Was in my local Anaconda the other day and picked this up, $499 is crazy cheap for a gravel bike ($400 off!). Not sure how long it is at the price for though sorry!
2x7 gears (L-Twoo)
Cable Disc Brakes
Gravel Tyres
Bottle mounts
I picked up in store in Melbourne, but looks like you can have it delivered as well (at a cost).
Yes. This is probably among the most basic, lowest specified bikes you could get.
Yeah look it is a bit more but I don't really notice it when riding. I was looking at Trek and their Domane was 10.7kgs but it was $1800…..
Yes. However expect to pay more for anything lighter.
A decent high spec trail bike with full suspension will be about the same weight, but it would cost $10k.
anyone got a link to the specs on this? like what groupset - frame material etc?
It's definitely low priced, but without any info on specs it's honestly hard to say whether it's cheap or not. If it's really lower specced parts then it could still be expensive for what it is.
Something like this at least tells you what it has on it, so you can compare the level of gear with other bikes at a similar price point.
https://www.99bikes.com.au/pedal23-raider-3-dark-grey
I love budget bikes, but when they slap gear on it without informing you of what's on it it's a disservice to the consumer. It could great value. But we can't know.
Of course, it could be a great ride and I hope it is for you OP.
GPT 4o response
Key Issues:
1. Drivetrain (Gearing)
Cheap Components: The 2x7 Twoo drivetrain is a major red flag. Twoo is a budget-tier brand with questionable durability and performance. Shifting might feel clunky and less precise, and parts availability for repairs or replacements could be a nightmare.
Limited Range: With only 14 speeds, you’ll struggle on steep climbs or keeping pace on flats compared to modern 1x11 or 2x10 drivetrains, which are standard even in entry-level gravel bikes.
2. Weight (13kg)
Heavy for Gravel: 13kg is more like a commuter bike weight. For gravel, where climbing and maneuverability matter, this is on the heavier side. Other entry-level bikes, like the Giant Revolt or Polygon Path X, are 1–2 kg lighter in this price range.
3. Mechanical Disc Brakes
These are outdated. While better than rim brakes, they don’t compare to hydraulic disc brakes, which provide smoother, stronger, and more reliable braking, especially in wet or muddy conditions. At this price point, mechanical brakes are expected, but they limit future potential.
4. Wheel and Tire Quality
The lack of details about the wheelset and tires is concerning. Cheap bikes often come with low-quality, heavy wheels and narrow, basic tires that don’t handle gravel well. Upgrading these would cost you at least a few hundred dollars, defeating the purpose of a budget bike.
5. Lack of Brand Reputation and Support
Fluid is a budget house brand (Anaconda’s in-house label), meaning the bike likely lacks the refinement, design expertise, or quality control of established brands like Giant, Specialized, or Trek. Resale value is also almost zero.
6. Comfort and Geometry
No details about geometry suggest it’s a generic frame design. Poor fit or overly stiff geometry can lead to discomfort on long rides, and there’s a risk it won’t feel stable or responsive on technical gravel terrain.
7. Upgrade Potential
Most parts (drivetrain, wheels, brakes) are proprietary or low-end, meaning upgrades are limited or require replacing multiple components. It’s a "ride until it dies" kind of bike, which can end up costing more in repairs over time.
That's the best GPT summary I've ever seen. I'm not sure it's 100% accurate but very believable!
Shame it's a Computer Generated response and not human :')
with my experience on Ltwoo, its not really a red flag. A 2x7 shimano branded drivetrain would be equally woeful if not worse. Any rider with a 2x7 would be happy with Ltwoo. I'd be really happy with this for the price as a beginner. When you compare this with other budget bikes from say Decathlon, I think this is a really good deal. And it's something you can make some small improvements with.
The biggest issue with these are the brakes. They'll stop the bike, but they'll test your grip strength on the lever for sure. If you were to change the cable housing for compressionless brake cable housing, that would be an immediate improvement, but add $50 to the price.
It's got a replaceable derailleur hanger too which helps with the longevity. For $500 I'd happily recommend this to friends new to the sport who are keen to explore bike paths and fire trails.
