From Rust to Rideable – How Donated Bikes Power Our Mission

Bike Waiting to get built up

At 2nd Cycle, we believe in the power of the bicycle

not just as a tool for transportation, but as a vehicle for equity, sustainability, and community connection. And one of the most important ways our mission stays in motion is through the donation of used bikes from community members like you.

But what actually happens when you donate a bike to 2nd Cycle?

Let’s demystify the journey.

Not Every Bike Rolls Right Onto the Sales Floor

While we deeply appreciate every donation, it’s rare that a bike can be sold as-is. Bikes that make it to our retail floor go through a full tune up by one of our skilled mechanics. That often includes installing brand new cables and housing, brake pads, tires, and sometimes even an entirely new drivetrain or wheelset, especially if the bike has seen years of use or neglect. When we sell these bikes, they’re dialed in and ready to ride with confidence and safety.

Pacific just wants to find that new home

What Happens to the Rest?

If a donated bike isn’t salvageable for resale, we don’t waste it. We strip it down for any usable or desirable parts and responsibly recycle what’s left. These quality used parts often end up in our front of shop retail section and available at great prices to folks looking to repair or build their own bike on a budget.

And occasionally, we get those “dream parts” someone bought with good intentions but never used. We love those. They help us build bikes that are affordable, reliable, and unique keeping costs low and value high for our customers.

Why Bike Sales Matter

Cannondale looking for a little bit of love

Here’s the truth: while grants and donations help, much of what keeps 2nd Cycle running our staff wages, rent, utilities, insurance comes from the sale of bikes and parts. Every bike we sell helps fund programs that get more people riding, teach essential repair skills, and offer a helping hand to those who just need a little support to keep rolling.

When you buy a bike from us, you’re not just getting a ride that’s been expertly tuned and ready to roll you’re supporting community access, sustainability, and skill-building.

🏆 A Little Shop Competition

To showcase this behind the scenes work, we’ve challenged our staff to a friendly competition: take a donated bike and build it up into something special. The donated bikes you see in this blog posts are those bikes, and over the next couple of weeks, we’ll reveal the finished products on our social media.

We want YOU to vote for your favorite transformation!

Even better? All of the finished bikes will be available for purchase. If you see something you love, swing by and support our mission while scoring a one-of-a-kind ride. Vote here before august 31st to vote for your favorite bike in our competitions. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxO7YpZtpRo7UX4Kv4HIBlVJdjQ9TAHKKDxAZhEkExTT6ZiQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101738499184016941207

Baracuda is going to get a full overhaul.

Thank You for Donating, Supporting, and Riding With Us

Your bike donations and your purchases keep us going. Together, we’re not just giving old bikes a second life; we’re making cycling more accessible, affordable, and joyful for everyone in Tacoma and beyond.

Stay tuned for the big reveals, and may the best bike win!

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Have a bike to donate or want to volunteer? Visit us or reach out—we’d love to connect.