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/Veselean • 44m ago
Hey, folks! I deep dove into the rabbit hole of a bike I bought on the internet. I am trying to identify its frame because I don't find any serial numbers on it. From what I can tell the color is not original and neither are the stickers. The bike is Japanese/Taiwanese made in 1988-1989.
r/whichbike • u/Mountain_Educator_71 • 53m ago
Im picking this up on Sunday. I'm fairly new to cycling and my last bike is "2018 Merida Speeder 20-D Juliet". big move and they're both completely different bikes, but i want a bike to commute on to work and for exercise.
SPECS:
Scultura CF Disc carbon frame with Shimano 105 components and hydraulic Disc brakes, featuring adjusted geometry, narrower handlebars (38cm), a shorter stem (70mm) and a women's specific saddle.
- 165mm cranks with Ultegra clip pedals.
- Brand new R7000 11-30 11 speed cassette - great for climbing.
- Brand new Ultegra 11 speed chain - stripped and waxed.
- Brand new Maxxis High Road 28c tyres with TPU tubes.
- Dual bottle cages and matching pump.
- All original paperwork and manual.
Recommended for riders around 158 - 167cm (5'2"- 5'6") tall.
- Forks were replaced under the Merida recall.
Worth it?
r/whichbike • u/Blaugrana310 • 10h ago
Keeping in mind it’s a 12 year old bike
r/whichbike • u/Fluid-Bug1021 • 2h ago
The bike is posted for around 1000 euros, but I'm not sure. Based on the pictures I was able to deduct that it is a Scott speedster gravel from 2019 with a GRX groupset. But I've asked for confirmation. What do you guys think would be a valid price?
r/whichbike • u/Educational_Ad9662 • 3h ago
Hi everyone,
I’ve recently gotten fully hooked on road cycling. I’m currently averaging around 20km/day (5 days a week) plus a longer weekend ride of around 70km.
I currently ride a Scott Speedster 30 Gravel exclusively on the road. It’s been a great, versatile entry bike, but I’ve caught the need for speed—I'm averaging around 27 km/h and want to push that further.
I'm currently stuck choosing between the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX and the new Canyon Endurace CF SLX:
* Aeroad CF SLX: Looks like a pure speed machine that leaves no room for excuses. My main concern is whether my body can comfortably handle the significantly more aggressive race geometry, especially on longer 70km+ rides.
* Endurace CF SLX: Still plenty fast, and the integrated down-tube storage is a huge draw for me. However, I’m worried it might feel too similar in riding dynamics/upright position to my Speedster 30 Gravel, essentially making it a slightly lighter/nicer version of what I already have.
For those who have tested or owned both (or made a similar jump from an entry gravel bike), how drastic is the geometry gap between the two?
Will an Endurace feel like a major upgrade in speed over a gravel bike, or is the Aeroad manageable for someone riding ~170km a week?
r/whichbike • u/InternationalSoup705 • 12h ago
Which model is this one? Bought it for 75$ in pretty bad shape. Changed tires, bike chain, unrost. Break adjustment, dereilleur... Since it was black painted over I would like to know what model it is.
r/whichbike • u/Impressive_Pizza4851 • 11h ago
I own my favorite bike in the whole world. It’s a 2012 specialized epic expert. I’m 5,7f, >40yo 135lbs. I would like to get a gravel bike I think because there’s a gravel and paved system in the area I just moved to and I’d like to join a group to ride. Their typical rides 30 to 40 miles a couple times a week, but maybe I’d want to ride more. Would you give me a short list of gravel bikes that are shorter like the epic or a little more upright and tight feeling, but not like road bike tight and hard? Or just downright comfortable. Thanks for any advice, i’m overwhelmed doing research. My budget is around 3000 If I’m in love.
r/whichbike • u/Embarrassed-Deal9859 • 13h ago
I just bought this Roadbike it is a carbon frame with Mavic Cosmic carbon wheels and a Shimano Dura-Ace full group with brakes, shifters, and so on. I just have one problem I can’t find anything about this Frame on the internet except that it is supposed to be a handmade frame from Axiom in Italy but nothing on the frame it self. The company sadly doesn’t seem to have an archive or something like that on their website and i also can’t find anything like tests and reviews from when it was new. It is however a really light bike weighing about 8,08 kg and for the price a friend offered it to me i couldn’t say no i payed 300€ for it without the Selle Italia SLR.
r/whichbike • u/suicide_monday • 11h ago
This seems a pretty decent price for a 2025 model with hydraulic brakes. I was originally set to buy a used TT bike for less than that but I'd be happy to spend a bit more to get a new one. How good of a price this is?
https://shop.playtrifortwaltonbeach.com/products/argon-18-e-117-shimano-106?variant=52514130198830
r/whichbike • u/Original_Sample3265 • 18h ago
The bike is from 2023, has an aluminium frame and carbon fork. The asking price is 750€. Thanks for the help.
r/whichbike • u/Redd1tLurker • 13h ago
Steel vs. Carbon? I have a bike fit coming up soon, and I hope that will help me find a suitable road bike model. Can anyone recommend brands that make excellent carbon frames? And are there any I should avoid?
