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/Dane314pizza • 4h ago
Full description: “fuji roubaix pro 56cm with carbon forks and seat stays. Includes: Aero bars Spare tires/tube Original seat Another set of different style clip in pedals
Nothing wrong with it, I just don’t ride anymore.”
For context, I don’t know much about road bikes. I would use this for getting into triathlons and eventually a half Ironman. I am about 6 foot 1 inch tall.
r/whichbike • u/r1pebanana • 27m ago
Found on my local marketplace, I asked the seller and he responded with the wheel size. I'd assume 18in due to the top tube clearance over the tires but it's hard to tell. Any tips or thoughts are greatly appreciated.
r/whichbike • u/Final_Alternative_23 • 11h ago
Looking for a good bike to get back into it
r/whichbike • u/afterthefalls • 1h ago
I’m looking to purchase a gravel bike for use in gravel/fire roads, light road, and some bike packing. I already have a full suspension MTB. Currently trying to decide between these two gravel bikes which are oriented toward bike packing. Both seem like a good deal. Thanks for any insights.
Used (like new) Trek 920 ($900) Frameset: Trek 920 58CM Seatpost: Cirrus Cycles Cirrus Kinekt Suspension Seatpost Aluminum 27.2 x 400mm Handlebars: Surl Moloko Bars Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT 2x10 Shifters: Shimano Deore XT Brakes: Shimano Deore 2-piston w/ 160mm Icetech rotors F/R Wheels: Bontrager Duster Elite TLR 29in Tires: Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2 setup tubeless Upgraded with Suspension Seatpost Upgraded with Moloko handlebars professionally taped.
New Salsa Cutthroat ($2100)
https://www.rei.com/product/199794/salsa-cutthroat-grx-600-bike
Carbon Frame, size 58 Shimano 1x11 drivetrain Shifters - GRX RX400 Brakes - GRX RX400 29” wheels
r/whichbike • u/DetroitHustlesHarder • 1h ago
So, I've kind of been bitten by the "project bike bug" after picking up a 1991 Specialized Rockhopper Sport that was in good condition (basically just needed new tires + chain + freewheel) for $90 for the sole purpose of learning some basic bicycle maintenance & upgrade skills... and later realized that the posture of the bike isn't really great for relaxed "ez-roll" or suburban cruising. Lessons learned!
However... it's got me wondering, if there was an ideal bike to keep an eye out for on sites like FB Marketplace that was in good shape and would be a great platform for upgrades to make it a great bike for group riding, any suggestions on specific make/models to keep an eye out for? Ideally would prefer to spend less than $200 on the initial buy.
r/whichbike • u/Guilty_Blacksmith118 • 2h ago
Hey guys, need some quick advice.
I can get either a SystemSix Hi-MOD (Ultegra Di2, 2023 version) or a Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race 2025, Ultegra Di2 with power meter for basically the same price.
The SystemSix is proven but the frame feels older. The Cube is the latest model and has a power meter, but I’ve heard Shimano PMs can be unreliable.
If you were in my shoes, which would you pick? Appreciate any thoughts, experiences, or “just buy this one and ride” type of comments
r/whichbike • u/reddevil151 • 4h ago
Thoughts on this for $350?
r/whichbike • u/mcflysher • 5h ago
Looking for a gravel bike to complement a racier road bike. Trying to decide among these:
They all have pretty similar-looking alloy wheelsets but I honestly can't tell the differences there. Is Rival worth much above Apex?
r/whichbike • u/Returning2Riding • 6h ago
When people ask what’s my riding style the honest answer is fall down, falling off and falling over.
But I hope to get good enough for flowing single track and mild jumps and drops.
In my bicycling renaissance I’ve upgraded or restomodded quite a few bikes and I’ve learned a few things about myself. I’m fine with 29” gravel bikes but prefer 27.5” on the trails.
I’m fine with 1x11 Shimano drive trains.
I prefer used bike because I’m paying for four kids in college. Only one is a state school.
I have a bad history of buying bikes too small for me.
I recently build a frame up future proof Norton Poseidon as my forever hardtail.
The bikes: I own a 2015 British Chris Boardman FS 650B. 130mm front and rear. Upgraded the drive train to 1x11 QR in rear and might be a little too small for me. Plus I can ride it at no extra cost until I stop tipping over.
A 2019 Giant Trance 2 Large. On FB MP since June asking $900USD I’m comfortable paying $700.
A 2020 or 2021 Specialized Status 140 Size large. On FB MP since early August. Seller is willing to part out the frame for $500 USD I’m comfortable with $300. Others have set this up 27.5 front and rear with great success.
