Buying bikes on Ebay

Quoted message said:

- Are they overpriced? I hate to get caught up in a bidding competition.

Quoted message said:

- On the other hand, I've seen some great bikes go for relatively low prices.

I've never bought a bike, but I have bought other stuff.

I think you're on to a key point: research what stuff is going for, decide if that seems a fair
price, and then stick to that price range in your bidding.

If the bidding goes higher than your price, move on to the next auction. Odds are you will
eventually win one.

Chris Neary [email hidden]

"Science, freedom, beauty, adventure: what more could you ask of life? Bicycling combined all the
elements I loved" - Adapted from a quotation by Charles Lindbergh

If you're not buying your first road bike, and have the fit all figured out, eBay could be a decent
way to snag a bike. However, I've seen a lot of bikes on eBay go for a lot more than they're worth,
including at least one bike from a good customer of ours that had been pretty much ridden into the
ground and yet fetched quite a bit of money.

Fit is key. If you can find a good shop that pays a lot of attention to getting you properly fit,
that may very well be a worthwhile expense, and something you should factor into the price. You also
have the benefit of a local place that maintains a sense of ownership in your bike, in the event
that something isn't quite right. But if you've already had road bikes, know what fits you and have
no issues working on your own bike, then you just may find that perfect bike out there being
discarded by someone who didn't really have the bike bug.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

"Jeff Sutton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:FXHWa.3626$qf.653@lakeread06...

Quoted message said:

I'm in the market for a road bike, but I don't really want to spring for

the

Quoted message said:

full-price, shop-floor model. I never buy a new car, and for the same reasons don't really want to
buy a new bike.

What are the ups and downs of buying a bike on EBAY? Things that worry me:

- Are they overpriced? I hate to get caught up in a bidding competition.

- Do you worry about perhaps buying a stolen bike?

- I always figured the really good deals would be bought up by locals who could actually examine
the bike.

- My main problem with EBAY is a variation of Groucho's complaint: "If I win the bid, it's
probably not a good deal"

- On the other hand, I've seen some great bikes go for relatively low prices.

Any comments? Experiences of those who purchased a bike on EBAY?

Thanks!

"Jeff Sutton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:FXHWa.3626$qf.653@lakeread06...

Quoted message said:

Any comments? Experiences of those who purchased a bike on EBAY?

I won't buy a bicycle unless I can actually see it. It would be very easy to end up owning a stolen
bicycle or one that needs a lot of parts replaced. It is not worth the potential for a very trouble.

Jeff Sutton said:

I'm in the market for a road bike, but I don't really want to spring for the full-price,
shop-floor model. I never buy a new car, and for the same reasons don't really want to buy a
new bike.

What are the ups and downs of buying a bike on EBAY? Things that worry me:

- Are they overpriced? I hate to get caught up in a bidding competition.

- Do you worry about perhaps buying a stolen bike?

- I always figured the really good deals would be bought up by locals who could actually examine
the bike.

- My main problem with EBAY is a variation of Groucho's complaint: "If I win the bid, it's
probably not a good deal"

- On the other hand, I've seen some great bikes go for relatively low prices.

Any comments? Experiences of those who purchased a bike on EBAY?

Thanks!

Try looking for discounts on last years models etc. That way you can get a good bike and be fitted.

Robin

"Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

If you're not buying your first road bike, and have the fit all figured

out,

Quoted message said:

eBay could be a decent way to snag a bike. However, I've seen a lot of bikes on eBay go for a lot
more than they're worth, including at least one bike from a good customer of ours that had been
pretty much ridden into

the

Quoted message said:

ground and yet fetched quite a bit of money.

Fit is key. If you can find a good shop that pays a lot of attention to getting you properly fit,
that may very well be a worthwhile expense, and something you should factor into the price. You
also have the benefit of

a

Quoted message said:

local place that maintains a sense of ownership in your bike, in the event that something isn't
quite right. But if you've already had road bikes, know what fits you and have no issues working
on your own bike, then you just may find that perfect bike out there being discarded by someone
who didn't really have the bike bug.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

I disagree that prices on Ebay are high. At the moment they are quite low. I do agree that it makes
sense to buy a first bike, at least, from a dealer who can fit you and match the equipment to your
needs. If you know what you need and what fits then there are some incredible bargains on Ebay.