The closest bike I could compare it to would be the Decathlon Triban RC100 at the same price.
https://www.decathlon.com.au/p/triban-rc-100-road-bike-28-tr…
You're still getting 7 speed, though a shimano derailleur, and you're not getting a front derailleur. You're shifting it with friction shifters up on the bars, instead of brifters like this Fluid bike.
Brakes are rim brake instead of disc, which honestly is fine, but discs will stop better in the wet and other conditions.
The decathlon bike also doesn't have a replaceable derailleur hanger, so once you bend it the bike is toast.
This Fluid is a significant ulplift over it for the price
If it's an AI response it's just auto-completed that it's a Ltwoo branded drivetrain, based on previous discussions/data. It may well be something different.
@Arty.R: @Arty.R, oh okay. Also, really? I saw your comment (thanks for the correction) but then blew up the images and I can't see any branding on any of the componentry. Unless you're able to determine the manufacturer by the shape? Maybe I'm not looking at the right images.
its believable but an exceptionally unfair comparison
The Polgyon X4 and X5 are priced at 1899 and 2499 respectively (currently $1299 and 1899 on bikesonline), featuring significantly better components (as expected). The Path X4 also still features mechanical disc brakes with only the Path X5 featuring hydraulic disc brakes
The Giant Revolt 2 and Revolt 1 are priced at 1899 and 2499 respectively also, Giant doesn't publish weights and your local bike store will likely come in under those prices but don't expect anything more than about 10% for a 2024 model. Weight wise it wouldn't stray far from the Polygons so what ChatGPT says relating to the weight still stands. The Revolt 2 also features mechanical disc, Revolt 1 hydraulic disc.
1) quality point is correct, comment about the 2x7 feeling clunky also stands but whether it will struggle with steep climbs or keeping pace, depends on the information that is not freely available on the website. From a quick google, the typical LTwo 7 speed goes 11-32 which is comparable to the 11-34/11-32/11-30 found on the Polygon and Giant bikes. What will determine the gear range is the crank teeth count which is not available on the Anaconda specs page (it can be visually counted when you go to the store to inspect the bike). If the gearing is similar to the cranksets found on Giant/Polgyon at around 48/32, then the statement about not keeping pace is incorrect.
2) the comparisons are unfair (due to price difference), 13kg while heavy, is still 'fine'
3) as demonstrated with comparison above, mechanical disc brakes are the norm for 'entry level' bikes (upgrade from rim at least)
4) without more information, this is likely very true. On the other hand, if you did upgrade the wheels you are likely to shave a good 1kg off the weight (if they are really bad), reducing the delta in both price savings and weight. Tyres you can spend $100 for a decent set of two
5) fair enough, this is a value judgement call, $500 vs >$1200 bikes (it is budget after all)
6) no details, generic frame design doesn't inherently mean bad. Another 'lack of detail' sold as negative by ChatGPT
7) once again, without details I don't see how ChatGPT can make the judgement that it is 'proprietary'. Low end is assumed based on price. It doesn't make sense that a generic frame would be intentionally using components that are proprietary when open standards would be inherently cheaper. You are also unlikely to be spending significant sums of money on a $500 bike on labour. As an example a basic service from a bike mechanic will probably run you up into the $150 range. Whether someone is likely to spend $150 to service a $500 bike will vary but I will put it down to "unlikely"
On top of all the above points, a customer buying a $500 bike is unlikely to have the knowledge to keep the bike running in tip top shape, thereby exasperating the issue relating to 'poor quality' as opposed to 'poor maintenance'
Is it fair to compare a $500 bike to >$1000 bikes? i don't think so, and you likewise wouldn't expect quality of >$1000 bikes at $500 pricepoint. Point still stands for the 'price' before special ($900 vs >$1800 bikes).
A contributing factor usually to budget bikes not having listed parts is because the manufacturer will pick and choose the cheapest components they feel fit the bill at the time of assembly. This can mean even if a member comes back and posts about what components they received, it could differ between batches (stores, time since last ordered etc) or even between sizes. It can be both a positive and a negative. Decathlon has done this before with their Triban series of bikes where initially they came with great quality components and then later on it was discovered some components were swapped out for lower quality ones.
