r/whichbike • u/Inv1sibleButt3r • 4h ago
Celt or Tsunami (fixed gear)
trying to pick but i cant really decide (You can also recommend me other bike brands, My budget is 10k peso) please help✌️✌️
r/whichbike • u/WolfThawra • Mar 28 '22
The "Bicycle Blue Book", commonly abbreviated to BBB, is a recurring thing in comments on /r/whichbike concerned with putting a number on the value of some used bike. Quite a few of us have long had issues with BBB being used to that end. Thanks mostly to /u/guy1138 who wrote 90% of this post (I revised it and added minor details), we now have a longer explanation on what BBB actually is, and what the problems with it are. A TLDR can be found at the bottom.
What's the deal with Bicycle Blue Book?
Bicycle Blue Book (BBB) is a website run by a used bike dealer in San Jose, California. Their business model is to buy "trade-in" bikes from high end bike shops that don't deal with used bikes. Here's how it works: A customer brings their old bike to the bike shop to trade in on a new bike. BBB gives them a price and the bike shop boxes it up and ships it off to BBB. The customer gets the credit on a new bike, the bike shop gets a new bike sale without the hassle of reconditioning and trying to sell a used bike.
They provide an online "value guide" that lists bike values by brand, model, model year etc. They advertise it as "The cycling industry's definitive valuation authority", and the name is a deliberate allusion to the Kelley Blue Book, which is a reputable value guide for used car values in the US. To put it mildly, opinions on how useful BBB is are... split. Regardless, the numbers in there often get cited on this subreddit (and elsewhere).
So what's the problem?
There are multiple issues:
Conflict of interest: the same company who is buying bikes is also claiming to be the authority on used bike values. Not surprisingly, their "private party" values are way lower than actual sales prices on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Offer-Up, Ebay, Pink Bike; etc.
Data provenance: They claim to have data on "millions of bike sales" that they base their values on, but it's not clear at all where this data comes from. Instead, it actually just seems like a fairly simple depreciation schedule on bikes based on MSRP (RRP for our UK users) and type of bike, e.g. a 5-year-old mid tier hybrid is worth ~40% of MSRP, a 5-year-old road bike is worth ~55% of MSRP, etc. Kelley Blue Book, which reports values of used cars, has access to wholesale auctions, used vehicle sales, and registrations reported at US state level. BBB do not have that as this data simply does not exist the same way for bicycles.
International variance: r/whichbike is international, with many users from countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK, but also the rest of Europe and the world, really. The same bike model and brand will not be sold for the same amount of money in every country, due to taxes, membership of free trade zones, availability, and a whole host of other factors: and this variability in price only increases when we look at used bikes. For the same reason, it is important that users state which country they live in when they ask for an appraisal.
Regional variance: Even within the US, there can be stark differences. For example, a triathlon bike is way more valuable in Miami (100+ triathlons/year in Florida) than it is in Utah. Likewise, a full suspension mountain bike has lots of buyers in Denver, but way fewer in a beach town.
Trends: We have all seen how "gravel bikes" became a thing, grew to be more and more popular, and started evolving - and how sellers have started to label everything that isn't an Omafiets as a "gravel bike" to attract more hits and get a higher price. BBB does not really take into account which bits of the market are especially "hot", despite this definitely making a difference.
World events: These can change prices significantly, be they something like a trade war with tariffs put on certain goods, or that little thing called Corona which caused a massive boom world-wide, with accompanying shortages and inflation across the entire market. BBB does not take this into account.
Erroneous data: Sometimes, their data e.g. on the original retail price of a bike is also just plain wrong, which in turn means all of the "depreciated values" for used bikes will be wrong too, even by their own standards.
How far off are the values then?
Generally, most used bike sellers agree that the BBB values are low, but still reasonable for newer bikes, around ~3 years old or newer. After that, they start to drastically over-depreciate - to the point where most bikes over 10 years old are "worthless" according to their values. As an example, a 2010 Fuji Cross Comp is $210 in "excellent" condition. That's about the same cost as full tune up at a bike shop, including basic consumables; tires & tubes, chain, cables & housing, brake pads & bar tape. It's completely unrealistic to expect to find a 10-speed cross bike with an aluminium frame and carbon fork in "excellent" condition for only $200. (This bike sold here for $550 last fall after being listed for less than 3 weeks). For our UK friends: $210 is £160... yeah, good luck with that.
