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2023 – Bike Swap Alberta

Updated May 24, 2023

It’s that exciting time of the year. The snow is melting and the daytime high is staying in the double digits. We can now send our kids back into the neighbourhood onto their bikes!

The trouble is is that your child has grown, and now their knees are hitting the handlebars and now they need a new bike. Not to worry, Alberta Bike Swap is here to save your bank account, and not just for your kids because you need a bike too!

About Alberta Bike Swap

Alberta Bike Swap is a registered non-profit and gives people a safe place to sell, donate or buy a bike, and bike swaps are happening in Edmonton, Calgary, and the University of Calgary in 2023.

“Bikes sold at the swap are safer than a garage sale purchase because our squad of volunteer bike techs perform a basic safety and mechanical check of each bike.” – Alberta Bike Sales

What you need to know before you head to a bike swap

The timing is specific based on location, but here are some basics to know for buying, selling, or donating your bike:

Selling a Bike:

  • Bring your clean, ready to ride bike to the swap during the bike intake time.
  • You will set the selling price, but the swap can guide you on this.
  • According to the FAQ, if your children’s bike passes the tech check they they will buy the bike outright!
  • Your bike will be tech-checked and its serial number recorded; the bike has to be immediately rideable. There are participating bike shops in Calgary and Edmonton that can fix your bike the day of the swap on your dime – the volunteer techs cannot do that for you.
  • You sign an agreement to sell, which tells Alberta Bike Swap where to send the e-transfer (or write you a cheque) and what to do with your bike in the slim chance that it doesn’t sell (>92% sell).
  • There is a $15 rack fee per bike to put them into the sale. If you’re an AMA member, the cost to “rack” your bike is $10.
  • In the rare chance your bike doesn’t find a new home, they’ll contact you (cell phone is best) and let you know to pick your bike up. It is rather inconvenient if you are out of town and your bike needs to be picked-up, so make sure you’re available! They only have the space until the end of the day.
  • Note: They do not take e-bikes. E-bikes are a big unknown and therefore too much of a risk.

Buying a Bike

  • All bikes on the sales floor have undergone a basic tech check to make sure you don’t end up with an unsafe ride, but it is still up to you to get a full technical checkup with a participating bike shop. Contact Alberta Bike Swap if something is drastically wrong.
  • There is usually a rack of AS-IS bikes that didn’t pass the inspection, but would be a good ride for the person ready to put a bit of TLC into a new ride. This money is donated to a local non-profit bike group.
  • Swaps. Get. BUSY. Get there as early as you can (see locations for dates/times below). You may be waiting outside so dress accordingly. The bike racks are set up at 6am in Edmonton and Calgary, and yes, you’re welcome to line up at 6am.
  • If you want first dibs on a bike, please consider volunteering rather than lining up. Even if you are 3129 in line, you will still likely get a bike, but likely not the one you want.
  • They accept debit, cash, Visa, and MasterCard.

Donating a Bike

Alberta Bike Swap will take bike donations year round, including at the event (or in the case your bike doesn’t sell). Alberta Bike Swap serves as a conduit for dozens of groups that will rebuild your bike for re-use and repurposing.

Bike Sale Locations & Dates

Calgary

When: May 6, 2023

Consign: 0800-1400
Buy: 1430-1600
Donate: 0800-1700

Where: Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE

Edmonton

When: May 13, 2023

Consign: 0800-1400
Buy: 1430-1600
Donate: 0800-1700

Where: MacEwan University NORTH SIDE underground parking lot – 10803 105 Ave NW

University of Calgary

When: June 17, 2023

Consign: 0900-1400
Buy: 1430-1700
Donate: 0900-1700

Where: Olympic Oval via East Loading Dock

More info available through the University of Calgary

Contact Alberta Bike Swap

If you’re looking for more information, check out the Alberta Bike Swap website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

More Biking

Whether your family is new to biking, or you’ve been at it for years, these other Alberta Mamas posts may help you out:

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