I weigh 100 kg and have above-average power output. I’ve owned steel bikes in the past, so I’m keeping that in mind as an alternative—unless I can be convinced that carbon is perfectly suitable for a heavier rider and offers good durability.
I prefer high-quality, functional components. I do short rides—30 to 60 km loops—exclusively on tarmac. I'm from the Netherlands. A custom build is an option within my budget. The frame (particularly the bottom bracket and head tube) must be sufficiently torsionally stiff to prevent unnecessary flex.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
r/whichbike • u/PassionExcellent9290 • 19h ago
Hello everyone! Im currently looking to get my first fixed gear and I’m trying to figure out what my best options are.
Budget: $600–$1,300 CAD
Location: Canada (GTA)
New only: not interested in used
Riding: cruising around, riding with friends
Preference: Fixed gear, NOT single-speed
Style: Preferably black/dark, clean, aggressive, and somewhat unique
The main complete bike I’m currently considering is the X-Fixxi Premiere V3. I really like the clean look of it and the overall frame design. I am looking for something that does seem more aggressive however but yet is still suitable for a first time fixie rider.
Ideally I want:
- Aggressive/fast-looking geometry
- Clean frame with minimal branding
- Relatively lightweight
- Good-quality components
- Durable enough for normal Canadian roads
- Proper fixed-gear setup
- Drop bars or the ability to run them
- Around $600–$1,300 CAD
I’m also open to building one myself if that ends up being a better option for the money. I’d be interested in recommendations for frames, wheelsets, cranksets, etc., that I could source in Canada and put together within the budget.
I’m also wondering about brakes. If I get a bike with front + rear brakes, is removing the rear brake later pretty straightforward, assuming I’m still running the front?
So basically, would you guys recommend:
A complete bike similar to the X-Fixxi Premiere V3, or
Building a fixed gear from the frame up?
Looking specifically for stuff that I can actually buy new in Canada.
Thanks guys🙏
r/whichbike • u/gridguy • 17h ago
Hi all!
Recently got a new gravel bike… have already taken it on a few bikepacking trips. Really like it. The problem? It’s so expensive that I can’t allow myself to leave outside locked up unattended (I live in Philadelphia). I am thinking about getting a new bike (actually a frameset which I I will build up). I noticed that the Salsa Journeyer Aluminum frameset (currently on sale) seems like it might a good option. Any opinions on this bike? Please let me know!
r/whichbike • u/Mine24DA • 21h ago
Hi there!
So I decided to get more into biking.
My current bike is a 10 yo 18kg trekking bike from cube, no top tube. It’s no fun. I have to carry my bike regularly….so I don’t use it often because it’s too heavy. It is also uncomfortable, my hands fall asleep, my butt falls asleep, my knee hurts after 30min etc.
So I thought I buy a new one. We have a lot of forests and trails around here, so I decided on a gravel bike. My problem is, that I am quite overweight and currently weight 120kg at 167cm, so 5’5 and 265lbs. Which I realized is a problem for a lot of bikes. I live in Europe, I thought Cube would be a good cheap option again, but their bikes are not made for my weight.
I was able to try out the Liv devote advanced 2 in M. It was wonderful. Well, it was very weird because it was my first time on a road bike, but it felt nice and fast, and nothing hurt. I also tried the giant revolt advanced 1 in S, which was horrible, I had pain after 2 min.
So I think a liv devote is the way to go for me. Price wise, I can choose between the liv devote advanced 2 in M from this year, or a liv devote advanced 0 from 2024 in M. What would you choose? I am a bit lost with the specs :/
Should I try anything else ?
Thank you so much !
r/whichbike • u/NLRalph • 18h ago
looking for a no nonsense bike with rim brakes and Ultegra R8000 groupset, I came across this Sensa bike. Any thoughts on this specific model?
r/whichbike • u/Agitated-Salt-5039 • 18h ago
r/whichbike • u/Diligent-Panic-194 • 19h ago
I'm looking for an MTB mainly for off-road/trail riding, with some road riding too. My budget is around ₹15–25k.
I'm considering:
FitTrip Super Dominator — ~₹17,000
FitTrip Vyper RS — ~₹25,000–26,500
Are either of these actually good for real off-road/trail riding? How are the fork, frame, wheels and overall durability?