Fred Knife Outlet knifeoutlet.comknifeoutlet.comOpen ↗

I haven't bought a bike on eBay but I have sold one. The bike I sold went to a local buyer so I
didn't have to get my LBS to break it down, box it up, and ship it out. Also, I did not meet with
the buyer until the money was in my Paypal account. (I didn't know the buyer was local until after
the auction ended.)

That being said, I personally would not buy a bike on eBay unless it was local and the buyer agreed
to let me examine it before I bid. IMHO, a bike is a very personalized purchase and I'd need to have
hands-on contact with a bike before I plunk down my hard earned dough.

Jeff Sutton said:

I'm in the market for a road bike, but I don't really want to spring for the full-price, shop-floor
model. I never buy a new car, and for the same reasons don't really want to buy a new bike.

What are the ups and downs of buying a bike on EBAY? Things that worry me:

- Are they overpriced? I hate to get caught up in a bidding competition.

- Do you worry about perhaps buying a stolen bike?

- I always figured the really good deals would be bought up by locals who could actually examine
the bike.

- My main problem with EBAY is a variation of Groucho's complaint: "If I win the bid, it's probably
not a good deal"

- On the other hand, I've seen some great bikes go for relatively low prices.

Any comments? Experiences of those who purchased a bike on EBAY?

Thanks!

The '03 model year is over and several local shops have '03s they want to move to get ready for the
'04 models. I wouldn't be surprised if some of your LBS were doing the same thing. Also, take a look
at used bikes in the shops; my LBS found me a great deal on a basically new (but used pricing) Trek
2300. I'm happy, the seller was happy, the shop was happy.

--
Tom Scanlin

I recently bought a Trek 2200 off Ebay. The bike was brand new. Things you need to know:

Make sure of the model you want to buy and that you are comfortable with the fit (this will require
you go to a LBS.)

Make sure you know what condition you are getting the bike in. What assembly is required? Has the
bike already been set up and adjusted (shifting, brakes, etc.)

What are the return policies?

The bike I bought was fine except it required more assembly than the seller indicated. The shifting
points had not been adjusted. There was some lubrication that was not done which resulted in an
awful creaking. No manuals were included with the bike.

The bike had about a $200 discount off retail. However, I had to take it to a LBS for setup and this
added around $50. Unless you are getting a VERY deep discount the advantages of buying at the LBS
outweigh the uncertainties of buying off the internet.

"Jeff Sutton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<FXHWa.3626$qf.653@lakeread06>...

Quoted message said:

I'm in the market for a road bike, but I don't really want to spring for the full-price,
shop-floor model. I never buy a new car, and for the same reasons don't really want to buy a
new bike.

What are the ups and downs of buying a bike on EBAY? Things that worry me:

- Are they overpriced? I hate to get caught up in a bidding competition.

- Do you worry about perhaps buying a stolen bike?

- I always figured the really good deals would be bought up by locals who could actually examine
the bike.

- My main problem with EBAY is a variation of Groucho's complaint: "If I win the bid, it's
probably not a good deal"

- On the other hand, I've seen some great bikes go for relatively low prices.

Any comments? Experiences of those who purchased a bike on EBAY?

Thanks!

You must trust the seller not only to describe the bike fairly and accurately but also to pack it
securely for shipment.

Case in point: Last year I bought an older racing bike in poor cosmetic condition that I wanted only
for the frame. I got it for only $30, plus $45 packing & shipping to be handled by the seller's LBS.
I think all the LBS did was give the guy a used bike box. The seller said the frame was true and
corrosion-free, which was proved to be correct, but he was downright careless in packing it. When
UPS delivered it, the fork ends were protruding through the cardboard bike box; inside, the downtube
paint was gouged by the rear wheel's cassette. Fortunately the only damage was cosmetic and I was
repainting the frame anyway. I was very lucky the fork ends, in particular, were not trashed. I
complained to the seller, who responsibly refunded me half of what I'd spent.

The story has a happy ending in that once I built the bike up (with wheels and components I already
had) it proved to be a joy to ride -- stiff, light, fast, and fits me like a glove. But it could
have turned out worse.

