• Europes biggest bike selection
    Essential

    The carbon footprint of a second-hand bike vs. a new one

    Alice Huot
    Alice Huot
    Jan 29, 2025 4 min
    The carbon footprint of a second-hand bike vs. a new one

    The carbon footprint of a second-hand bike vs. a new one can often surprise cyclists when they understand the environmental implications of their biking choices. As we roll into the world of cycling, every choice we make can either contribute to or help mitigate climate change.

    👋
    Do you know buycycle? We are the leading marketplace for buying and selling used bikes. Not just any bikes - only beautiful performance bikes. Come and take a ride!

    Comparing the impact: Second-hand bike vs. a new one

    Let’s break down the numbers in a side-by-side comparison. In comparing the carbon footprint of a new bike versus a second-hand bike, the results are glaring.

    Aspect New Bike Second-Hand Bike
    Raw material emissions 8–12 tons CO2 0 tons CO2 (existing)
    Production emissions 150-250 kg CO2 0 kg CO2
    Transportation emissions 10-30 kg CO2 0 kg CO2 (local pickup)
    Total carbon footprint 168-292 kg CO2 0 kg CO2

    As we can see from this chart, opting for a second-hand bike can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, putting you on the fast track to an outstanding cycling journey with a twist of eco-friendliness!

    So why not take a moment to browse buycycle’s shop for a second-hand bike.

    1. The carbon footprint of a new bike

    When you're eyeing a shiny new cycle in the local bike shop, it’s easy to get taken in by its sleek lines and promises of speed. However, behind that glossy exterior lies a hefty environmental cost. Manufacturing a new bike involves a significant amount of resources, energy, and emissions:

    Raw materials and their impact

    Every new bike starts its life as a collection of raw materials. From aluminum to carbon fiber, the extraction and processing of these materials are energy-intensive processes that contribute considerably to the carbon footprint.

    For instance, producing aluminum can result in about 8–12 tons of CO2 per ton of aluminum! So, if you’re choosing a new bike, remember: it’s not just a minor detail — it’s a part of a much larger picture.

    💡
    Are you thinking of buying a bike soon? Come and see our beautiful used bikes in our shop.

    Energy consumption during production

    Once the materials are gathered, energy consumption kicks in full gear. Factories require electricity, often derived from fossil fuels, to assemble the bike. Think of carbon emissions as that annoying extra layer of clothing you didn’t want to wear during a long ride — it just adds weight. This manufacturing phase cranks out emissions that can total up to 150-250 kg CO2 per bike.

    🚲

    Transportation: The finishing touch on emissions

    After the bike is made, it has to make its way to the shop, which often involves being shipped across the globe. From overseas imports to final deliveries by van, transportation adds a further 10-30 kg CO2 to the equation. So, the next time you’re itching to buy a brand-new bike, it may be worth considering how it arrived at that glittering shop display.

    But before you rush out, let’s shift gears and explore the world of second-hand cycling with buycycle.

    2. The environmental benefit of a second-hand bike

    When you choose to buy a second-hand bike, you’re not just scoring a good deal — you’re also giving our planet a breather. Yes, saving money while saving Mother Earth is a win-win!

    Energy saved from manufacturing

    One of the most significant advantages of opting for a second-hand bike is the sheer amount of energy you save. Each second-hand bike is like a ride that was green well before green became cool! By purchasing a bike that already exists, you effectively avoid the production process entirely, cutting out the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing.

    It’s like pulling your older bike out of the garage — you’re keeping it rolling and reducing demand for new production.

    🚲
    You might also wanna check our guides on where to buy a bike and where to sell a bike.

    Less waste and more sustainability

    Aside from energy savings, buying second-hand also means you’re reducing waste. Every bike that gets a second life is one less that ends up in a landfill. Each time you ride that well-loved bike, you can smile knowing you’re part of a sustainable solution. And let’s be real: vintage finds often have that charm that’s hard to replicate! It’s like wearing a classic cycling jersey — you just feel cool.

    Join the sustainable cycling movement

    This is where the true spirit of cycling shines through! Becoming part of a community that values sustainability and thrifting is incredibly empowering. So why not take a moment to browse buycycle’s shop for a second-hand bike? You might just find the perfect match, allowing you to ride your way to an eco-friendly lifestyle with flair.

    Get the buycycle App now!

    👉 👈

    Make the smart choice: Ride and reduce your carbon footprint!

    Choosing a second-hand bike is not just a smart financial decision — it’s an environmentally conscious move that continues to create ripples in the cycling world. When each of us chooses to go for a second-hand bike, we are collectively reducing the carbon emissions that cycle into our atmosphere.

    If you’re looking to upgrade, you can also sell your current bike through buycycle and be part of the eco-revolution!