Financing your dream bike without breaking the bank: the secret few cyclists know
You've found the bike, the one you've been obsessing over for weeks. A titanium gravel bike, a meticulously assembled road bike, in short, a bike that costs a lot but will last a lifetime.
The problem is the entrance fee.
While everyone's talking about "green" loans for electric bikes, no one mentions that some banks also accept non-electric bikes … sometimes at 0% interest. It's rare, it's a bit unclear, but it's real. And if your application is well-prepared, you can literally finance your dream bike without breaking the bank.
Foreword: To be read before taking any action
Important: This article is not financial advice and does not authorize you to sell credit. You are the applicant, and only your bank makes the decision.
- Apply for a personal or mobility loan from your bank.
- Submit a detailed quote for the bicycle supplied by CYKL.
- Negotiate eligibility even if the bike is not electric.
Taking out a loan is a commitment and must be repaid. Check your repayment capacity before committing.
The “hole in the net” that no one is exploiting
Since 2022, banks have launched 0% interest mobility loans specifically designed for e-bikes. On the ground, some agencies (often local, more flexible) also accept non-electric bikes when the project is feasible.
"I'm replacing my car journeys."
"I travel for work by bicycle."
"It's a sustainable and local investment."
The four key players to know
Crédit Mutuel — the most open
- Offer: 0% interest bicycle loan.
- Amount: up to €6,000 (more for professionals depending on agency study).
- Duration: up to 48 months.
- Rate: 0% fixed, no application fees.
- Conditions: new bicycle purchased from a professional (electric or muscle bike depending on the agency).
- How to do it: direct application at the agency.
Example: CYKL titanium bike at €6,000 → €125/month for 48 months (€0 interest).
Tip: Emphasize durable titanium, local assembly and everyday use (work/personal commutes).
CIC — the twin offer
- Conditions similar to Crédit Mutuel: up to €6,000, 48 months, 0%.
- New clients generally accepted (subject to review).
- Accessories available if listed on the quote (wheels, mudguards, etc.).
Procedure: contact your CIC advisor with a named CYKL quote.
Cofidis — The solution we use at CYKL
- Not a “green loan”, but payment in several installments without fees .
- Common formulas: 3x, 4x, 10x (up to 48x depending on profile).
- Amount: €1,000 to €3,000 directly, up to €6,000 via partners like CYKL.
- Advantage: no need to be a bank customer.
Example: €3,000 → 10 × €300 without fees.
Tip: at CYKL, we work directly with Cofidis to offer you the option to pay in up to 10 installments without fees.
LCL — possible, according to the advisor
- Green Mobility Credit : reduced rate of 4.25% (in effect in 2025, except for one-off local operation at 0%).
- Normally e-bikes, but occasional opening to classic bikes if the case is strong.
- Indicative ceilings: up to €2,000 over 3 to 24 months (more if eligible profile).
Emphasize soft mobility and sustainable manufacturing ; it goes down better than "bike for the weekend".
In any case, 0% rates are not always visible online: they often depend on local agencies, your profile, and the strength of the application presented.
How to build a credible case?
A banker might not necessarily distinguish between a mass-produced carbon road bike and a hand-assembled titanium gravel bike made in Montpellier . It's up to you to make them understand that you're not just buying a bicycle, but a durable good , almost a personal asset , assembled locally and designed to last a lifetime.
Highlight this in your application
A detailed, itemized quote , issued by CYKL or your partner bike shop, with precise references and VAT.
Your usual supporting documents (identity, address, income).
A short statement of intent , describing your approach:
-
- You replace a car with a bicycle,
- You are supporting a local French brand.
- You are choosing a frame with a lifetime guarantee, designed to last for decades.
The objective: to show that your project is not a pleasure expense, but a reasoned investment in sustainable mobility and French production .
What to tell your advisor (concrete example)
"I want to finance a CYKL bicycle for my personal and professional journeys. It's a titanium frame, with a lifetime guarantee, from a French brand. It's a sustainable purchase, almost an heirloom, much more than just a means of transport."
This type of discourse immediately puts your project in the right category: that of responsible, sustainable and local investment .
Quick simulation (if accepted at 0% rate)
| Bicycle price | Duration | Monthly payment | Interests |
|---|---|---|---|
| €3,000 | 48 months | €62.50 | €0 |
| €4,000 | 48 months | €83.30 | €0 |
| €5,000 | 48 months | €104.20 | €0 |
| €6,000 | 48 months | €125 | €0 |
This is for guidance only. Acceptance, limits and duration depend on the bank and your profile.
In conclusion: uncompromising titanium
This isn't a miracle "good deal," it's a little-known opportunity that savvy cyclists can take advantage of. If you're serious, financially sound, and your project makes sense, you can get a green loan for a non-electric bike .
No need for an engine when you have a good track record.
And for the rest, brands like CYKL (titanium, made in Montpellier, sustainable) can help you provide the right documents and quotes to make the process simple and clean.
Contact us and we'll provide a quote for your future bicycle, which you can then present to the bank of your choice: Contact us
Important reminder:
All these offers are subject to acceptance by the lending institution. Conditions vary from bank to bank. A loan is a commitment and must be repaid. Check your repayment capacity before committing.