Is This Really A Steal?

Well, that depends on the condition of the bike, if it fits you well, if you like the way it rides, if you like the way it looks, if the components on the bike are those listed in the link to the catalog page......it could be a good deal. I wouldn't call it a steal, but a good deal it can be. You need to get the buyer to let you take it for a spin. You could try offering a lower price, iffin' you're unsure.

Thanks alienator, I'm new to road bikes but I know what you mean by fit and feel. I had a MTB and riding it was like driving a Z car with Pirelli V4 tires, it was stolen so I went a bought another one the same brand but a couple of years newer. I could hardly keep from falling off of it. I'm pretty good at researching the value of used bikes on the net but I'm getting so frustrated with shopping on Craigslist and ebay that I'm about to go down to WalMart and haul off and buy a new Schwinn Varsity. That way I know what I'm getting. Other than the obvious things like general neglect, frayed cables, rusty chains, dents and dings is there any other way a novice could determine the condition of a used bike and how many miles or hours might be on it. I guess what I need to do is hire a bicycle shopping consultant. 😄

Hammond Egger said:

Thanks alienator, I'm new to road bikes but I know what you mean by fit and feel. I had a MTB and riding it was like driving a Z car with Pirelli V4 tires, it was stolen so I went a bought another one the same brand but a couple of years newer. I could hardly keep from falling off of it. I'm pretty good at researching the value of used bikes on the net but I'm getting so frustrated with shopping on Craigslist and ebay that I'm about to go down to WalMart and haul off and buy a new Schwinn Varsity. That way I know what I'm getting. Other than the obvious things like general neglect, frayed cables, rusty chains, dents and dings is there any other way a novice could determine the condition of a used bike and how many miles or hours might be on it. I guess what I need to do is hire a bicycle shopping consultant. 😄

Dude, buy a Wally-World Special (Walmart bike) and you'll be hoping for it to get stolen, because honestly, the joke would be on the thief.

Go visit a few LBS in your area. You can usually get left-over bicycles from the past year for about 30-40% off the regular price. Also check Performance Bicycle. They always have awesome deals going on. I just got a $1999 bike for $1199; full carbon.