For someone looking for a family bike, its more than capable. However I would say you're probably better off (typically) with a hybrid or a MTB if you're riding casually.
For someone commuting, it might be a good test to see whether its for you, however the likely low quality components will mean the above very much stands true, getting a better bike from the outside will reduce your maintenance and fluffing around over the life of the bike (and likely enjoy the entire experience more as well)
Fair calls, but for this:
a customer buying a $500 bike is unlikely to have the knowledge
There's a ton of information out there, Youtube included. For me personally, the main sticking point (aside from laziness) is lacking specific tools.
@Speckled Jim: I'm only speaking generically on the balance of probabilities.
There will always be those that seek to fix things themselves and others that are oblivious to the general maintenance.
I'm not having a go at anyone or their values, but if someone owned a $5000 bike, they are far more likely to be 'aware' of whats required to keep it in good condition, vs someone with a $500 bike. The keyword is likely, it doesn't mean the anecdotal discussion we are having applies to everyone
The tools themselves aren't even expensive, typically $20 a pop. However you have people that go to bike shops to get their tubes changed…
$20 a pop
My bike was a $40 purchase.
Granted, I've spent twice that again on newer & better components. Basic stuff is doable with the tools I have.
@Speckled Jim: It's not just laziness. It is lots of time and effort. Fixing issues related to low quality components takes far more time. There are less resources available for help. The tolerances of parts are worse requiring more skill to adjust. The quality of parts leads to stripped screws. Truing cheap wheels is a PITA. Time and frustration
@Snoovey: Parts are such a variable. I've probably been lucky thus far. Trued 2 wheels last year but they weren't too far out to start with. They were on cheap bikes, I'm assuming cheap wheels.
But I have to take exception with that "all too hard" series of barriers you're putting up. Many maintenance and repair concepts are pretty universal — like brakes or gear indexing, and even specific things are easily searchable with the make and model number.
I don't want to change a bottom bracket, but I know I could if I had to.
@Speckled Jim: They are relatively easy for someone with some skills on common components. These are not common. These are low quality stuff that is not designed to be repaired. Is your bottom bracket threaded or press fit? Do you have the tools for it. How long is delivery from AliExpress for the tools. Did you order the right tool? Is it an English thread or French. Do you need to face the surfaces. How are you measuring the size of the bottom bracket. Have you allowed for the crank clearance?
It just goes on and on. Time and frustration
You are really not helping anyone who is buying a first bike
You are really not helping anyone who is buying a first bike
Ultimately, my advice is buy a decent bike secondhand. Amazing what's out there. It's what I did, but I'm prepared to fix or replace things.
If people want warranty backup and servicing, see your bike shop.
@Speckled Jim: You might have started this thread with that advice. Solid recommendation. Second hand bikes likely have some issues, but so do these brand new ones
I won't comment on this particular bike, but speaking as an ex-roadie and sometimes mountain biker - gravel bikes are tons of fun and you should buy one. I bought that Trek from the deal just before christmas and bloody love it. Tons of fun. So much fun.
ex-roadie? please explain
My road bikes have been gathering dust, hanging from the garage ceiling, since I left my Launceston bunch behind and moved back to Canberra. Life moves on.
so i take it you had fun?
You're very perceptive :)
Good to see this posted.
The price is super cheap. Ive got expensive mountain bikes and thought this might be good for some asphalt bike track work or riding to work faster than my hard tail.
No good if it breaks all the time though.
I feel like this bike is functionally 80%+ of the way to my 3k+ gravel bike for less than 20% of the cost, and the costs of high end SRAM or Shimano GRX builds.
If you are buying this gravel as a versatile commuter, it's probably not going to be too bad. But for another $500 you can also find a decent BMC hybrid with a serviceable 1x11 Deore groupset, fenders and disc brakes.
13Kg. Is that a lot for a gravel bike?