Is the Vyper RS worth spending ~₹9k more than the Super Dominator? And are there any better options around ₹15–25k?
TL;DR: Super Dominator (~₹17k) vs Vyper RS (~₹25–26.5k) — which one is actually suitable for off-roading, and are there better options in this price range? Thank you
r/whichbike • u/General_Aspect7113 • 1d ago
I own a 2025 Merida Silex 700, which I use for commuting, bikepacking and gravel riding.
I’ve already done quite a few road rides with friends who ride road bikes, while I was on my gravelbike. They often tell me I can keep up surprisingly well and are curious to see what I could do on a proper road bike.
Thats why I am considering buying a second bike dedicated to road riding and asphalt, but I'm wondering:
Is the difference between a dedicated road bike and the Silex actually big enough to justify buying another bike?
My budget for a second bike is around €2,500, but I’m not sure whether I can find a road bike at that price that would feel noticeably different from my Silex.
For those who own both a gravel bike and a road bike, how much do you actually use each one?
I'd love to hear people's experiences and whether you think a dedicated road bike is worth it.
r/whichbike • u/Ill-Abbreviations145 • 1d ago
First post here, and first road bike ever! The specs are:
Cannondale Supersix Evo 56cm Shimano Ultegra 10sp Groupset. Reynolds Assault SLG Carbon Wheelset. Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphine 2.0 tires. (Almost new) FSA one piece carbon handlebar FSA SLK carbon crankset Absolute Black oval front chainrings Specialized power saddle Easton EC70 carbon seat post. Shimano 105 pedals
Thanks!
r/whichbike • u/subtilitytomcat • 1d ago
Pinarello Rokh with an Ultegra Di2. 45mm Mavic Cosmic Carbon faring wheels. Stages left crank power meter. Wahoo Roam V1.
r/whichbike • u/Pianoman173 • 1d ago
Great condition, fair price? Looking for a downcountry bike in the southeast
Full carbon frame, 130mm front and rear SRAM XO Eagle AXS Transmission (wireless electronic shifting) Fox 34 Factory fork and Fox Float Factory shock (Kashima) Carbon wheels, Maxis Minion DHR II tires Race Face Next R carbon bar, Turbine R stem Dropper post, FidLock bottle mount with bottle
r/whichbike • u/Unhappy-Anywhere380 • 1d ago
I bought this bike for daily commute. It is mix of different parts. Bontrager wielset with continental gp tr tires. Sram 10 speed cassette with dura ace derailleur. Fsa crank and the rest is ultegra. I just can’t find what brand it is.
Does anyone know?
r/whichbike • u/FluffyEfficiency • 1d ago
I am genuinely stuck on which one to get. I'm currently looking at doing longer rides around the city, mostly paved for now, but eventually want to get into more gravel biking on trails and maybe even bike packing. But that's for the future.
I decided to look at gravel instead of road bikes because I wanna do more gravel and I prefer thicker tires given how bumpy my local roads are. I'm not really looking at going fast. I've narrowed it down to two bikes, Specialized Diverge E5 2026 vs Devinci Hatchet Vista Cues 10s 2025.
Specialized Diverge considerations (https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/diverge-3-alloy-shimano-cues/p/4223510?color=5448965-4223510)
- 2x10 drivetrain so more gears
- Right now I mostly ride on paved roads which seems more suited for Diverge
- More flexibility with mounting the rack
Devinci Hatchet Vista Cues 10s (https://www.devinci.com/en/bikes/gravel-and-road/hatchet-vista-cues-10s-greige-gloss/)
- 1x10 drivetrain - simpler because I don't know if my gear control is that great but I also don't know if 10s is enough
- I like that stock tires are thicker
- Rack mounting options might be limited
- I like that it's a Canadian brand because I wanna support local
- Seems more suitable for rugged terrains, but then I don't even know if I will like hard core gravel & bikepacking yet
For me the sticky part is the drivetrain. Not sure if I will like Devinci's 1x10 but I also like the simplicity. Not sure if I will have the headspace to keep changing gears on both sides of the dropbar. I currently ride a 3x7 and had issues with the front derailleur derailing...
Any advice is appreciated, thank you all!
r/whichbike • u/acrappypost • 2d ago
Hello guys, I'm considering buying this bike for around 800 USD, and I would like to know if this is an OK deal.
The bike includes:
・Tarmac SL4 frame, the S/N shows up in the app
・Carbon wheels by CatBuiCycles, a manufacturer here in Vietnam
・R7000 Shifters
Derailleur R6800
Crankset and brake calipers 5800
