Everything you
want to know
before you buy
FAQs answered here! If you don't see yours, we're one email away.
Condition & Quality
What does "Certified Pre-Owned" actually mean?
Every CPO item has been physically received at our warehouse, inspected by one of our mechanics, and documented with a full spec sheet and Mechanic's Notes before it goes live. Nothing is listed based on what a seller tells us — we verify everything ourselves.
How do I know if a carbon frame has hidden crash damage?
We inspect every carbon frame for stress fractures, delamination, and paint cracking patterns consistent with impact. Any and all cosmetic damage is detailed in Mechanic's Notes and photographed.
Who writes the Mechanic's Notes — is it the person who actually inspected the bike?
Yes. The Mechanic's Notes are written by the mechanic team member who physically inspected the item. They're intentional, specific, and unfiltered, written with the item in their hands.
What's included in the multi-point inspection?
Every item gets a full mechanic inspection before it's listed: structural integrity, functionality, and condition, all documented in the Mechanic's Notes.
Can I request more photos before purchasing?
Yes! Contact us before purchasing and we'll provide additional photos and details as requested. We want you to feel confident before you commit.
Are there bikes you won't sell?
Yes. We decline bikes and components that are beyond refurbishing, or that we deem unsafe to pass on to the next cyclist.
Compatibility & Specs
How do I know if a groupset is compatible with my current setup?
Every listing specifies the drivetrain compatibility (Shimano/SRAM/Campagnolo), speeds (9/10/11/12), shifting type (mechanical or electronic), and brake compatibility (rim/disc). If you're unsure, contact us, we'll help you check!
How do I verify bottom bracket compatibility?
Each frameset spec sheet lists the BB shell type (threaded, PF30, T47, BB386, etc.). If you're uncertain of a fit, contact us and we'll help verify it for you!
Do you include the original geometry chart?
All of our framesets are measured in-house and listed against our own geometry chart. We also pull geometry from the original manufacturer if publicly available.
What drivetrain parts are included with a complete bike?
Each complete bike has an itemized spec sheet in its listing; every component is detailed with the brand and relevant dimensions and specifications.
Is the listed frame size the seat tube or effective top tube?
We list frame size as the manufacturer originally designated it, but also provide measurements against our in-house geometry charts including actual top tube, head tube, seat tube, and fork steerer remaining.
Does the listing show brake mount standard?
Yes. Every disc brake listing specifies flat mount or post mount, every rim brake listing specifies standard center mount or direct mount.
Purchasing & Pricing
How are your prices set?
We price each item based on current market value, condition, and availability. Our goal is to come to a price that's fair to you and competitive against market value.
Are your prices negotiable?
Our listed prices are firm. We price competitively against the market from the start, while still offering our thorough inspection process and a flexible return policy!
Can I put a bike on hold while I decide?
We don't offer holds at this time. Inventory moves quickly, but we have new drops every weekday and often restock the same kind of inventory!
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
We don't offer in-house financing, but eligible orders can pay over time with Shop Pay Installments at checkout.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, Shop Pay, and PayPal. Card transactions are processed securely through Shopify Payments.
How often does new inventory drop?
We add new listings every weekday! Subscribe to our newsletter for new drop notifications, high-demand bikes and components often sell within hours of listing.
Shipping & Delivery
How is a bike packaged for shipping?
Every bike and component we ship out is professionally packed by our fulfillment team! Complete bikes have all parts secured to prevent movement during shipment, all potential friction areas are padded with foam and packing material. The same goes for our components, no matter how big or small.
How long does it take to ship after I order?
Most orders ship within 1 business day of purchase. You'll receive a tracking number by email when it leaves our warehouse in Santa Ana, CA.
Who is responsible if the bike is damaged in transit?
We are. If your bike arrives damaged, contact us as soon as possible with photos of the damage, the box as received, and a description. We'll provide a resolution involving either an exchange, partial refund, or full refund. Either way, you will never be liable for damage that occurs in transit.
Can I pick up locally in Orange County?
Yes, come stop by and say hi! Local pickup is available at our Santa Ana, CA warehouse. Select local pickup at checkout and we'll coordinate a time. Pickup is typically available within 1 business day of order.
Will the bike arrive ready to ride?
The bike will be in the condition described in the listing and may need basic reassembly (handlebars, seatposts, etc.) after unpacking. Components removed are for safety purposes only to ensure your bike arrives as expected. We recommend a quick check at your local shop if you're not comfortable with the reassembly yourself.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship to most countries outside the US. International shipping is calculated at checkout based on destination and item weight. Customs duties, taxes, and import fees are the buyer's responsibility and aren't included in the item price or shipping cost.
