is reader-supported. To help keep our reviews independent and ad-free, please consider using our store links when making purchases. We may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you, which supports our work. Thank you, Steve. Learn more.
If you don’t find a particular online bike shop on this list, it’s likely because it didn’t meet our criteria. Approximately two-thirds of the stores we track don’t typically make the cut due to limited product selection or unsatisfactory customer satisfaction ratings.
A comprehensive explanation of our “Best” list methodology, rating definitions, and details on stores that didn’t qualify follows below.
Find Exactly What You Need at Know’s Shop
– Price Comparison: Easily compare prices on in-stock cycling gear from 15 top-rated stores.
- Extensive Selection: Choose from over 75,000 bikes, wheels, components, apparel, electronics, and more.
- Save Time and Money: Support our site while getting the best deals by using our links.
Online Bike Store Rating Categories Explained
Based on extensive reader feedback and site polls regarding online stores, I’ve established four key criteria to evaluate each online bike store: Price, Satisfaction, Selection, and Support. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each category and the scoring system (0, 1, and 2) used in the rankings.
Price: Getting the Best Deals on Bike Gear
For cyclists, price is a significant factor. We aim to find the best online bike stores that offer the lowest net price, which includes the base product price, shipping costs, and any applicable taxes.
Our Price Ratings are defined as:
- 0 – Limited Discount: Stores with net prices generally at or within 10% of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) or Recommended Retail Price (RRP). These stores often adhere to Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies, common in the US.
- 1 – Modest Discount: Stores offering net prices typically 10% to 20% below MSRP/RRP across a range of current models.
- 2 – Deep Discount: Stores providing substantial discounts, with net prices often 15% to 40% off MSRP/RRP on many current model year products.
Sales and Value Added Taxes (VAT) are location-dependent and generally consistent across stores. A common question from international buyers concerns import costs when purchasing from UK or EU-based online bike stores. Understanding the net price, inclusive of potential import duties, is crucial for cost comparison.
It’s important to note that customs duties are imposed by customs services, not the stores themselves. Import duties and taxes vary by country, product value, and are subject to change. Therefore, directly comparing stores based on import charges is complex.
However, some top online bike stores are experienced with international shipping and work with carriers to minimize or avoid these charges. Strategies can include splitting shipments or declaring values below customs thresholds. As a buyer, you can also manage potential import costs by keeping individual order values under your country’s import limit.
To estimate potential import costs, research your country’s import duty and tax rates for cycling gear. Compare the net price from an international online bike store, including estimated duties, against prices from domestic online bike stores or local bike shops.
For example, consider a wheelset retailing for $1200 at a US local bike shop, offered at $1000 (including shipping) from a UK online bike store. If US customs charges add approximately 11% (duty and handling fee), the net cost from the UK store becomes $1110. This is still less than the $1200 local price, and potentially much less than the price plus sales tax at a US bike shop.
As of 2016, the US increased its de minimis value to $800, meaning imports valued under $800 are generally duty-free, further enhancing the appeal of shopping at international online bike stores for US customers.
Satisfaction: Ensuring a Positive Shopping Experience
Customer satisfaction is paramount. We expect the best online bike stores to be trustworthy and provide a seamless, positive experience throughout the buying process – from browsing and ordering to delivery and after-sales support. A hassle-free experience is essential, allowing us to focus on riding.
Our Customer Satisfaction Ratings are defined as:
- 0 – Unacceptable/Unknown: Stores with this rating pose a high risk of dissatisfaction. Average customer ratings are below 4 out of 5 stars, indicating a significant number of average, poor, or bad reviews, or insufficient customer feedback to assess satisfaction. Stores with this rating are not recommended.
- 1 – Very Satisfied: Stores with generally high customer satisfaction, averaging at least a 4-out-of-5-star rating. While some customers may report minor issues, overall experiences are positive.
