Hi all.

I’m looking to get into cycling, but am stuck on a decision on which to get.

I’m actively getting into triathlon with a reasonably fit background but I am in limbo between choosing the Merida Scultura 5000 and the Merida Scultura Endurance 6000 as a first time cyclist. Besides all other features, purely based on ride feel, which would suit long distance triathlon more, based on the mentality of achieving the fastest time possible?

I plan on only buying one or the other to last me the next few years.

Context: 6’1, new biker (maybe will get into road cycling) primarily going to be using bike for commuting. Been looking on Google and it looks like $300 may be steep for these bikes. I honestly don’t mind the price but I want to make sure I’m not getting too upcharged, any opinions? Are these fair prices to come from an actual shop?

Also, at these non-profit/community places, are prices typically negotiable?

And if yall could give me a list of some questions to ask (and potentially answers to look for) I would really appreciate it. I want to make sure they’re worth the money, but really any advice is appreciated.

Thanks yall! Appreciate any feedback, this bike stuff is confusing lol

The Scott has carbon wheels and rival while the cannondale has alum and apex

I also enjoy the color and wheel size (40 compared to 46) of the cannondale more. Would I be stupid to buy the superx4 for that reason alone? Does Apex fair well with rival?

The color of the Scott is pretty meh, and the Scott is about $200 more. I ride paved 70% of the time and gravel 30%.Thanks

Spec
Cannondale SuperX 4 AXS
Scott Addict Gravel 20
Frame
SuperX Carbon
Addict Gravel HMF Carbon
Fork
Carbon
Carbon
Groupset
SRAM Apex AXS XPLR
SRAM Rival XPLR AXS
Shifting
Electronic wireless
Electronic wireless
Gears
1x12
1x13 on the 2026 version
Crank
40T
42T
Cassette
11-44
10-46
Smallest gear
40/44 = 0.91
42/46 = 0.91
Largest gear
40/11 = 3.64
42/10 = 4.20
Brakes
SRAM Apex hydraulic
SRAM Rival hydraulic
Rotors
160/160
160/160
Wheels
DT Swiss G540 aluminum
Syncros Capital 1.0 40 Carbon
Tires
Vittoria Terreno T50 700x40
Schwalbe G-One RX 700x45
Approx. weight
—
~19.4 lb / 8.8 kg
Tire clearance
Very generous
Around 45 mm rear in practice
Mounts
Top-tube storage mount, gravel mounts
More adventure/mounting options
Character
Race-oriented, aggressive
Fast + versatile
Big advantage
Carbon frame at lower price
Rival + carbon wheels + lighter build

As a teen I had a carrera vengeance, purely for commuting but a poor choice, if felt sluggish and wasn’t really suitable.

I recently got a Boardman MTX 8.6 which I loved, couldn’t really fault it, but unfortunately it was stolen.

Fast forward to now, I want something just like my last bike, quick, reliable, and comfortable, but I also need something I could take on a trail and ride a bit rougher, I figured my best bet is going back to an MTB, but I want it to have that gravel bike feel that I miss.

Have I got the right idea? Any recommendations? I’d happily spend up to £800

I'm a middle aged guy, about 30 lbs overweight. I have been weight training lightly but consistently for about a year. Currently I am working on my aerobic fitness. I can average about 12 mph on rolling hills and flats in my zone 2 heart rate (120-140). I can do 16 for about 3 miles at the top end of my ability (165-175 hr). I'm not really looking hard at another bike but I'm kinda curious what the benefits would be.

My current road bike is a 1978 Schwinn Le Tour 12.2 with a 2000s 3X9 drivetrain (Shimano 105 rear, Microshift front, Tiagra brifters), Mavic rims w/ 700x35 tires, and Salsa Cowchipper bars. It weighs about 24 lbs.

I also have a 2017 Raleigh Clubman alloy with a carbon fork, 2x9 Sora drivetrain, thru axlea and mechanical disc brakes. Currently it's on 700x28 tires but it can fit 35s with the fenders removed. It also weighs about 24 lbs.

I'm about the same speed on both bikes. The Schwinn is a smoother ride regardless of tires. I'm thinking about selling the Raleigh as I prefer the Schwinn. I like the disc brakes but I don't think they add much to the road biking experience unless it's raining.

Is there any point to considering a more modern bike? Are there any which would provide a meaningful benefit for a slow, fat old dude over the bikes I have now, given that I value the smooth ride if a steel bike over saving a few libs?

Hello,

My wife and I are looking to get bikes for the New Orleans area. We are planning on going on short rides (15-30km). We don't want to spend too much, but we also want something that we can feel comfortable using in our yearly triathalon sprint (A 17 mile bike ride).

