r/whichbike

Last week, I bought this $750 bike ($830 incl tax) from a local nonprofit in a metro area. While I’m okay with paying a little extra knowing it’s going to a good cause, I’m not sure if I should keep it or return it (I have 2 days to decide). It’s a Scott Sonoma gravel bike - 58cm TT / Large - Black 700c wheels - steel / canti brakes

For context, this is my first gravel bike that I got for commuting, errands, exploring, and going on group rides with friends. I’ve test ridden a lot of bikes recently—new, used, off fb marketplace and haven’t found a happy medium between price + fit + feel.

My main gripe is that I feel a lot more bumps in the road than I expected to—I tried letting a little air out of the back tire for more “cushion” but didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Maybe this could be fixed with bigger tires or getting a converted MB instead?

This bike is workable and my only mode of transportation at the moment, so I’m somewhat hesitant to give that up. But I’m wondering if it would be wiser to take the refund and put that money towards a bike I feel better about riding all the time.

I’m currently playing around with the idea of getting my second bike, as my first bike (2013 Cannondale caad 8) is a little large for me. I’m 6’0, 34.25” inseam, my caad8 is a 58.

Would this allez frameset be a bad investment if I built it up how I’d like it? Basically is it dumb to buy an aluminum bike nowadays, or could this still compete with the carbon frames? I mostly ride by myself or with friends, but I’d like to sign up for some more races next year (or potentially triathlons), as I did one this year and it was a blast.

My biggest want in my next bike is literally just for it to be comfortable on longer-ish rides, able to go fast and compete with others, and look cool (this frame would be a perfect example of something that looks cool, because why spend thousands on something you don’t like to look at.) I’d also like it to last forever because I’m the type of person that would rather maintain something older than give it up for the latest and greatest tech.

The alternative would be to get a roubaix/tarmac/madone/domaine once I find a good deal on the used market

Asking $1,099.99 - a refurbished 2013 Cannondale SuperSix Evo with Shimano Di2. Sold by a bike shop in my area that refurbishes old bikes. Good deal??

Currently ride a 2021 specialized Allez with shimano sora groupset (bought for $600 on Facebook in 2022). It’s treated me well (6500 miles on it). However, I’m itching for an upgrade.

Is this canyon endurance a good deal? Would it be a huge upgrade from my current bike? It’s still mechanical shifting. I’ll test ride and make sure the fit is correct before committing. My current bike is a 58cm as well. The lowest the seller will go is $1950. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help and recommendations.

I’m a size 54 on specialized bikes but i heard the sse runs big so I also don’t know if that’ll be an issue.

I’m looking for something that is capable of hauling two kids in a bike trailer for exercise and trips to the park, almost exclusively on paved trails but occasionally on city streets. My budget is $500 and I’m not in a rush, but I’m willing to jump on a deal if it’s fair. I’m also upgrading from an old GMC Denali road bike that I’ve used off-and-on for 10 years, so pretty much anything is an upgrade!

Is this bike worth buying? Unsure about 9-speed derailleur, and alloy wheels (Mavic CXP21; risk of fractures/fatigue around the spoke holes? probably only up to 25mm tires). Asking $450 CAD. Or skip and wait for CAAD 10/CAAD 12?

I just ordered a Specialized Roubiax SL8 Comp D12. But this Factor keeps showing up in my email at like $5,300 (list is like $11k) and its sooo sexy. Im so tempted to cancel with Specialized. But a Factor O2 is probably too much bike for me. . . But its soo sexy.

Hello! This year i got back into cycling after years and im tired of riding my Mountain bike and am looking into getting a new road or maybe gravel bike. I live in Slovenia, close to the Austrian border if that matters for the roads etc. Im 169cm tall which puts me in between S and M bike sizes most of the time. Most of the roads around me are paved/asphalt but there are some dirt roads which is why i was considering a gravel aswell. I do like to ride uphill aswell. But borderline around 80/20 split for how much i ride on roads vs dirt paths.

