Motobecane on Ebay

How bad of a scam can it be? The components look authentic, and you can tell a good steel frame right away by the weight and the forged dropouts (I am not saying I can see them in the pictures, I am saying you'll be able to tell when you get the bike.)

The main risk as I see it would be if the bike was too heavily used. You would then have to swap out the wheels if the hubs were shot. Or, something could be damaged or cracked. Other than that, how can it be a scam?

Just save the ad and pay through paypal.

My biggest concern is that it is over ebay and the guy is based in germany and if there is something wrong that I can't see now, it could mean I am left with a half-way there bike. Sure the components look good but I just am feeling that it is a too good to be true kind of deal. Maybe if someone could let me know the history of this kind of bike. I can't find a thing online about it.

postsa said:

My biggest concern is that it is over ebay and the guy is based in germany and if there is something wrong that I can't see now, it could mean I am left with a half-way there bike. Sure the components look good but I just am feeling that it is a too good to be true kind of deal. Maybe if someone could let me know the history of this kind of bike. I can't find a thing online about it.

I honestly don't understand what you need to know ...

If you pay for an eBay purchase with PayPal, then if there is something substantially wrong with the bike received vs. the described/pictured item, then you will receive a refund after it is returned.

"New" should be treated as NOS or "as new" ... so, a minimal amount of superficial signs if "wear" ...

As far as the bike, itself -- it was clearly very high end when it was first produced ... the Columbus tubing & Shimano 600 indicate a high end bike. In 1988 (+/- one-to-three years), it probably would have easily retailed for more than $1000 ... a contemporary bike of comparable grade would cost $2500 +/- (granted, the newer bike would have fancy-schmancy shifters/etc.).

FWIW. If the frame were a smaller size AND I were looking for a ready-to-ride bike, then I wouldn't hestitate to buy it ...

If you are over 6' tall, then it will be a nice bike for you to consider.

postsa,

i understand your concern with buying something like that from an international seller. the considerations of returns or damaged parts not withstanding, i would consider whether or not the bike would have to come through us customs (a real hassle, believe me). and understand that even though papal protection is good it isn't bullet proof; you will incur a loss (depending on the amount spent) just like you would with an insurance deductible (not counting your time and frustration). also, even though columbus makes superlative tubesets (and i swear by them myself), you really won't know until you ride it if this is in fact "the bike for you." ride before you buy is just a very safe rule of thumb to follow.

i encourage you to check your local craigslist. there are likely scads of great bikes in your area going for pennies on the dollar retail. a colnago master frameset in my town was being sold for 400 plus another 200 if you wanted the deep v wheels with new michelin tires and campy hubs. the deals are out there and probably much closer to you than germany.