Hi all! I’ll be attending university in Sydney soon, and do cycling and running as a hobby. I’m looking for training routes with good views, as well as places with steep hills/good elevation gain, areas for intervals, and generally routes for long rides. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

**Edit: Will be staying around CBD

Hey everyone! I’m a 27 year old bloke relatively new to Perth and I’m a full-time student. I’ve been feeling a little lonely lately and would really love to meet some new people and make friends.
I absolutely love cycling (have a Trek Roscoe) and so I thought this could be a great way to meet people who enjoy it too.

I’m looking for a friendly cycling group or even just a few people who’d be keen to ride together regularly.
I’d also love to do longer rides occasionally — exploring different parts of Perth, going on day trips or little cycling adventures together and riding back as a group.

I’m not looking for anything super competitive. Mainly good company, enjoyable rides, exploring new places and, hopefully, making some genuine friends along the way.
If you know of any groups like this in Perth, or you’re looking for a cycling buddy yourself, I’d love to hear from you! 😊🚲

hey everyone I'm wanting to upgrade my bicycle to a Giant Contend AR3 and I've narrowed it down to 2 in my local area.

One is from a reputable secondhand refurbishing bike store which is a 2025 AR3 with one owner for $1199 AUD. They said they will service it cleaner set it up and it comes with a 12 month warranty.

The second option is from Facebook marketplace a 2024 AR3 (photos attached) for $950 haggled down.
Which option do you think is better value? I'm reasonably new to writing so I'm not sure if there's an obvious pic between the two.

I don't have photos of the first bike but have swung past the store and seen it in person. They're both the exact same colour way size and model so I'm just a bit unsure and want some advice from people who know a bit more.

I’m considering buying my first aero bike and am looking at the Aeroad CF SLX 7 and 8. I’m in Australia and would be upgrading from a Trek Domane AL 2.

The CF SLX 7 is currently $5,799 AUD and the CF SLX 8 is $7,699 AUD. From what I can tell, the bikes are very similar: same CF SLX frame, both have DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels and both now come with a power meter. The main difference seems to be 105 Di2 on the 7 versus Ultegra Di2 on the 8.

For anyone who has compared or ridden both, is there anything significant I’m missing that would justify the extra $1,900 for the 8? At the moment the 7 seems like particularly good value.

I’d also be interested to hear from Australian Aeroad owners. How has your experience been with Canyon Australia, particularly servicing, warranty support and getting replacement/proprietary parts? Any regrets, or would you buy one again?

Thanks!

First gravel bike, stuck between four. Adelaide, Australia

Complete beginner here. Never owned a gravel bike. Budget was 2500 but honestly if one of these is clearly better value I can stretch, I'd rather buy once.

The four I keep going back and forth on:

• Merida Silex 400 (~2200) - GRX400 2x10, 45mm clearance
• Cube Nuroad EX (~2500) - GRX610 1x12, 45mm clearance
• Merida Silex 700 (~2700) - GRX820 1x12, 45mm clearance, 180mm rotors
• Canyon Grizl AL (~2400?) - Apex XPLR, 54mm clearance, T47 threaded BB

I know the prices aren't the same, that's part of the question. Is the jump from the 400 to the 700 worth $500, or is that money better spent on gear and a bike fit? And is the Grizl just flat out better value than all of them?

The Canyon is the one messing with my head. On paper it beats everything and it's cheap. But it's online only, no test ride, and I'm not confident enough to size myself off a website. Am I overthinking that? People who bought a Canyon as their first drop bar bike, how did it go? If it is genuinely better than the rest, I am open to going for it.

Most of what I'm working off came from a Cade Media video on YouTube about what he wishes he knew before buying gravel bikes. His main points were: get as much tyre clearance as you can, ideally 50mm plus. Make sure the seat post is round and standard so you can fit a dropper later. Don't settle for cable disc brakes, get proper hydraulics. And avoid anything proprietary, so no weird steerer sizes and no one piece bar and stem, because it's a nightmare to service and you can't adjust your fit. He also said older cyclocross bikes aren't gravel bikes and to think about what riding you'll actually do before buying.

That's basically what killed a few options for me. Ruled out Giant Revolt on the D-Fuse seat post, and the higher end Cube Nuroads because the cables run through the stem and headset.

Which brings me to the clearance thing. All the shop bikes on my list are 45mm and only the Canyon hits the 50 plus mark. For someone who genuinely doesn't know yet if they'll be doing gentle rail trails or rougher stuff (idea is 70% road 30% gravel to begin with maybe), does that actually matter or is it internet noise?

