The Saarbruecken chapter of AFDC (the German bicycle club) organizes a used-bike market in Saarbruecken once a month in Spring and Summer. The bike market is always on the second Saturday of each month, from April – September, in parallel with the Saarbrücken flea market. The market takes place on the Tiblisser Platz in front of the Staatstheater, near the Altebrücke (pedestrian bridge). I think the market goes from 9am to 2pm, but I’m not 100% sure. And generally getting there earlier is better.
Note that on the 14th of May in 2011 the normal space will be occupied, so the market will take place on the other side of the Staatstheater.
In order to test ride bikes you have to give a passport or some kind of a deposit (“Pfand”) to one of the AFDC staffers. They’ll put it on file and give you a colorful ribbon to wear. With this ribbon you can test ride bikes. When you find one you like get in line with it and pay for it. Remember to bring enough cash, and if you rode a bike to the market make sure you have an extra lock or someone to help you get the new bike home.
The bikes are privately owned, but the AFDC organizes it so that the seller leaves the bike and sets the price, and you pay the AFDC staffers directly. You don’t deal with the owner at all. Note that some sellers specify a lower minimum price than the price displayed on the price tag, so if you think the price is too high you can try to bargain with the AFDC staffer. They’ll accept any offer as long as it’s above the minimum price the seller specified.
Bike prices range from about 20-35 euros on the low end to a couple hundred euros on the high end. AFDC does not certify the bikes in any way. They act only as agent. So make sure to thoroughly test and check any bike you’re considering. Try all the gears, the breaks, etc.
If you want to sell a bike show up at 9am and then return by 3pm to pick up your money or your bike (if it didn’t sell). Also bring a passport or proof of purchase, and a filled out form that can be obtained here.
Above is a picture from the AFDC website, taken at the bike sale’s old location.
Used bikes can sometimes also be purchased at some of the local bike stores in town, but usually they sell only new bikes. Sometimes you can also find ads for used bikes in the classifieds, on local ebay, or on billboards on campus.
Hi!
I would like to ask that this used bike market will organize in 2012 too? I mean now?
thanks
Yes, the used bike market is still taking place. The next one is May 12, 2012. You can see all the dates here: http://www.adfc-saar.de/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=1
Captious,
Thank you for a very helpful post. My daughter and I wish to bike from Saarbruecken to Koblenz and the July 13, 2013 bike sale date will work for us find. I’m guessing we can buy a bike cheaper than we can rent one for 10 days at 10 or 12 euros per day.
Do you think my chances of finding suitable bikes with a rack on the back and a basket in front will be good? We aren’t planning any serious cycling, just 15-25 miles a day.
Any other suggestions, or any other cities nearby that have these sales (Metz, Trier)?
next date for bike market?