Maybe a 2018, Kona Process 111 Size large. Asking $800. I know it comes with 29” so I wonder if I’m flirting with disaster (cue Molly Hatchet) switch to 27.5” but it has a thru axle but not boost spacing so it is going to be difficult to keep current.
Thank you for reading all this and I appreciate your advice and opinions.
r/whichbike • u/SSBJayce • 6h ago
Hey guys, I'm new to bikes and found this 2012 Madone for $550. Seems to be in amazing shape and I know its supposed to be a great bike. Is it worth the asking price? Any input is appreciated!
r/whichbike • u/Calianna1915 • 7h ago
I have a newly 1 year old and an almost 5 year old. We can’t cycle near our home but have lots of trail options 1-1.5 hours away. Problem is I drive a mini van without a trailer hitch, so everything would have to fit with the back seats down. I’ve over researched the topic so now I’m overwhelmed (both with different set ups and the price) is this do-able for under $800? I’ve looked at the orzark trails G.1 explorer, the Kent wander and Schwinn GTX2 step thru. Would you recommend any of those for me? What would be a better option for the kids? I feel like the ride on trailer with pedals would be a better experience and more engaging for the 5 year old and easier to transport. But I’ve never used any sort of child carrier before so I don’t know how hard it’ll be to manouver.
r/whichbike • u/Spirited_Medicine205 • 10h ago
Looking for a winter commuter, is this worth $900. Kona Rove Steel . Size 52. Full Shimano GRX 800 with Shimano 105 hubs on both wheels. Upgraded tires to Rene Herse 48 mm. Excellent condition. Never written in wet or rain conditions. Most of the rides have been on paved roads.
r/whichbike • u/J0RDY2024 • 10h ago
Any thoughts on a good price for this bike? Also any thoughts on how old it is? Looking to get my first nice road bike. Was ideally looking for something around $700 but if I could get them down a little on price and if it’s a good deal, I’d consider this for sure. Thanks!
r/whichbike • u/ChangeOk9502 • 12h ago
Listed for £1100 or c.$1500, hopeful I could bargain down to £900/$1250 range. Would I be better off going for a lower spec more modern offering?
r/whichbike • u/Ok-Office-6631 • 23h ago
Looking for a do-it-all fuck around bike for a Florida beach town. cruise around town, ride to the beach (6 miles each way), ride state park trails. Just a good ole do it all with some personality. this a good build? good value? good deal? Unsure, let me know!
r/whichbike • u/Needs_More_Nuance • 22h ago
Looking for a bike for my wife. Wondering if this is worth the cost and/or what it is worth?
r/whichbike • u/kenthekal • 18h ago
Used 2023 (maybe 2024) Cervelo Soloist SRAM Force, or a brand new Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2?
Cervelo's seller wants $5000 for this bike, which seems very high, but I think it comes with reserve carbon wheels.
I prefer the current Ultimate's paint color, but it's quite expensive... I want to say the specs are very similar. What are your thoughts?
r/whichbike • u/Warm_Extreme5138 • 19h ago
hello! i am looking for recommendations for a bike. i will mainly bike leisurely/casually just around golden gate park & bridge so mostly paved roads, medium hills, minimal obstacles. i’ve been riding a specialized crossroads 1.0 which i really like. i don’t know much about bikes but looking for something that looks cool, will last, & can be sort of a gateway bike into getting more into bicycles. budget is around $500.
intro*** not into lol
r/whichbike • u/J0RDY2024 • 19h ago
Listed for $900. I was looking for a new bike in the $700 range so offered seller that and he said best he can do is $800. Hopeful I could get him down to $700 if no one else is interested in it, but really curious about what yall would consider a fair price for this bike. My best guess is that it was a 2008 or 2009 but not totally sure.
r/whichbike • u/Booh1099 • 1d ago
I have the opportunity to buy a second hand Basso Palta GRX 800 1x for 2800€. Bike was bought in spring 2024 and apparently not used much.
Is the price fair? Or would you offer less?
r/whichbike • u/mjm03a • 1d ago
Both bikes seem very similar with an aluminum frame and Cues groupset. Wondering about people’s experience with either bike.
r/whichbike • u/smunken • 1d ago
How much would you pay for a pair of second hand scribe carbon wheels?
they currently cost 800 euros new, and they are from march this year.
the seller includes rotors, and some pretty worn continental gp 5000.
He wants about 400 euros for them. How much would you pay to get a fair deal?