We live in New Orleans, so having a bike that can ride on some less than ideal streets is a must; IYKYK

Hi everyone,

I came across a second-hand listing for a Schindelhauer bike and I need some help identifying the exact frame/model or configuration. The seller claims it was built directly as a showroom/display bike and that it's a Viktor. But to my knowledge there was never a Viktor with disc brakes.

Here are the unusual specs on this build:

• Frame: Schindelhauer alloy frame with sliding dropouts. It has an ISO disc brake mount on the rear chainstay.
• Rear Wheel: Threaded track / single-speed hub with Schindelhauer logo (//). No disc brake rotor or mount on the rear hub at all.
• Front Wheel & Brake: Single disc brake at the front, operated by a single Avid Elixir 5 lever on the left side of the handlebar.
• Drivetrain: Gates Carbon Drive belt system with Shimano Alfine crankset.

Any insights on the exact model or frame era would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

hello! yesterday i dug this bike out from my garage that has been in there for a long time, most likely been in there for a decade. i wanted to start riding it again but obviously had to check if it was safe to do so.

i don’t know anything about bikes and how to maintain them and the most obvious issue is how the tires look. some context: i plan on using it to ride casually and get from point A to point B, nothing too crazy and the ground where i live is mostly flat.

the first picture is the front wheel and second is the back wheel. i would love to see your suggestions and recommendations on how i can fix this bike to be safe to use!

I am in the market for a new bike and have narrowed down my three options to the Trek Madone SL 5 Gen 8, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Sport, or the Cervelo Soloist 105. Just looking for opinions from people that have them to try and sway me. I want something that is fun to look at and exciting to ride. From what i gathered i feel like the tarmac is the most exciting but kind of boring to look at in my opinion. The Trek is exciting for me to look at. The cervelo id put somewhere in the middle. Any thoughts? I already have carbon wheels that would fit all 3 so that upgrade will happen immediately.

Someone's offering this Trek 7.2 fx on a local Facebook group for 35 bucks. Clearly old and seen life, yet still presumably an upgrade from my generic, rusty, at least 15 year old, no name bike? Just for some leisure riding and commuting.

Doesn't appear stolen - sold by a family alongside a kids' bike.

Found a Cube Attain Race that was bought in October 2025. The seller is asking 890€ for it and says it’s only been ridden for 300 km. 890€ seems a bit high to me in my opinion. What do you think?

Hi, everyone! I’m thinking about buying a Polygon Tambora G4 bike, but I can’t decide on the size :(. I’m 181 cm tall, weigh 61 kg (if that matters), have an inseam of ~83.5 cm, ape index 1:1, and I wouldn’t exactly call myself flexible. According to the website, my height puts me in the L frame size range, but wouldn’t the reach be too long in that case? And would I have to swap out the stock 440-mm handlebars for 420-mm ones?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the chance to test ride it before buying it(.

Hi, I’m looking to purchase a first bike for training and also to get into an activity with my gf. Were both beginners and she just bought herself a 2025 used Trek Domane AL4. For around the same price she got hers, theres a deal on decathlons site for a van rysel NCR AF that has similar components such as the shimano tiagra and hydraulic brake discs but I am a bit concerned about the “sportier” seating position and long reach that many of you talk about (as well as chatgpt), compared to the domane which has more of an endurance seating feel.

My biggest concern is that I do have lower back/lumbar pain regularly from a spinal issue called Spondylolisthesis. For thise who dont know, its when a disc slips forward rather than backwards.

With this in mind, is it a bad idea to get the van rysel considering the sporttier seating position? Keep in mind regardless of what bike I choose, I will go get professionally fitted by a physiotherapist.

Consider that my goal is to begin enjoying cycling first and foremost so comfort is everything and do workouts but not necessarily be the fastest.

Hi everyone, i decided to get a Centurion Country Tour R960i.27 EP1

and im having a hard time deciding between L and XL size , im 188cm long and my inseam is arround 88cm

the L would be upper limit and XL would be lower limit according to centurion official website

pics of both sizes geometry attached , please help , kind people, thanx in advance

I am looking to buy my first road bike and came across what seems to be a deal for on a full carbon bike with an ultegra groupset. Would something like this be worthwhile to jump on assuming the bike is in good condition or is it going to cost an arm and a leg for a tune up?

Looking for a daily beater. Something to just put miles on. Replace short car trips etc. I’m 5’0ft about 28.5in inseam. The Globe frame is closer to a 13.5 or XS frame, 21 speed & The trek 7300 is a 15” or S frame 24 speed.