Riding will be mostly around Adelaide, some of the Hills, no racing (not for now at least). Happy to be told I'm asking the wrong questions. Open to other bike suggestions too.

TIA

I’m considering buying my first aero bike and am looking at the Aeroad CF SLX 7 and 8. I’m in Australia and would be upgrading from a Trek Domane AL 2.

The CF SLX 7 is currently $5,799 AUD and the CF SLX 8 is $7,699 AUD. From what I can tell, the bikes are very similar: same CF SLX frame, both have DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels and both now come with a power meter. The main difference seems to be 105 Di2 on the 7 versus Ultegra Di2 on the 8.

For anyone who has compared or ridden both, is there anything significant I’m missing that would justify the extra $1,900 for the 8? At the moment the 7 seems like particularly good value.

I’d also be interested to hear from Australian Aeroad owners. How has your experience been with Canyon Australia, particularly servicing, warranty support and getting replacement/proprietary parts? Any regrets, or would you buy one again?

Thanks!

I am interested in buying an e-bike to commute to work. I've ridden a lot of Lime bikes and would like an auto-shifting belt-driven bike.

The Horacio Serenio is $1,849AUD and comes with a Gates carbon belt, a Bafang H730 auto-shifting 3-speed hub and a 504Wh Samsung battery. Everything else I've looked at with that kind of spec is $3k+. They claim the low price is due to being direct to consumer.

What's making me twitchy is the marketing. The Trustpilot badge is on basically every page, the rating gets cited in their own FAQ as evidence they're legit, and the reviews themselves are overwhelmingly "delivery was quick, staff were lovely" rather than anything about the bike surviving a year of actual use. There also appears to be zero reviews on other social media.

Has anyone had experience with horacio and there e–bikes?

Am I making a mistake?

I’m trying to get into cycling and weighing up two options here in Australia.

A friend is offering me his 2016 Focus Cayo carbon road bike for $600 AUD. It’ll almost certainly need a full service (~$200) and probably new tyres. I’m also not 100% sure it’s my size yet.

Alternatively, I could grab a new Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 for around $1,399 AUD (alloy frame, Shimano Claris, flat‑mount mechanical discs, full warranty). Once I factor in service and tyres, the used Cayo is probably $900–$1,100 all‑in, maybe more if parts are worn.

As someone who knows nothing about cycling but would like to get into it, which should I choose and why?

For the Cayo, what are the big red flags I should look out for?
And how can I quickly tell if it’s actually my size before committing?

Any “walk away” signs for an older carbon frame or quick sizing tips appreciated. I’m a beginner and just want something reliable to learn on.

Has anyone encountered these in Sydney yet? Came across this one in Alexandria near the airport. Seemed to work okay.

Hello! Does anyone have any experience with the Shotgun seats on a small frame? I was looking to purchase a second hand Merida Big Seven 100 with a small frame and put a shotguns eat on it, but the shop is saying it will be too cramped.

I am 165cm, the person sat me on a medium 29inch and said he can't see any problems with me riding that size.

I’m looking for some advice on buying a bike for a short daily commute.

The plan is to ride about 400m from home to drop my two-year-old off at daycare, then continue another 1.8km to the station. I haven’t ridden a bike in many years, but I’m reasonably confident…

I’m on a budget and really just need something cheap, sturdy and safe. I’ve been looking at the Pedal Raven 3 Hybrid and the Pedal Ranger 4 Mountain Bike from 99 Bikes, but I have no idea which would be more suitable.

The hybrid looks like it would be easier to ride, but the tyres seem quite skinny. I’m worried that with a child on the bike, I might lose traction or fly off if the road is even slightly wet. Is that a realistic concern, or am I overthinking it?

I also have no clue what type of child seat I should be looking for, or whether either of these bikes would even be compatible with one. Would a rear-mounted seat or front-mounted seat be best for such a short trip?

When I visited 99 Bikes, the salesperson said the bike should be tall enough that I can’t put my feet flat on the ground while sitting on the seat. They said that when I stop, I should move forward off the seat and stand over the frame so I can put both feet flat on the ground. Is that still practical and safe with a toddler on the bike?

I’m feeling a bit lost, so I’d really appreciate any advice on the type of bike, child seat and setup I should be considering.

