BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Pro's Closet is now an official supplier to USA Cycling, offering bikes and gear at reduced prices with an eye on growing youth cycling.
"As part of our certified pre-owned program and buyback guarantee, we look forward to supporting all USAC members, especially fast-growing junior racers, by removing the high cost and rapid depreciation of buying new bikes," said Matt Heitmann, The Pro's Closet chief marketing officer. "After all, bikes are meant to be used."
The Pro's Closet, which also sells accessories, will offer a flat 10% discount to USAC members for any bike purchase that does not include a trade-in. The maximum discount is $400. For example, if a USAC member wants a $5,200 TPC bike, The Pro's Closet will apply the discount but cap it at $400, so USAC member would pay $4,800.
Trade-in bike values receive an additional 20% and will then be applied to any bike purchase. Trade-ins need to meet The Pro's Closet criteria and be approved by its inspection team. For example, if the trade-in value of a bike is $2,000, The Pro's Closet will increase trade-in value to $2,400, and the $400 will be credited toward a TPC bike purchase.
There are two ways for consumers to trade in bike — either online with TPC or through a local trade up partner. Both start the same way: The customer takes a drive side and non-drive side photo of their bike. TPC examines the photos to determine an offer, and the customer is emailed.
A customer can ship the bike to The Pro’s Closet, where they can choose to receive cash or store credit. With the trade up program, the bike is brought to the local retailer. The retailer ships it to TPC for it to sell online, and the customer's offer coupon can be used at that local retailer.
Certified pre-owned bikes are put through a 141-point inspection and tuneup by a professional mechanic. All parts that don't pass inspection are serviced or replaced and a service sheet gives visibility into the process.
The Pro's Closet parts and accessories will be discounted 15%, which can be applied to sale pricing, and promo codes will be provided.
While the discounts/benefits apply equally to both junior and non-junior racers, the trade-in benefits are helpful to younger racers who often outgrow a bike in a single season, according to a TPC spokesperson, who also noted the Guaranteed Buyback program offers full transparency at time of purchase of the buyback (or trade-in) value of the bike for the first 18 months, making it simpler to plan future bike purchases and upgrades.
"USA Cycling is proud to work with The Pro's Closet in our efforts to lower the barrier to entry for racing for all riders," said Rob DeMartini, president and CEO of USA Cycling. "Our goal is to enable more people to experience the joy of riding a bike, and partnering with The Pro's Closet allows us to help cyclists obtain the gear they need, whether they're getting started or going for the top podium spot."
The Pro's Closet began as an eBay store in 2006. The Boulder-based company maintains a ready-to-ship inventory of more than 800 bikes at any time. The partnership with USA Cycling is The Pro's Closet's latest step toward making bicycling more accessible, from first-time riders to pro racers, and supports its mission to promote sustainability through cycling.
