Sports and leisure in Slough: buying and selling bikes, gym kit and outdoor gear

Got a bike you’ve outgrown, a treadmill you no longer use, or a garage full of camping gear? Sports and leisure equipment is often barely used, which makes it great value second-hand. Buying locally also means you can check it, try it and take it home the same day. Here’s how to buy and sell sports and leisure items in Slough and nearby.

What you’ll find on Benta

• Bikes and scootersRoad bikes, mountain bikes, kids’ bikes, e-scooters and accessories.
• Gym and fitnessDumbbells, weight benches, treadmills, exercise bikes and yoga mats.
• Team sports kitCricket bats and pads, football boots, goals, balls and training kit.
• Racket sports and golfTennis, badminton and squash rackets, golf clubs and bags.
• Camping and outdoorsTents, sleeping bags, rucksacks, fishing gear and walking kit.
• Hobbies and gamesMusical instruments, board games, puzzles and craft supplies.

Looking for a team to play with, or a class to join? See our guide to community events, classes and groups in Slough.

When to buy and sell

• January: gym and fitness equipment is in demand as people start new year goals. It’s also when lots of barely used kit gets sold by spring.
• March to May: bikes, camping gear, tennis rackets and cricket kit, ready for the warmer months.
• July and August: football boots and kit before the new season starts.
• Autumn: a good time to buy bikes, tents and garden games cheaply, as people clear space for winter.

Part 1: Buying second-hand sports and leisure items

Bikes

• Check it isn’t stolen: be wary of a cheap, expensive-looking bike with no history. Ask for the receipt, and check the frame number (usually under the bottom of the frame) on a bike register website. If the seller can’t answer simple questions about the bike, walk away.
• Check the size: ask for the frame size and wheel size, and make sure it suits your height. Sit on it if you can.
• Check the frame for cracks or dents, especially around the joints.
• Test it: check the brakes work well, the gears change smoothly, the wheels spin straight and the tyres aren’t worn or cracked.
• E-bikes and e-scooters: ask about the battery’s age and range, and see it charge. Only use the original or a recommended charger, as faulty batteries and chargers can cause fires. Private e-scooters can’t legally be ridden on public roads or pavements in the UK.

Helmets and protective kit

A helmet that has had a knock may be damaged inside even if it looks fine, so it’s safest to buy helmets new. Pads, gloves and guards second-hand are fine if they’re clean and undamaged.

Gym equipment

• See treadmills, rowing machines and exercise bikes switched on and working. Try every speed and setting.
• Measure the space at home, and check it will fit through your doors and stairs. Many machines are very heavy and need two people to move.
• Check weights, bars and benches for rust, cracks and loose bolts.
• Ask for the manual, especially for anything that needs to be taken apart.

Camping and outdoor gear

Ask the seller to put up a tent, or show photos of it pitched, and check for holes, broken poles and missing pegs. Check sleeping bags and rucksacks for damp, smells and broken zips.

Sports kit and equipment

Check cricket bats for cracks, golf club grips for wear, rackets for loose strings and boots for worn studs. Ask whether kit is the right size for adults or juniors.

Part 2: Selling sports and leisure items

1. Clean it and check it

Wipe down gym equipment, clean and oil bike chains, pump up tyres, and air out tents and sleeping bags. Find the manuals, chargers, keys and spare parts.

2. Take clear photos

Photograph the whole item in daylight, then close-ups of the brand, the size and any wear. For bikes, take a side-on photo of the whole bike, and close-ups of the gears and brakes. Benta allows up to 8 photos.

3. Write a helpful description

• the brand and model
• sizes, such as frame size, wheel size, boot size or racket grip
• age, condition and how often it was used
• any faults or recent repairs and servicing
• measurements and weight for large gym equipment
• whether it needs taking apart, and collection only

A good title tells buyers exactly what it is: “Men’s hybrid bike, 19-inch frame, 21 gears, recently serviced” or “Adjustable dumbbells, 2 x 24kg, with stand”.

4. Price it fairly

Check what similar items sell for nearby. Barely used gym equipment and bikes from known brands hold their value well. If you’re selling a full set, such as a cricket kit or camping gear for a family, a bundle price can help it sell faster.

Ready? Post your sports and leisure items on Benta. Choose Something for sale, then Sports and leisure. It’s free and goes live straight away.

5. Stay safe when selling

• For bikes, don’t let a buyer take a test ride alone. Hold onto something of value, such as their own bike or car keys, or go with them.
• Have someone with you when buyers come to collect.
• Take cash, or make sure a bank transfer has arrived before the item leaves.
• Keep your chat on Benta until the collection is arranged.

Things that don’t sell

List kit in Free stuff, as a local club, school or family may be glad of balls, bats or a starter bike. Many sports clubs also welcome donations of used kit for juniors. Recycle broken bikes and equipment at the council’s household recycling centre.

Getting active or clearing out the garage? Browse sports and leisure items in Slough or sell yours for free, and chat directly with people nearby on Benta.

Read more in our guide to buying and selling safely.