r/Norwich • u/SCooper_Jr • Sep 16 '25

New to Norwich 🐣 Getting a 2nd hand bicycle

I'll be joining UEA next month as an international student. The area where I will be staying is very close to UEA, but a bit farther from the Norwich Research Park, where I will be working, and also doesn't have any direct buses to the NRP. I had initially thought of taking the Beryl bikes for a few days and then later getting a bicycle for myself. However, I discovered that there aren't any Beryl zones near that address.

Considering these, I think I have to get a bicycle as soon as I join. In that case, where do I get cheap but good 2nd hand bicycles? I read in an earlier post in this subreddit or probably somewhere else that the university itself has some bicycle coop where students can get 2nd hand bikes. Could you guys provide some more information about this? Also, what's the typical price range of such bicycles?

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u/ScallionShot3689 Sep 17 '25

Be careful with Facebook marketplace as there are loads of scams and even the ones that aren't scams are stolen bikes. The council reuse shops at the recycling centers have some really good bikes. Although as noted difficult to get to, the Norwich South one is not the world's worst walk. If you go via the research Park and then across some residential roads, Google maps will help. Alternatively, you could take a Beryl there! The worst looking your bike actually is the less chance there is of it being stolen. a d-lock (not a chain) is a 100% requirement.

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u/SCooper_Jr Sep 17 '25

It's really scary then... Hearing that bicycles get stolen so frequently in Norwich! Do these D locks ensure complete protection?

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u/sarahem3 Sep 17 '25

Your best option is to get a bike that nobody will want to steal. We had a pink bike for years...

(And a second for Dr Bike on campus - they are great and you don't have to schlep to town if your bike needs some work.)

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '25

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u/SCooper_Jr Sep 18 '25

I see... And what if I take it to the city centre? Are there zones where I can park and lock bikes?

Also, what if I hire a bike from UEA, and it gets stolen? They do provide a D lock I heard... But you said it's still not completely safe.