This said, I might indeed by another bike on Ebay -- if and only if a reputable LBS packed and
shipped it.

Mike Yankee

(Address is munged to thwart spammers. To reply, delete everything after "com".)

John said:

Make sure of the model you want to buy and that you are comfortable with the fit (this will
require you go to a LBS.)

Are you saying he should waste the LBS's time before buying the same bike on eBay?

Art Harris

Jeff Sutton said:

I'm in the market for a road bike, but I don't really want to spring for

the

Quoted message said:

full-price, shop-floor model. I never buy a new car, and for the same reasons don't really want to
buy a new bike.

What are the ups and downs of buying a bike on EBAY? Things that worry me:

It's not clear from your post how knowlegeable you are about bikes, bike fit, and mechanics.

When buying on eBay you should must know exactly what you want, and what is being offered.
Furthermore, you should be prepared to do some work like replacing a stem, or making various
adjustments as necessary.

If the seller is knowlegeable and trustworthy (as evidenced by numerous positive feedbacks), you MAY
get a good deal. Even then, packing and shipping costs on a complete bike can be high. And bid
prices for some bikes can get out of control.

I got a good deal on a frame on eBay, and got exactly what I bargained for.

For a complete bike (especially a used one), I think I'd like to see it in person. The seller may
not be aware of things like poorly built wheels, etc.

If you go the eBay route, ask the seller detailed questions, and check the photos. If you have
doubts, don't bid.

Buying a used bike locally might be a better choice.

Art Harris

"Harris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

John said:

Make sure of the model you want to buy and that you are comfortable with the fit (this will
require you go to a LBS.)

Are you saying he should waste the LBS's time before buying the same bike on eBay?

Art Harris

No, obviously he should just order blindly off Ebay without taking into account sizing, style, and
manufacturing quality.

The bike will undoubtedly need accessories and regular service. There's plenty of ways for the LBS
to make back it's money for the time "wasted" letting someone sit on a bike.

Of course if you want to buy the 1st bike you like without shopping around, that's your perogative.

"Mark Jones" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:bgg8ds$8ae$1 @slb9.atl.mindspring.net:

Quoted message said:

"Jeff Sutton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:FXHWa.3626$qf.653@lakeread06...

Quoted message said:

Any comments? Experiences of those who purchased a bike on EBAY?

I won't buy a bicycle unless I can actually see it. It would be very easy to end up owning a
stolen bicycle or one that needs a lot of parts replaced. It is not worth the potential for a very
trouble.

So you can tell a bike's been stolen just by looking at it? That's quite a gift.

On 03 Aug 2003 00:47:52 GMT, [email hidden] (Jkpoulos7) from CompuServe

(url='http://www.compuserve.com/'http://www.compuserve.com//url) said:

Quoted message said:

Are you saying he should waste the LBS's time before buying the same bike on eBay?

I did it when I considered buying a Fuji from bikesdirect.com. Why should the LBS charge $1400 for
a bike that can be shipped to me free for $900?

I thought you rode crappy Huffys. A Fuji is a major step up for you.

--
home.sport.rr.comcuthuluOpen ↗ human rights = peace Can you MAIL a BEAN CAKE?
9:38:44 PM 2 August 2003

John said:

Harris said:

Are you saying he should waste the LBS's time before buying the same

bike on

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

eBay?

Quoted message said:

No, obviously he should just order blindly off Ebay without taking into account sizing, style, and
manufacturing quality.

The reason you can SOMETIMES get lower prices on eBay and mail order is that they don't have to
provide customer service (advice, fitting, setup) or even a showroom where you can see, touch, and
ride the bike. Accepting those services for free from a LBS, when you know you're not going to buy
from them, is kind of sleazy.

Quoted message said:

The bike will undoubtedly need accessories and regular service. There's plenty of ways for the LBS
to make back it's money for the time "wasted" letting someone sit on a bike.

The person who buys a bike on eBay is more likely to buy accessories from Nashbar than a LBS. Of
course, they may continue to waste the LBS's time by trying on helmets, etc. and then buy via MO.

Art Harris

Jkpoulos7 said:

Why should the LBS charge $1400 for a bike that can be shipped to me free for $900?

