The 2026 Bike Auction is coming up (Don't miss out!)

Okay, so the snow is finally mostly gone, which means it’s officially pothole—I mean, cycling season. If you’re looking to grab a new ride without spending a fortune, the city's annual bike auction is happening again. I’ve been keeping an eye on the dates because, honestly, who doesn't love a good deal?

Mark Your Calendars

It’s all online again this year (thankfully, so no standing around in a drafty warehouse).

• Bidding window: It opens up April 30 and wraps up May 7.
• The “Oh no, I won” moment: If you snag one, you’ve gotta pick it up between May 8 and May 15.

Heads up: They’re only open weekdays, 9:00 to 5:00. So yeah, you’ll probably have to duck out of work early or use a lunch break to trek out to Roblin.

Where do I go?

The bidding is through the Michener Allen site (if you’re an old-school Winnipegger, you probably still call it Associated Auto Auction). If you win, the pickup spot is 7130 Roblin Blvd. It’s a bit of a haul if you’re coming from the North End or Transcona, so maybe carpool with a buddy who has a truck.

Look for the “Tuned Up” ones!

If you’re like me and “fixing a chain” is the extent of your mechanical skills, look for the Ready-to-Ride tags. The folks at The W.R.E.N.C.H. usually fix up about 200 of these. They’ve been safety-checked by people who actually know what they’re doing, so you won’t have your handlebars falling off halfway down the Assiniboine Riverwalk.

The “Real Talk” Details

• Payment: They take pretty much everything—cash, debit, e-Transfer, and credit.
• The Catch: Everything is AS-IS. Seriously. If you get it home and realize the frame is bent or it’s missing a pedal, that’s on you. No take-backs!
• The Registry: The city’s old bike registry is officially a ghost town now (I think they're clearing the old data for good on May 1st). Do yourself a favor and get your “new” bike on 529 Garage. It’s the only way you’ve got a prayer of getting it back if it wanders off.

My Two Cents

• Check the frame size: Don't just look at the color! I once bought a “great deal” that turned out to be for a ten-year-old. Check the specs.
• Don't get “bid-drunk”: It’s easy to get competitive at 11:00 PM when the clock is ticking. Set a limit and stick to it, or you’ll end up paying brand-new prices for a 10-speed with a rusty seat.

Good luck, everyone! Hopefully, I’ll see some of you out on the trails soon (look for the person struggling up the bridge—that'll be me). Happy bidding!