Buying a Student Bike in Maastricht: The Complete Guide

New in Maastricht? You need a bike.

Every year thousands of students arrive in Maastricht — from Maastricht University, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and international programmes. And the first thing almost everyone looks for? An affordable, reliable bike. Maastricht is compact enough to do everything by bike: from your student house to the university, the supermarket, or a terrace on the Vrijthof. But where do you buy one? And how much should you spend?

What does a student bike cost?

At Dincho Bikes, second-hand bikes start at €125 for a solid city bike. Want gears and hand brakes? Expect between €175 and €250. Every bike is checked by us and comes with a 2-week warranty.

What should you check on a second-hand bike?

• Tyres — Are they firm enough? Cracks in the rubber mean new tyres soon.
• Brakes — Test both. Rear (coaster) and front brake must work well.
• Chain — Rusty or sagging? Replacement needed (from €30 at our shop).
• Lock — Does the bike have a ring lock? If not, buy one straight away.
• Lights — Required in the Netherlands. We sell LED sets from €20.
• Frame size — Sit on the bike. With feet flat on the ground you should barely reach the saddle.

Why not Marktplaats or Facebook?

Many students buy their first bike via Marktplaats or Facebook Marketplace. It can be cheaper, but there are risks:

• No warranty — if something breaks, you're out of luck
• Stolen bikes — unfortunately it happens, and you lose your money and the bike
• Hidden defects — a private seller doesn't have to be honest

At a bike shop you get a checked bike with receipt and warranty. If something's wrong, you just walk back into the shop.

Can I sell my bike later?

Yes. Many students sell their bike at the end of their studies. At Dincho Bikes you can also trade in — we assess the condition and may offer a discount on another bike. Handy if you're upgrading or leaving town.

Need a repair?

Flat tyre, broken chain, brakes that won't grip? At Dincho Bikes you don't need an appointment. Drop by — most repairs are done within 30 minutes. Fixed prices, no surprises.