VeloSwap 2018 is your best chance for amazing deals on bikes, gear and more

Oct 23, 2018
ByBicycle Colorado

VeloSwap 2018 is your best chance for amazing deals on bikes, gear and more

VeloSwap is Colorado’s favorite bike swap! Since 1989, VeloSwap has been Denver’s best way to find a great deal on new, used and vintage cycling gear—as well as to reconnect with Colorado’s community of bike-related organizations. If you enjoy riding, you belong at VeloSwap 2018.

Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
National Western Complex
4655 Humboldt St.
Denver, CO 80216

VeloSwap features an incredible collection of cycling gear that’s on display from retailers, manufacturers and from people like you. You’ll find clearance pricing on end-of-season and previous model year bicycles, apparel, components, rare treasures and vintage collector’s items.

Spend a few hours strolling around the floor at the National Western Complex and you’ll enjoy a real safari of cycling-related stuff, but walking in the front door with a plan in mind will help you get the most from VeloSwap. Planning for the event helps it feel less overwhelming and helps you take full advantage of the deals, educational programs and all that VeloSwap has to offer! We put together this blog post to help you—Bicycle Colorado members and supporters—plan your day at the event (but winging it is always an option, too) with some insider tips and tricks.

VeloSwap is a generous supporter of Bicycle Colorado. Whatever and however you choose to ride, we encourage you to go out to VeloSwap this year, support bicycle advocacy and snag some great deals. And if you become a Bicycle Colorado member anytime between now and Friday, October 26, you’ll get a free ticket in.

Navigating this 130,000-square-foot space, stuffed with 350 vendors, ranging from that bike dork next door to professional bike-shop staff, nonprofits and brand sales reps, can be challenging but also part of the bike-fanatic fun.

— GrindTV

First off, what is VeloSwap?

Rows and rows of discounted new, used, clearance and overstock clothing, gear, components, gifts, memorabilia and more, sold direct from manufacturers, retailers and fellow riders. You’ll be able to touch and feel the merch, test ride bikes, get demos from knowledgeable staff and find plenty of information and handouts from bike brands, local shops, nonprofits and other bike junkies.

Your plan of attack

If you choose not to become a member before October 26, don’t worry! You can still get your ticket and become a member or renew your membership right at the front door! Bicycle Colorado volunteers will be outside selling memberships for $30, which includes a free ticket to VeloSwap. What a deal!

While you’re waiting in line for the doors to open, fill out the raffle entry that is printed on your ticket. You can drop these off inside VeloSwap at the VeloLounge for a chance to win great cycling-related prizes. (You don’t need to be present to win.)

Event details

VeloSwap
Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
National
Western Complex
4655 Humboldt St.
Denver, CO 80216

9 a.m. VeloSwap opens
All Day: Drop your ticket stub for the raffle at the VeloLounge
All Day: Stop by the Performance Bike table for wrenching and guidance
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Veloswap will offer a selection of guest speakers and local
cycling personalities who will discuss topics as wide-ranging as Gear & Tech, Bike Fit, Safe Cycling and
much more!
4 p.m. Doors close

There are plenty of programs at specific locations, including education at Bikes
Together, wrenching and guidance at Performance Bike and more.

Cash is king

If you are like many others, you rarely carry cash! VeloSwap is the day to make an exception. Cash is definitely the preferred method of payment at VeloSwap, though some vendors may have portable credit card scanners available. Checks might work for some vendors, but don’t count on it.

How much cash should I bring? That depends on what you are shopping for. If you think you might just pick up a few pairs of socks, $20 will probably be fine. If you are looking for a new carbon road bike or a full-suspension mountain bike, the savings at VeloSwap are often incredible, but you’ll still need to be packing a wad of cash.

Can I Haggle? VeloSwap vendors are accustomed to negotiating on pricing, but they are also smart business people who don’t want to feel robbed. If you’re not satisfied with a price or on the fence about a purchase, feel free to ask what else the vendor might offer. VeloSwap is often the last opportunity for vendors to offload excess inventory to make room for the holidays, so asking for an add-on is often a smart tactic. For example, the vendor might be unable to lower the price on a new bike, but they might be willing to throw in a jersey or a helmet for free. Just remember that you’re more likely to get the product you want at a fair price if you’re willing to find a middle ground.

And here’s a real bargain-hunter’s inside tip: the longer you stay at VeloSwap, the deeper the discounts. The best gear will sell early in the day, but the real screaming deals begin after 2 p.m.

Visit Bicycle Colorado’s booths and renew your support

Remember to buy your ticket the morning of the event at the front doors from Bicycle Colorado. We will be outside the event selling a ticket-membership combo for just $30. We gladly accept all forms of payment, including credit card!

Once inside, come visit our booth and score a bargain on BC swag.

#1 Rule: Have fun!

P.S. It’s always a good idea to bring water and a snack!

Please comment below with any questions or any tips we missed.

One of the best parts of VeloSwap is it’s not all buttoned up like a pro branded bike show. You’ve got to love the nerdy vintage-bike guys; the ex-pros doling out gently used items (and advice) for next to nothing; and the “make me an offer” folks who still appreciate the fine art of haggling.

— GrindTV

About the Author: Bicycle Colorado

Bicycle Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Denver. We use advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. We encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. With the support of our members and numerous partnerships across the public and private sector, we’ve made significant strides in improving bicycling since 1992.