This started yesterday and today I’m seeing posts on various platforms, many of which are based on places like Bali, Sri Lanka or India, complaining that cyclists are still using Oxford Street. In the accompanying video it’s almost all Lime hire bikes. I’m out of the country right now so can’t see for myself. But it sounds like an organised anti cycling campaign of some kind. Especially as they are all worded pretty much exactly the same.

Mine might be saying, I'll just go for an easy ride today, and then somehow ending up on a longer route than I planned. Cycling has a funny way of making us change our minds once we're already out there. One extra hill turns into three, a short detour becomes another ten miles, and suddenly the easy ride isn't so easy anymore. What's the biggest lie you tell yourself before or during a ride?

My boyfriend is super into cycling and I’m looking for Christmas gift ideas! He likes to get High quality gadgets and accessories for cycling, but I don’t know enough about it to think of any ideas . Thanks!

Apologies if a similar question has been asked already.

I am looking to replace my road bike's groupset with a newer model (r6700 -> r8000). Reason: birthday present to myself (also smaller cranks, more comfortable and adjustable shift levers, ?better brakes, easier gearing, 10 speed to 11 speed, new wheels etc.)

The bike is mechanical, rim brake (from 2013). The only 'internal routing' on the bike is a short length of the rear brake cable that enters the bottom of the top tube and exits through the top of the top tube a few inches further back, the rest of the cables are external from what I can see.

Just wondering if this is reasonable/doable as a DIY project for vs sending it to my local shop to get the parts swapped out? I have some experience swapping out parts on my older bikes, indexing gears, adjusting brake cables, lever controls etc. but have never built up a full bike before.

(Sorry that this is probably a stupid question. But I have no one to get proper help from and I genuinely need to know if I can do this.)

I bought a bike because I wanted to get to places quicker than walking and I don't have a car. I've been trying to just keep myself balanced while going down a slight hill without pedaling, even though I am a bit terrified of falling.

But I feel like I will never get the hang of it. I've always been exceptionally bad at anything that requires the use of my body and some muscles. For reference, I can't jump rope without getting caught in the rope after like 3. I can't balance on one leg while holding my foot and stretching my leg behind me, I need to be holding onto something stable.

I thought I could get over my fear and eventually learn to bike, but I don't understand how to use my upper body to balance the bike. After practicing for a few days, I kind of started using the handle to turn to balance myself, by making very big turns every time I start to tip to the side. Obviously I can't do that on an actual road because a road is not the size of an empty parking lot and I need to be able to go where I want to go.

Is this still an okay start? Or should I break this habit and force myself to learn to use my body instead of the handle, even if I don't even know where to even begin? Do you think that some people, even though they can walk, might fail to learn to ride a bike? I feel hopeless. :(

Edit: I have not even attempted to use the pedals yet. I have the seat as low as it goes, but my heels don't touch the ground. I have been using my toes to push myself forward along with the slope to gain a little speed.

Thank you for all the comments, they are all very helpful! With the number of comments and replies, it's hard to respond to all of you but I will definitely continue trying, keeping your suggestions in mind.

has anybody had a bad experience?
whats the warranty experience like in australia?

kinda tempted 🤔 just because idk

I want the 45mm deep rims, but in my head I keep hearing the gear police:

"Hurr durr. All gear, no skill."

"On my rickety 90's aluminum race bike with 25mm tires, I love smoking the derps with $10k carbon frames and carbon wheels."

But no, I cannot afford to first get 35mm ones, get fast, then get the 45mm ones.

How did you deal with the games your mind plays on you?

I know, I should get off Reddit.

Hey guys! I’ve been trying to learn how to ride a bicycle for about 7–8 days now, but I’m still struggling with balance.

I can pedal and ride a little, but only when my mom holds the bike from behind. I feel more confident knowing she’s there, but the moment I realize she isn’t holding me anymore, I panic and lose my balance. I usually practice for about an hour a day.

Another problem is that I feel really shy and embarrassed riding in front of people. There’s no open space around my area, just a road with traffic almost all day, so I’m scared to practice alone and usually take one of my parents with me.

I know I’ve improved a little, but sometimes the bike suddenly swerves to one side even when my mom is holding it, and I don’t understand why. It’s frustrating because people around me seem to have learned in just 2–5 days, while I’m still struggling after a week.

Has anyone else gone through this? How did you learn to balance, and what helped you get over the fear of riding alone? I’d really appreciate any advice. Thank you!

Hi all,
I’m torn between two bikes and can’t make up my mind. I’d love your take on which one suits the way I plan to ride.

The two options

• Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 5: Endurance geometry, 35mm tires stock, clearance up to 40mm.
• Orbea Orca M30: Race geometry, 28mm tires stock, clearance up to 32mm.

Both are carbon with mechanical Shimano 105 12-speed and weigh about the same. I tried both in the shop and found them comfortable, but I couldn’t take them outside.

About me

• 6'0" (183 cm), athletic background, but a real beginner on the road bike, currently riding an entry-level aluminum Giant.

