Tuvalum

Tuvalum is a Valencia (Spain) based online retailer of certified refurbished bicycles, covering road, mountain, gravel, urban and electric bikes from brands such as Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Cervélo, Giant, Merida, Berria, Orbea, Canyon, Scott, KTM, Corratec, Fuji and Bulls. All bikes listed on the site are owned by Tuvalum rather than by third-party sellers, so the company takes inventory risk and controls listing photography, video and specifications. Each bike passes an inspection and reconditioning process in the company's in-house workshop ("Tuvalum Lab"), covering more than 100 control points including structural integrity and drivetrain cleaning and tuning, with the company stating its protocols follow European Union regulations applicable to new bicycles. Reconditioned units carry the "Tuvalum Certified" seal, a one-year warranty (extendable by an optional second year), and a 30-day return window, with advertised savings of roughly 30–70% versus new prices.

On the supply side, Tuvalum appraises and purchases bicycles from individuals, and offers a Trade-In Plan under which a customer's existing bike is used as part-payment for a purchase, plus a buyback guarantee under which Tuvalum commits to repurchasing the bike within 18 months. The company states it can appraise and buy a bike in under 48 hours. Sales are made through the website with card, bank transfer, PayPal, Bizum and installment financing of up to 36 months (including interest-free payment in three installments via Klarna); bikes are shipped roughly 80% assembled. Customer support is provided by phone, WhatsApp and email, alongside an AI virtual assistant, with human experts available Monday to Friday.

Alongside the online channel, Tuvalum operates facilities at Carrer Ciutat de Barcelona 37, Polígono Fuente del Jarro, Paterna (Valencia), where customers can collect bikes for free, test ride and buy from a stock described as over 500 bicycles.

Founding story

The concept originated in 2014 after the founders found no online channel they considered fully safe for buying and selling second-hand bikes. They interviewed more than 300 cyclists and triathletes who had bought or sold used bikes online and found that most reported poor experiences or had been defrauded, which led them to build a transparent and secured buying and selling process.

Business model

Tuvalum operates an owned-inventory (first-party) resale model rather than a marketplace: it sources used bicycles from individuals and professionals, reconditions and certifies them in its own workshop, and resells them online with a warranty. Ancillary elements include trade-in of a customer's existing bike as partial payment, a buyback commitment within 18 months, and consumer financing at checkout.

Revenue comes from the margin on bicycles Tuvalum buys, refurbishes and resells directly to consumers via its website and its Paterna store, supported by installment financing and trade-in arrangements.

Traction

Company materials cite more than 20,000 satisfied customers on the about page and 30,000 satisfied customers on the homepage, sales in more than 15 European countries, and more than 500 bicycles in stock at the Paterna facility. The Startup Valencia directory lists the company in the 11-50 employee band.

Latest developments

The company has opened and promoted new facilities and a physical store at Polígono Fuente del Jarro in Paterna, Valencia, holding an in-store buying event from 24 to 28 February with a gift and free check-up for purchasers, and stocking over 500 bicycles. The website is currently running a premium bicycle liquidation campaign with discounts of up to roughly 56% on listed models and offers Klarna interest-free payment in three installments.