- 2 – Overwhelmingly Satisfied: These stores consistently receive very high ratings from the vast majority of customers. Typically achieving high 4-star ratings or above, with less than 10% of customers reporting average or worse experiences. These are the best online bike stores for customer satisfaction.
Stores rated 0 are excluded from our rankings and are not recommended. We prioritize stores with proven customer satisfaction, given the abundance of excellent online bike stores available.
Some stores receive a 0 rating due to a lack of customer feedback from independent services. This lack of transparency regarding customer satisfaction raises concerns. Stores in this category, due to insufficient data, include: BicycleBuys, BicycleWarehouse, BikeExchange, Bikesale.com, Bob’s Bicycles, Brands Cycle and Fitness, Canada Bicycle Parts, Chain Reaction Cycles, Excel Sports, La Bicicletta, Mike’s Bikes, Nashbar, Universal Cycles, Westbrook, Wiggle, and Worldwide Cyclery.
Other stores are rated 0 because available feedback indicates average or below-average customer satisfaction. These stores include: Bike-Components, BikeBling, Bike Closet, Bikeinn, Evans Cycles, Probikeshop, R&A Cycles, Rose, Torpedo 7, Total Cycling, and Wheelies.
We primarily rely on TrustPilot and Google Customer Reviews for customer satisfaction data, as they are the most credible and independent platforms identified in our research. While discrepancies may occasionally occur between these services, we prioritize TrustPilot’s feedback due to the depth and quality of its reviews. Other rating services with less comprehensive or transparent methodologies are not considered in our evaluations.
Services offering money-back guarantees or security certifications (e.g., eTrusted Shops, GeoTrust) are not indicators of customer satisfaction and are not factored into our ratings. Similarly, social media ratings (Facebook, Yelp) are disregarded due to their lack of independence and validation. Our satisfaction ratings (0, 1, or 2) are based on a comprehensive analysis of data from reputable, independent customer review services.
Selection: Finding the Right Gear for Road and Gravel Cycling
Enthusiast cyclists need online bike stores that offer a wide range of products, brands, and models specifically catering to road and gravel riding. Many stores focus on recreational cycling, mountain biking, or other disciplines, making it difficult to find enthusiast-level gear. We prioritize stores specializing in road and gravel cycling, ensuring you can easily find what you need.
Furthermore, in-stock availability is crucial. We prefer stores that have the desired products ready to ship, rather than requiring lengthy order and delivery times. The best online bike stores offer both broad selection and readily available inventory.
Our Selection Ratings are defined as:
- 0 – Poor Selection: Stores with very few brands and models favored by road and gravel cycling enthusiasts. These stores are not included in our primary rankings.
- 1 – Limited Selection: Stores offering a decent range of products or models from a few (3-4 or fewer) major enthusiast brands in key categories (bikes, wheelsets, components, apparel). Alternatively, they may carry many brands but offer a limited model range or inventory within those brands.
- 2 – Broad Selection: Stores stocking a wide range (>4) of major enthusiast brands across all categories, with a good selection of models and ample inventory ready for immediate dispatch. These are the best online bike stores for product selection.
Stores primarily selling recreational gear, closeouts, or specializing in non-enthusiast categories receive a selection rating of 0 and are not listed in our main table. Examples of stores rated 0 for selection include: Arts Cyclery, Bikesdirect.com, BobShop, Cambria, Cycledivision, CyclesUK, Cycledivision, Modern Bike, Planet Cyclery, Planet X, Power Meter City, REI, Ribble, Rutland Cycling, Sun & Ski, TBSM, Tour Cycling, Trisports, and Winstanleys.
Stores rated 1 (“Limited Selection”) may carry enthusiast brands but offer limited depth in models or inventory. For instance, a store might stock Shimano Ultegra groupsets but only in a few specific configurations. Similarly, limited wheelset brand selection or frequent special orders contribute to a “Limited Selection” rating.