I first looked at the decathlon Van Rysel bikes and honed in on the EDR AF2 SHIMANO TIAGRA and the EDR CF SHIMANO TIAGRA. But then i had time to think about it and i couldnt actually test any of them and i wasnt sure about the size. So i visited a Giant and a Scott shop. and am now also considering the Giant Defy Advanced 2 and the Scott addict 50. In the shop they recommended me an S size for the Giant Defy and an M size for the Scott Addict 50. I couldnt test the exact models though as they are not currently at the shops.

I would really appreciate any input or help, i would gladly provide more information if needed. Thanks a lot in advance!

I have a 38min commute to work with 40% bike lanes or a 2.2km/1.4mi commute after a train ride

I don’t have experience with drop handlebars and road bikes. Will this bike work well for this purpose and for riding around paved city roads?

Quoted at $120

I'd like a bike that I can still find parts for in the next 10-15 years. My plan was to buy something from my favorite LBS which sells Giants. Unfortunately, Contend SL1 are no longer available in the US. The contend AR 3 (USD1450) is available and has a similar geometry to the SL, but I'm leery of the CUES U3030 being described as an entry level groupset. 

My ideas for alternates would be to go to the suburban trek store for a Domane AL 4 (USD1600) or checkpoint AL 3 (USD1500). 

I am riding 20-30 miles a trip on urban areas, but hope to increase milage through increased flexibility, strength and better fit.

Please let me know if these photos are not helpful!

I was on the lookout for a bike and someone was sweet enough to give me a Novara Carema 3FB for free. I believe it is a 2015 bike and it looks like she has been storing it outside. The leather seat is cracked and the handlebars are cracked and I’m not really sure how bad the other parts are, it looks like the chain is rusted. I need to give it a bit of a wash.

Is it worth my money to fix this bike, or should I just get a new(er) bike? I sort of want to start cycling relatively soon. I’m not looking to be a super athlete or anything like that, I just live in a really nice place where I would like to get outside and get some movement in. I’m not even sure if this bike would be a good fit for me, geometry wise, whatever that means.

TIA!!

Seems like a really good deal but my local bike shop is the worst and I would be on my own for repairs unable to transport this.

Hello all.
I am new to cycling and looking to purchase my own bike.
My options are a brand new Ozark Trail G.1 explorer ($288 + tax) or a used trek multitrack 720 17” frame ($100). The seller of the trek says there is nothing wrong with the bike.
I am 174cm or 5’8.5 and will mostly be riding on street/pavement. Maybe some light bike dirt paths.
Appreciate all advice.
(🚨WON’T ALLOW ME TO ATTACH A VIDEO OF THE USED BIKE so DM if you’d like to see that.. the seller have provided one)

Hello! I’m new to cycling and looking to pick up a cheap rode bike to see if I like it. For reference I’m 5’10 and don’t know if this would fit me or is it a bad deal. Thank you !

2017 Dogma F8 51.5 (7.6kg) - Overall condition 8.5/10

• Shimano Ultegra RD6870 11sp Di2
• Dura-Ace 50-34 front derailleur
• Dura-Ace BR9100 rim brakes
• Rpantahi V3 carbon handlebars 40/110
• Nich Atem wheels with tubular tires
• Shimano PD-RS500 clipless pedals
• Rockbros M1 Wireless GPS Bike Computer

About to offer $1300-1400. Yes, it's an older bike and has rim brakes. I'm OK with that.

For all intents and purposes, assume authentic until i hear back directly from Pinarello

Looking for my first road bike on FB marketplace. Which one would you go for and why?

Its a Norco storm 9.1

I need a bike for general commuting to work and some off trail stuff through parks. Nothing extreme but I need a bike that can handle grass, hills, gravel. I've only ever owned bikes from Walmart and want to get somethung better quality, but I'm a bit out of my depth. Any advice would be great!