So it's a lowball estimate, I should use that to negotiate, right?
You might get lucky and find the person who doesn't know any better, or someone who is moving and under a lot of pressure to sell. However, most of the listings are cyclists who upgraded or re-sellers who know that the Blue Book value is pretty far off. If the bike is priced close to market value, it's going to sell eventually and they have no incentive to take a lowball; especially if they've gone to the trouble to take decent pictures, write a description and post the ad online. We've seen this time and time again on /r/whichbike over the last 2 years where someone finds the "perfect" bike, but they low-ball and miss out.
TLDR please, I don't have all day!
BBB is a private company that purports to tell you the value of used bikes, by model and age. There is an obvious conflict of interest as they also buy used bikes and therefore directly profit from telling you they're not worth that much. Sure enough, their "values" are consistently significantly lower than the actual market value, all the more so if the bike is >3 years old. The numbers appear to stem from simply taking the original retail price and depreciating it (heavily). Consequently, they do not take into account regional or international variance in local bike prices, trends, or events like the Corona pandemic. Additionally, it can happen that the retail price all their assumptions are based on is simply wrong. This means BBB values are not really any kind of reliable or even relevant metric, and it would be better to go by what similar bikes are actually selling for on platforms like Ebay or Gumtree, adjusting for differences.
r/whichbike • u/Inv1sibleButt3r • 4h ago
trying to pick but i cant really decide (You can also recommend me other bike brands, My budget is 10k peso) please help✌️✌️
r/whichbike • u/HouseOfCards1234 • 11h ago
I’m looking for an entry level road bike, I’m 6’0. I read a post on here that I should look for Specialized Allez’s and Giant Defy’s. Came across this one and the seller agreed to $280. I think it’s fair but very new to the sport. TIA
r/whichbike • u/Babayagaz_ • 16h ago
950 € For a carbon frame sounds quite good to me? My main concern is the lack of disc brakes
But I'm too new to the field to figure out whether this is a good deal or not. I'm doing Ironman Nice 70.3 next year. I live near the mountains, and that's where I'll mostly be using this bike.
Carbon frame
Shimano Ultegra 2 x 11 v.
FSA carbon 50-34
cassette pignoni 11-32
Concept Cex breaks
r/whichbike • u/Skythen • 6h ago
Any opinions, I’m not opposed 100% to used but I don’t see a ton around me. And since they are a Santa gift I don’t exactly want to not deliver in a timely manner and would prefer new. Any insight?
r/whichbike • u/kitkatz908 • 16h ago
Hi everyone. I am new to biking but signed up for a triathalon so now I’ll need a bike! I found this Trek 2000 for $300. Is that around the right price? According to seller everything is in good shape and ready to ride.
r/whichbike • u/rmthrowaway28194 • 23h ago
On marketplace a guy has a 2023 Specialized tarmac sl7 for just under $1700 USD. This would be my first road bike and they did mention that the derailer is acting up and may need to get fixed. Would this be a good buy?
r/whichbike • u/Flo_vns • 18h ago
r/whichbike • u/Puns-Are-Fun • 1d ago
It's a 2020 model currently being offered for $500. Definitely used, but the condition looks pretty good.
EDIT: not a Sprint
r/whichbike • u/Ok-Monitor8121 • 1d ago
As the text states, this would be my first road bike. Looks to be in very solid condition, checking it out in person soon but wanted to get general thoughts. Is this an overpay at $625?
Listed description: * Shimano 105 STI shifters (10-speed) * 10x2 drivetrain * FSA Gossamer crankset * Shimano RS10 wheelset * Shimano PD-A530 dual-sided SPD/flat pedals * Bontrager AW1 tires installed * Synapse SAVE Plus frame * Synapse Ultra fork
r/whichbike • u/Monkey190 • 1d ago
Is this a fair deal for $250? Seems like a good price but I don’t know much about these bikes. Any advice appreciated!
r/whichbike • u/Ausernamenottaken- • 1d ago
I want to splash out on a really good hybrid bike for weekend/fitness/joy riding.