In contrast, “Broad Selection” stores (rated 2) carry a significant portion of the brands and models featured in our reviews, offering a wide range of options and maintaining substantial in-stock inventory. These stores often support smaller, reputable brands with limited distribution, ensuring quality and service. For cyclists seeking variety and availability, these are the best online bike store choices.
Support: Rewarding Stores That Value Our Community
Cyclists rely on in-depth reviews and recommendations when making purchasing decisions. Recognizing this, we prioritize online bike stores that support our independent reviews and offer added value to our readers.
Many readers value stores that not only provide the best deals but also support In The Know Cycling’s independent approach to reviews. Our “Support” rating reflects this preference.
Our Support Ratings are defined as:
- 0 – No Support: Stores that offer no exclusive discounts to In The Know Cycling readers and do not provide any commission to the site for sales generated through our links. These links are presented in black.
- 1 – Average Support: Stores that do not offer unique reader discounts but support our site at a standard affiliate commission level, similar to other cycling media sites. These links are displayed in red.
- 2 – Strong Support: Stores that offer exclusive deals or enhanced support specifically for In The Know Cycling readers, or provide a higher level of commission to the site. These links are also highlighted in red. Choosing these stores is a great way to support our site and access the best online bike store deals.
Model: Understanding Online Bike Store Business Types
For additional context, we categorize online bike stores by their business model. This is for informational purposes and does not influence store ratings or rankings. Understanding these models can help you choose stores that align with your preferences.
Here are the business model categories used in our chart:
- Superstore: Very large online cycling retailers with significant purchasing power, enabling them to offer substantial discounts (20-40% below retail) and ship globally.
- Service: Stores prioritizing customer service, often featuring detailed product descriptions, user reviews, and live support. They typically have excellent return policies and aim to provide the best buying experience, sometimes alongside competitive pricing.
- Selection: Stores distinguishing themselves by offering an exceptionally wide range of cycling brands, products, and models. They may also provide good prices and service, but their primary strength is product breadth and depth.
- Discounter: Stores focused on offering competitive discounts, often in the 20% range or sometimes matching Superstore discount levels. Service quality can vary, sometimes approaching “Service” category levels.
- Chain: Well-known, large chains of cycling or outdoor stores with both physical and online presence. They often specialize in bikes, offering “click and collect” services and the option to view products in-store before purchase.
- Extension: Typically smaller, independent stores with a limited number of physical locations that use an online store to expand their reach beyond their local area, often specializing in niche or high-end products.
Major cycling brands like Specialized, Trek, and Giant also operate direct-to-consumer online sales, usually at full retail price, occasionally offering discounts through online outlet stores. Due to a lack of independent customer satisfaction data, these brand-specific online stores are not included in our rankings.
Closed Online Bike Stores
Several online bike stores have closed since we began tracking the market. For reference, these include: 4thebike, Bikesomewhere, Bikester, Colorado Cyclist, Cycle Surgery, Glory Cycles, My Bike Shop, ProBikeKit, and The Pro’s Closet.
* * * * * *
If you have questions about an online bike store not listed, please ask in the comments below.
To support our ongoing reviews, please use the store links in this and other articles when you make purchases. Affiliate commissions earned through these links help us maintain our independent, ad-free, and reader-supported reviews.
Alternatively, you can contribute directly here or support us through eBay and Amazon links.
Stay updated on new reviews and gear tests by subscribing via the popup form or sidebar form. Follow us on social media (icons below) for behind-the-scenes content.
Thank you for your support, and enjoy your rides!
Cheers, Steve
Follow us on
Before inquiring about a specific store, please check their ratings on TrustPilot (https://www.trustpilot.com/review/) and Google Customer Reviews (https://www.google.com/shopping/ratings/account/lookup?q=). We recommend stores with at least a 4-star rating and 100+ reviews on these platforms. Ratings from other systems (Facebook, Yelp, etc.) are not considered independent. Thank you, Steve.