I think the following from the bikesdirect web site might explain it:

======
"Q: How do you sell so low?
A: We do not require an expensive, high rent, store front location. We can also minimize our
overhead by selling exclusively through the Internet. We do not need to stock hundred's of small
repair/service parts nor have several salespeople available.

B: Can I make changes on my bike?
C: I'm sorry but we are unable to make changes from the manufacturers specifications.

D: Is there a restocking fee if I change my mind or order the wrong bike.
E: Possibly. If a change is made and the bike has already been shipped we may ask you to pay the
shipping on the replacement order. This would only be the case if the mistake was on your side.

F: Is much assembly required?
G: This bike comes 90% assembled. We suggest you take it to your local bike shop for final assembly
& safety checks."
========

In other words, if the stem, saddle, or cassette isn't right for you, that's tough; replace them at
your own expense. And, although the words are a little fuzzy, it sounds like there are fees for
exchanging an ill-fitting or inappropriate bike. So some folks will probably "make do" with a bike
that isn't exactly what they wanted. The bike will sit in the garage as they enjoy all the money
they saved.

In addition, they don't say what they will do for you if spokes start breaking or wheels won't stay
true. Or if something starts creaking, etc.

Art Harris

"Harris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Jeff Sutton said:

I'm in the market for a road bike, but I don't really want to spring for

the

Quoted message said:

full-price, shop-floor model. I never buy a new car, and for the same reasons don't really want
to buy a new bike.

What are the ups and downs of buying a bike on EBAY? Things that worry

me:

Quoted message said:

It's not clear from your post how knowlegeable you are about bikes, bike fit, and mechanics.

When buying on eBay you should must know exactly what you want, and what

is

Quoted message said:

being offered. Furthermore, you should be prepared to do some work like replacing a stem, or
making various adjustments as necessary.

If the seller is knowlegeable and trustworthy (as evidenced by numerous positive feedbacks), you
MAY get a good deal. Even then, packing and shipping costs on a complete bike can be high. And bid
prices for some

bikes

Quoted message said:

can get out of control.

I got a good deal on a frame on eBay, and got exactly what I bargained

for.

I also bought a frame on eBay for a ridiculously low price, but I was smart enough to know my
measurements beforehand. This was my second eBay bike purchase---I screwed up on the first one,
which left me with a very uncomfortable bike. I guess what everyone is saying is true. As long as
you know exactly what you need, eBay is a good way to go. I bought a Schwinn Peloton frame/fork
(Reynolds 853) brand new for $100. I had my LBS swap my 105 group from my other bike, and sold the
old frame on eBay. I got $100 for it, and the LBS charged me $150 for the buildup, new cables, and a
new seatpost(gave me a Ti seatpost for $40, sweet), so everything worked out. It is imperative to
know exactly what meaurements fit, though.

x-no-archive:yes

Quoted message said:

Jkpoulos7 said:

Why should the LBS charge $1400 for a bike that can be shipped to me free for $900?

Quoted message said:

In other words, if the stem, saddle, or cassette isn't right for you,

that's

Quoted message said:

tough; replace them at your own expense. And, although the words are a little fuzzy, it sounds
like there are fees for exchanging an ill-fitting

or

Quoted message said:

inappropriate bike. So some folks will probably "make do" with a bike that isn't exactly what they
wanted. The bike will sit in the garage as they enjoy all the money they saved.

In addition, they don't say what they will do for you if spokes start breaking or wheels won't
stay true. Or if something starts creaking, etc.

Art Harris

Our local bike shop has a sign that more or less says: "if we go out of business, how is that going
to help you?" and that sums it up. They also sell used bikes on commission as well as last season's
bikes, so to me it makes sense to patronize the LBS...I doubt if Bikes Direct is going to fix that
broken spoke for you, straighten that derailleur hanger, or loan you a tire until the one you want
comes in (both of which my LBS has done, cheerfully!)

Pat in TX

Jkpoulos7 said:

Quoted message said:

Are you saying he should waste the LBS's time before buying the same bike on eBay?

I did it when I considered buying a Fuji from bikesdirect.com. Why should the LBS charge $1400 for
a bike that can be shipped to me free for $900?

The extra money is to make up for the time spent helping non-customers who try out the product at
the store and then buy off the Internet.

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities USA (Illinois side)