How I plan to ride

• 1–2 rides per week in good weather, 2–4 hours, 30–100 km.
• It’ll depend on the day: sometimes going hard on the flats, sometimes looking for climbs, sometimes just cruising and exploring.
• No racing planned.
• I want a bike that feels lively and fast when I push, but most of my rides will be at a relaxed cruising pace.

My question: given how I plan to ride, which of the two would suit me better, and why?
I’m drawn to the snappier, sportier feel of the Orca, but I worry the Domane might be the smarter pick for a beginner. If you’ve ridden either one, I’d really appreciate your feedback.
Thanks!

I am looking at the Strael. Current USA tariff is 10%. Shipping is $400. Are buyers charged state sales tax? May keep on looking due to those costs.

context: I'm building a bike from 2015 that has some proprietary/discontinued parts that are, of course, really hard to find. I find what I need at this website here https://www.biketone.cz/

It's not a known website (at least in my country) but:

1. the prices they put seem normal and not super cheap like fake/scam websites

2. they have a quick and (what seems to be) genuine client support, not bots or similar

3. what makes me doubt about it is that the only form of payment accepted is bank transfer, no paypal, no google or apple pay.

Has anyone bought from this website already? Do you think I can trust it?

I'm buying my first road bike and can't decide between two new Cubes from my local shop. Both have the same geometry, Shimano 105 12s with hydraulic discs, a full carbon fork and 32 mm tyres.

The differences:
Price: €1,349 (SLX) vs €1,749 (C:62 Race)
Frame: aluminium vs carbon
Wheels: Newmen Performance R.32 alloy vs Newmen Advanced C.38 carbon
Weight: 9.9 kg vs 8.9 kg
Tyre clearance: 33 mm vs 36 mm

How I'll use it:
Mostly weekend rides of 60+ km, mixing flat roads with climbs (local hills, ~500 m climbs)
Occasional city commuting
Maybe one bikepacking trip a year (light setup, frame/saddle bags)

Background: I'm an ultrarunner, so fitness and long hours aren't a problem, but I'm new to road cycling.

My questions:
Is there a noticeable difference in ride feel between an alloy and a carbon frame, especially with 32 mm tyres?

Are the carbon wheels the bigger upgrade here rather than the frame?

For a first road bike, would you put the €400 into the carbon version, or into the alloy bike plus pedals, shoes, a bike fit and bags?

Thanks!

I have a question regarding my new bike and its pedals, I recently got a used specialized ruby elite to use for commuting and also going for nice long rides on the weekends.

This bikes comes with the clicking pedals, which I think would be nice for efficiency and long rides. But inconvenient for commuting having to bring a second pair of shoes.

I am interested in getting those dual pedals where one side you click in and one side is regular, what is the opinion on those from those who have used them, Pros? Cons? Advice?

Hello Reddit, looking for some advice.

I’m 30 and have been big into biking on and off for the last few years. Had a pretty severe concussion in 2023 and finally got properly back on the bike in April this year.

Since then I’m down 27kg, started at 113kg and currently around 86kg. Still a way to go.
I tried to bike as much as I could this summer. Honestly my weight held me back quite a bit and progress was slower than normal, but I loved being back on the bike and definitely got fitter.

In summer obviously fairly easy to stay on track. Winter is where I usually let myself go and lose fitness, so I’m a bit concerned about heading into it this year and ending up back in the same cycle.

Winter cycling where I live is basically impossible, we’re talking 3/4ft of snow outside most days. So I’ve bought a KICKR CORE 2 and will put my current road bike on it. Originally planned on getting the Zwift Ride but it’s sold out here. I’ve also just had a professional bike fit so all good on that side.

Basically I have around 5 months indoors and I want to actually use them properly this year. I’d love to head into next summer strong and maybe start entering some races. But more importantly I want to start the summer already able to do long distances at a solid speed, rather than spending the first few months trying to build my fitness back up again.

So a few questions
Any specific Zwift plans/programs you recommend?
Is a coach worth it at my level or overkill, It would have to be online I imagine any recommendations?
How do you stay consistent and on track all winter?
Would also be interested to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. What worked, what didn’t and any dos/don’ts you’d recommend.
Any advice welcome.

So I live in Thailand and hit a big pothole with my zipps. Back wheel broke and the rim is broken. I bought the wheels as used so I don't have the original receipt, so ZIPP pissed on me with their crash warranty. It's the previous gen of NSW, 2022 model year I think.

Is there any way to fix this wheel? Buy just the rim or something? Or maybe someone has a used wheel to sell to fit my pair?

A new back wheel costs more than I paid for a set one year ago...

I'm a relatively decent road cyclist and looking to get into Gravel. I'm always looking for a good deal rather than a brand so I'm drawn to the XLab GT8.

The reviews on youtube are mostly very complimentary; here's one from Cade Media who I tend to trust but I did also find this bad review from The Bicycle Station . Putting their hideous personalities aside (think Bill and Ted without the charm) the review is pretty scathing and has made me think twice.