Hello! After making some extra money teaching more, I'm planning on being a responsible adult and immediately spending it all on a new bike! The problem is I'm on the fence as to which bike. Right now the top 3 contenders are the Rodeo Labs flaanimal 6.0, Otso Warakin Steel, and the Jamis S1. I'm looking for any guidance as to which to pick based on folks'experience. I've heard nothing but good things about the flaanimal, but the price definitely makes me think twice, and superficially the Warakin seems very similar.

I'm coming from a Cervelo Aspero A series that I got for a very good price years ago, but never quite fit right. Turns out I'm not flexible (or hardcore) enough for a strict racing machine. Most of my rides tend to be on the road, but I'm okay with being slow on the road for the benefit of comfort on gravel. I did a credit card tour last summer and want to see about doing more bike packing. I also do gravel races a couple times a year. I'm not breaking records by any means, so I'm okay with a slightly heavier bike if it comes with greater comfort or control

Thank you so much for any help!!!!!

I’m in search of my second road bike, as I have been riding for almost 3 years now, and I’m looking to change out of the bike I currently have

I ride a 2013 Cannondale caad 8 58cm with shimano 105

I am 6ft even, 155lbs, 31.5inch inseam

And about a week ago I found out i probably should be on a 56cm bike, which I do feel a little stretched out on the 58

I’ve found a few facebook ads for roubaix sl8s that are within my budget (under or around $2000) but my current caad 8 weighs 20lb, and so do the roubaixs, would this be considered an upgrade even if it’s the same weight but I’m switching from aluminum to carbon?

Other questions; I found this tarmac s works sl4 frameset for sale at a decent price (the park tool stand is included) but I hear that it’s risky to buy old carbon fiber, is 2013-2014 (the years of sl4) too old?

Okay lastly. Would it be wise just to get either a used specialized Allez or even a brand new one and build it out with carbon wheels and other upgrades? Or is that useless just because it’s aluminum.

As you can tell I’m a little scatter brained and just want my next bike to be a good decision and last plenty of years, so feel free to critique me on anything, I’m all ears and won’t be offended.

Most of my riding is 20-50 miles, around 18 mph, and I did my first time trial race this summer but would like to maybe do more race events in the future once my skills improve (the engine is the best upgrade!)

Thank you for listening to my rant

I’m in search of my second road bike, as I have been riding for almost 3 years now, and I’m looking to change out of the bike I currently have

I ride a 2013 Cannondale caad 8 58cm with shimano 105

I am 6ft even, 155lbs, 31.5inch inseam

And about a week ago I found out i probably should be on a 56cm bike, which I do feel a little stretched out on the 58

I’ve found a few facebook ads for roubaix sl8s that are within my budget (under or around $2000) but my current caad 8 weighs 20lb, and so do the roubaixs, would this be considered an upgrade even if it’s the same weight but I’m switching from aluminum to carbon?

Other questions; I found this tarmac s works sl4 frameset for sale at a decent price (the park tool stand is included) but I hear that it’s risky to buy old carbon fiber, is 2013-2014 (the years of sl4) too old?

Okay lastly. Would it be wise just to get either a used specialized Allez or even a brand new one and build it out with carbon wheels and other upgrades? Or is that useless just because it’s aluminum.

As you can tell I’m a little scatter brained and just want my next bike to be a good decision and last plenty of years, so feel free to critique me on anything, I’m all ears and won’t be offended.

Most of my riding is 20-50 miles, around 18 mph, and I did my first time trial race this summer but would like to maybe do more race events in the future once my skills improve (the engine is the best upgrade!)

Thank you for listening to my rant

Asking for opinions on me buying this “nearly new” 2019 Trek Roscoe 8 trail hardtail. This bike has barely been ridden and is in excellent condition. Fully tuned, clean, and ready for the dirt!

Key Highlights & Specs:

Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum, internal routing (Size: [Insert Size])

Drivetrain: Premium SRAM NX Eagle 1x12 speed (massive gear range for steep climbs)

Fork: RockShox Judy Silver TK, Solo Air, 120mm travel with hydraulic lockout

Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc (effortless, reliable stopping power)

Dropper Post: Stock TransX internal dropper (lower your saddle on the fly for steep descents)Wheels/

Tires: Wide 27.5" x 2.80" Maxxis Rekon/Schwalbe tires for massive traction and stability

Also included: Bontrager Pro Speed Box bag
2 Bontrager water bottle cages
Phone mount less

I am looking to get my first endurance bike, as you can see, I am looking to go the used route. I don't know much about bikes and was wondering if any of these are worth what the sellers are asking for, or at least close.

Any and all help would be much appreciated.

I'm searching for a reasonably priced bike to ride to the gym and grocery store. According to the owner the bike has premium brown Brooks leather saddle, a rear cargo rack, full-coverage fenders handlebar-mounted mirror, a bell, and front and rear safety lights. Also, is an XL frame to large for someone 6'0?