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!