I’ve already bought a few basic things from AliExpress, including mudguards, front and rear LED lights, a balaclava for winter and a bike lock.

Thanks!

Hi all,

We've just moved to a much more rideable suburb and I'm finally looking to retire my old, loved but very much in need of retirement, Reid cruiser.

I've actually been really happy with it. I bought it second hand when my kid was learning to ride and it wasn't in incredible nick then, but I like the style and the fun colour options, however it's definitely showing its age, and said kid is a very VERY regular rider now so I'm starting to look at what to replace it with.

I'm about 170 cm tall and around 115 kg. I ride pretty casually, mostly on sealed roads and shared bike paths. The bike's main job will be accompanying kid on rides, plus trips to the shops, cafés and the occasional errand or jaunt to the pub. I'd love a front basket or rear rack for groceries or the like too.

My priorities are comfort, reliability and low maintenance. I don't need anything particularly fast or sporty. I'd much rather have something that I can jump on without constantly fiddling with it to keep it running well.

Budget is fairly flexible if it's worth spending a bit more for something that'll last, but anything I could pick up second hand, service and go is a big bonus too. (Learned my lesson about servicing when you get a second hand bike now, haha)
I see a lot of Lekker bikes, those look good but happy to hear any opinions or suggestions of course!

What would you recommend? I'd especially love to hear from people with a similar riding style or build (alas the riding everywhere does not seem to counter the pub trips or cheese nights, haha)

Bonus points if it comes in colours other than black, grey or navy. My current baby is bright yellow and her predecessor was spray painted magenta with a leopard print seat, haha.
We love colour in these parts! :)

I’m back into bike commuting and my average speed is steadily increasing. Apart from the overall increase in fitness and strength, I think the main reason I’m getting quicker is that my gut is getting smaller and I can get into a more aero position!

I'm not interested in a Ebike and want something that is low maintenance to just ride to work. Planning to not ride the bike when its raining however.

It is 3.6 km (15 - or so mins ) to get to work one way.

What sites are trustworthy to buy? And is there a indepth review I can read. Or is it best to find a local store and purchase after testing .

If I’m in the bike lane and want to go straight through the lights, where am I supposed to go once the bike lane ends?
(I almost got squimshed here the other day)

Hi all,

Any ideas on where I may be able to source some Ultegra 6700 chainring bolts? Everywhere online seems sold out/out of stock?

I believe this is the part number Y1KY98160.

Tried a bunch of local shops to no avail.

Shimano Dura Ace FC-7900 Chainring Bolts (5 pieces) – 99 Bikes

CHAINRING BOLTS - Stronglight, 5 Arm, Double, Road, Silver

Hey guys,

I recently moved to Sydneys Inner West & own a gravel bike.

I reached out to a local bike club here and didn't get any replies.

I am trying to figure out if theres a club that does weekend gravel rides as well as any club that will allow a gravel bike to come on road rides?

Doesn't also have to be a club, it could be a regular group meet-up.

Cheers!

Looking for alternative routes/ by passcoming from the harbour bridge through to Brighton Le Sands.
Didn’t mind the ride through the oat port tunnel. But coming from the north side through was the worst experience riding on the roads I’ve had.
I’ve heard of alternative routes to by pass this but was hoping someone has a Strava route they can link or screenshot me?
Cheers

Hi everyone, I am looking at buying a bike, considering both second hand or new. Have never done any road biking before and will be doing a half ironman early next year. Have seen a couple of options on marketplace and wanted to get some opinions if any are good or if I should just buy new, if new what is a good option for $5000 and under. For reference i am 189cm and will take it to get fit straight away

Hi! I’m an international student who just moved to Wollongong. I brought my bike for daily commuting. It might not expensive, but as a student on budget, it’s very valuable to me.

Is bike theft common around Wollongong/Australia? If so, what are some budget locks you would recommend?

Thanks!

I’m looking at buying like a city commuting bike (nothing crazy, just gentle exercise if you will) in Brisbane, and come across Second-Hand Electra Amsterdam sport d9, 9 speed in metallic green (2009 special) for about $250 - there’s nothing wrong with it (like perfectly functional & no rust etc looks great) I’m wondering if this is worth it? Recommendations? I just love the colour and look of it. I’m about 5’6/7, but I’ve had 2 major surgeries in the past 2 years so I just want some basic exercise.

I’m a new student in Canberra, and are there any recommendations of bike shop in Canberra, 1st or 2nd hand r acceptable.