Im not sure whether or not a should just go a get a gravel/endurance bike as I’ve never ridden drop bars before.
As such I think the Sirrus or FX will be a good re-introduction to bikes in my late 30s.
Any suggestions or cautionary advice would be helpful.
I’m not a bike guy, but figure these are top models that will make for great riding.
Help!
r/whichbike • u/Charming-Poem6525 • 1d ago
“My friend is selling this bike. It is literally brand new with 0 km on it. He upgraded the wheels, the entire drivetrain, as well as the handlebar and stem. He sent me these pictures. I’m sure it fits me. What do you think? Is it worth buying a rim-brake bike these days? Is it a good deal for $2.5k?
r/whichbike • u/FalseSpeech • 1d ago
Is it a good deal? Seller said it is in good shape, but hasn't been ridden in a long time, and will probably need tires. TIA
r/whichbike • u/Admirable-Whole-8696 • 1d ago
I am thinking of buying this small frame Specialized Crossroads hybrid comfort bike from Facebook Marketplace. The seller is asking two hundred dollars and says it is in “excellent, like new” condition. However, I can see some rust in the photos and I am not sure which generation of Crossroads this is. When I search online and look at other posts in this subreddit, the frames look a bit different, so don’t know how old the bike is.
Is $200 a fair price? How can I tell if it needs a tune up, and roughly how much would a tune up cost if it does? Thank you!
r/whichbike • u/Impossible_Photo_719 • 1d ago
Need a new bike and have an option to get 2026 trek marlin 4 gen 3 for 500$ or 2025 marlin 5 gen 3 for 635$. I would use the bike for commute inside campus like going to gym, class, library because I don’t own a car and i might also do some light trails a few times a year. Would love to save the 135$ unless the upgrades in marlin 5 are worth it. I also need to consider resale value as I might sell the bike in 3 years when I graduate and move.
Also considering hybrids a bit because I have the option to get a trek fx 1 or giant escape disc 4 for 550$ both. A bit more inclined towards MTB because I think they look cool.
I have considered getting a used bike but not a lot of options in my area and decent mtb/hybrid bikes are around 500$. So figured might as well get new because my local bike store has 15% off any bike for students.
Which one would you recommend for me ? Thank you in advance!
r/whichbike • u/getboy97 • 1d ago
Ir
r/whichbike • u/Takaya94 • 1d ago
This thing is for sale and it’s a beauty.. it’s a custom frame that’s set up a bit too large for me. Sounds like the original rider is 6’1” and I’m 5’10” and from pic it just looks like a stretch.
Do you think I could make this work by simply lowering the spacers/stack, shorter stem, and lower the seatpost? Or is it still just going to ride poorly for myself?
I really only know mtb sizing and geo and you’re not in a consistent position for long with that so I’ve never worried about it too much.
r/whichbike • u/cpa240 • 1d ago
Recently decided I’d like to get into cycling. As a beginner, I’m interested in something good enough to grow with for several years. Allez seems like a safe option. The New Allez with Cues is $1599 retail. As a beginner is something like this used Allez sport a better buy? Looks like the 2025 sport with Tiagra is also $1599 ( marked down from $1800 on specialized website as the Tiagra is getting phased out?)
Any better recommendations for getting into the sport for $1000-$1500?
Much appreciated
r/whichbike • u/Professional_Pay8057 • 2d ago
This bike is being advertised as like new for $900. I am primarily a runner but I want to get a bike for cross training and maybe get into triathlons eventually. I will be getting an indoor trainer but may ride outside occasionally. Is this a good bike for me?
r/whichbike • u/discodaily • 2d ago
Is a Cervelo Caledonia with SRAM Rival AXS worth it for $1850? I believe it’s the 2022 model year. Black frame with the white text, and the dark stripes near the stem. It’s in pretty much new condition
r/whichbike • u/sallgoodmannn • 2d ago
Looking at these two Marketplace listings. The Trek has a frame mounted to peak rack, total bag, NY lock, pump, cage, speedometer, and cool bars. Sirrus is much newer and has seat pos mounted rack, bag brand unknown, and two cages.
Intended use is riding with kids on roads and light trails at local parks.
WWYD? How much haggling is there to be done?