Basically looking for reviews from people who own the GT8. Where does it sit on the scale of Cade Media (fast, great value, well built) to Bicycle Station (Putty Frame, slowest bike they've ever ridden, the GRX groupset is trash). I would be looking to enter some races on this, but realistically I'm not going to win any of them whether I'm on a $10,000 bike or a GT8.

All input appreciated!

Hello

I am currently a Design Engineer student going into my 3rd year and have been tasked with looking into redesign ideas and currently trying to brainstorm ideas to come up with.

Is there any products or specific parts of bikes that could be improved on a universal level, I'm currently looking into a bike frame with external opening ports for brake fluid lines ensuring maintenance easier but unsure if its sufficient enough to base a project on. Any ideas on what specifically could benefit this idea, or alternatively completely new ideas that would be better.

I've linked a Google form below, if anyone could make the time to fill it out it would be massively appreciated https://forms.gle/SSWcDADyfbPRkXQ5A

If not any ideas you do have could be put in the feed of this chat that would also be a huge help.

Thank you :)

Been cycling for a few years, and bought my first ever new bike. The bike itself is just fine, i just don’t know that it’s worth what I paid. I’ve never spent that much money on myself at one time, and I keep seeing completely adequate bikes on FB marketplace for half what I paid. I guess it’s just a learning experience, but hoping to hear I’m not alone in this.

so got a new set of wheels and new set of ultegra brakes. the front wheel i can easily hand turn the lockring but it doesn't meet the brake, it gets unable to turn by hand by around 50%. so i stupidly used the tool to get it all the way and now it's tightened. after thinking about it a few days i thought the problem could be the hub, or the lockring or even some dirt (unlikely as both are new!)

the brake disk is true and there is no problem. do you think i should undo the lockring and diagnose the issue or just leave it?

Does anyone else’s elite fly bottles leak like a sieve ? Mine seem to leak from around the mouth piece, I’ve tried hand washing only, checked the mouth piece for any debris to no avail.

Specifically 750ml bottles, which I have x4 of all seem to leak no matter what, yet my 500ml bottles are ok.

Sounds like a minor problem, but when carb mix is constantly leaking onto your bike it’s rather annoying to clean it off after every ride

Thanks

I posted here 2 days ago on which groupset to choose for my new road bike. I have some new info so I would like it to share and get some opinions because I feel stuck on what to pick 😆

I currently have 2014 trek 105 mechanical. Rode like 35k km on it did some races but I dont plan on racing again. Just some KoM hunting.

Both new bikes I can choose from are exactly same just different groupsets + 105 Di2 comes with power meter that is 4iiii. I know nothing about 4iiii power meters. I dont really care about extra hood buttons as I never had them and was fine but Im planning on buying light radar and new GPS that supports it.

Ultegra model would be 250$ more expensive than 105 with PM.

I’ve been biking for 1 year 3 months now. Original first bike was an aluminum guru road bike. It had a selle italia saddle on it. Was giving me bum issues and I switched with a serfas saddle. Shit was ugly asf. But my god was it good. Had minimum back pain, I used to get left groin issues , or issues with my balls. It always hurt on the left side of my bum. With this seat no issues, I did multiple centuries and all was well. I bought a Scott addict this year and been having saddle sore issues on the left side. I tried SLR saddles, Sworks mirror saddles, I’ve tried bout 8 different saddles, issue is always the same. Groin or balls start killing me and it just gets uncomfortable to be on the seat. My bike is paired with enve 4.5s and aesthetically it’s a beautiful bike. That serfas seat is so big and granny looking, should I just switch back to it? Any saddles for performance with similar build to a serfas? I’m in need of help

Hello, I just purchased a used Garmin Edge 540 and I want to get a HRM to track my heart rate and basic metrics during work outs. I do not own a smartwatch nor do I plan to purchase one.

I am between the Polar H10 and the Garmin 200 or 600. I plan to use it predominantly for cycling and gym workouts, maybe an occasional run.

Basically I am wondering if the stand-alone feature of the Garmin 600 is necessary if I plan to always have my bike computer or phone with me anyway? And would I miss out on anything if I just go with the H10? Thanks!

OK, I don’t know why I keep going on Facebook Marketplace. Every time I do, I end up getting irritated by people listing their bikes for ridiculous prices.
Perfect example: This guy is trying to sell his Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 for more than the price of a brand-new SL 6 Gen 5. Seriously?
And then there are the listings where people can’t even be bothered to include the frame size. You have to scroll through all the photos and hope they took a picture of the frame showing the size. How hard is it to include that basic information when you’re trying to sell a bike?
I just don’t get it. Some of these listings are absolutely ridiculous.
Here’s the actual description from this one:
2025 Trek Domane Carbon SL5 Shimano Di2
“Upgrades Handle Bar Zipp Sl80 new tape Bar 38 Cable Free.
New Specialized Gravel tire 38. Tubeless Ready. Comes with the original road tires 28. Extra inner tube and one CO2 with kit. Less 25miles ridden. 100% good conditions.”
Apparently, we’re supposed to pay more than the price of a brand-new bike and play detective just to figure out what we’re buying.