|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
- Are they overpriced? I hate to get caught up in a bidding competition.
- 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 "Science, freedom, beauty, adventu what more could you ask of life? Bicycling combined all the elements I loved" - Adapted from a quotation by Charles Lindbergh |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
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 http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com "Jeff Sutton" wrote in message news:FXHWa.3626$qf.653@lakeread06... 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! |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
"Mike Jacoubowsky" wrote in message .com... 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 http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com 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 http://www.knifeoutlet.com |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
Jeff Sutton wrote:
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 |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
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 |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
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 $50. Unless you are getting a VERY deep discount the advantages of buying at the LBS outweigh the uncertainties of buying off the internet. "Jeff Sutton" wrote in message news:FXHWa.3626$qf.653@lakeread06... 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! |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
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".) |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
"Jeff Sutton" wrote: 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: 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 |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
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? |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Buying bikes on Ebay
"Harris" wrote in message .net...
"John" wrote: 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. |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Belgium/Netherlands touring bikes | Art Winterbauer | General | 8 | August 4th 03 08:24 AM |
ladies mountain bikes | Alastair | General | 9 | July 23rd 03 01:18 AM |
Rank Theses Bikes From Best to Worst | Rich | General | 4 | July 16th 03 09:35 PM |
Van Tuyl Bikes? | nobody | General | 1 | July 15th 03 09:32 AM |