Returns & Buyer Protection
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return window from date of delivery. If the bike or component isn't as described, contact us and we'll come to a resolution or initiate a return. For reasons other than a mismatching description (change of mind, not the right fit, etc.), the buyer is responsible for the return label. You can choose a full refund as store credit with no restocking fee, or a refund to your original payment method minus a 10% restocking fee. Please review all listing photos and verify compatibility prior to purchase, our support team is always here to help! Items must be in the same condition as received.
What if the bike doesn't match the listing when it arrives?
Contact us as soon as possible with photos and a description of the issue. If there's a discrepancy between the listing and what you received, we'll provide a resolution, whether that involves a replacement, partial refund, or a full return with us covering all costs.
What if I discover undisclosed damage after delivery?
Document it with photos and contact us as soon as possible, we take listing accuracy very seriously. If damage wasn't disclosed, we'll make it right with an exchange, partial refund, or full return.
Do I pay return shipping?
If the return is due to the item being not as described in the listing, we cover return shipping. For any reasons not involving the item not being as described (change of mind, wrong size ordered), the buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. Please review all listing photos and verify compatibility prior to purchase, our support team is always here to help!
How long does a refund take to process?
Once we receive and inspect the returned item, refunds are processed within 3–5 business days — as store credit (no restocking fee) or to your original payment method (minus a 10% restocking fee).
Selling & Trading
How do I get an offer for my bike or components?
Fill out our sell/trade form at elevatecycling.com/sell! The process from beginning to end takes only a few minutes. Tell us what you have, add a couple of photos, select from a cash or store credit offer, and we'll respond with an offer within 48 hours!
How do you determine what my gear is worth?
We base our offers on current market data and our own sales history, factoring in condition, specifications, demand, and recent comparable sales. This allows us to make fair, competitive offers based on what your gear is actually selling for.
What condition does my gear need to be in?
We buy road, gravel, and triathlon bikes and components in good condition. If there's any damage, note it clearly in your submission (photos help) so we can make an accurate offer.
How does shipping work if I accept the offer?
We send you a prepaid shipping label the same day you accept our offer! Box up your gear, print the label we provide, and drop it at any carrier location — or drop it off at our Santa Ana warehouse.
Is store credit worth more than cash?
Yes! If you opt for store credit instead of cash, your offer is worth more than the cash offer.
Can I trade my bike toward a purchase?
Yes! Submit your bike or components through our sell/trade-in portal and tell us what you're selling and what you're looking to buy, we'll factor that in when we provide you a store credit quote.
Do you buy components as well as complete bikes?
Yes. We purchase groupsets, wheels, frames, and all other individual components. Use the components path in our sell/trade-in form and describe what you have.
How long does it take to receive an offer?
We review every submission and respond within 48 hours. High-volume periods (weekends, holidays) may take slightly longer, but we'll always do our best to get you your quote as soon as possible.
When and how do I get paid after I accept?
Payment is sent within 48 hours of us confirming receipt of your item. We pay via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. Prefer store credit? It's worth more than the cash offer.
Can a local bike shop sell inventory in bulk?
Yes! Bike shops and brands have dedicated programs with their own terms — see our For Local Bike Shops and For Brands pages (linked in the footer), or email purchasing@elevatecycling.com.
CPO Process & Trust
What's the difference between buying from Elevate versus buying from other sellers?
Every item that we process has been physically inspected and documented by our mechanic and listing team. Every listing, from a complete bike to a bottle cage, has been processed through our in-house CPO program. You know exactly what you're getting before it ships.
How long have you been in business?
Elevate Cycling was founded in 2021 in Santa Ana, California. Since then, we've built a growing base of returning customers on a simple principle: fair prices for premium gear, all processed through our CPO program.
Why should I trust a pre-owned bike from an online seller?
We've bought 4,000+ bikes and paid $7M+ to sellers. We hold 99.7% positive eBay feedback across 9,000+ reviews and have been named to the Inc. 5000 twice. Our reputation is built on every transaction going right — not just most of them.
Do you sell bikes with undisclosed issues?
No. Our entire model is built on condition transparency. If a mechanic finds something, it goes in the notes. If a frame doesn't pass inspection, it doesn't get listed. If something slips through, we make it right — see our return policy.
Are you an authorized dealer for any brands?
We are not currently an authorized new-goods dealer, though we work with many reputable shops, brands, and teams for new overstock and retired team equipment!
Account & Orders
Do I need an account to purchase?
No, you can check out as a guest. However, creating an account lets you conveniently track orders, save favorites, access your purchase history, and view your submissions to our website!
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and carrier link. You can also log into your account to view real-time order status at any time.
Can I cancel or modify an order after it's placed?
If your order hasn't shipped, contact us right away and we'll cancel or change it at no charge. Once an order has shipped, it can't be cancelled or modified, but you can return it under our 30-day policy.
How do I contact support?
Email us at support@elevatecycling.com or use the contact form on our website. Our team will respond within 1 business day!
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