On Apr 9, 4:39 pm, " wrote:
On Apr 9, 12:16 am, "Fitz" wrote:

I spent over $5K for the
bike but a car crash has effectively ended my cycling days.

I would like opinions on how to sell this bike in order to make the
most money I can for it. What are you folks utilizing to sell your
bikes to the "target demographic?"

I am realistic to know that I'll never get back what I've invested,
but I don't want to lose my shorts. . .

(excuse long, etc.):
One way to maximize return can be to part out your bike. Nothing is
certain, but offering a bare frame (fork separate unless it's a
matched part) lets potential buyers choose their desired parts to use
with that frame. Parting out also shows the seatpost and stem (if
applicable) are not corroded into place. BB taken out allows good
close-up photos to show the condition of those threads (if you're
going the "online" sale route with ebay or other). It's a lot easier
to ship "parts", also, and less chance of damage in transit.

Also, you can establish good ebay (or other) feedback by buying and,
more important, selling a few smaller items first, before you sell the
more expensive items. Pay for purchases ASAP, provide exemplary
service to buyers, and don't be afraid to ask for good feedback if
deserved.

Sharp-focused, "really close" closeup photos and clear descriptions
(including the subject line) bring bidders. You can post photos to a
website so you can show detail by using more pictures of smaller areas
of the item to be sold, showing the good and the bad if any.

It's surprising sometimes how good the return can be for what would
seem to be ordinary "bike parts", clean and in good shape, well-
pictured and described. The opposite is true, of course. But (for
example), handlebar/stem combination: if someone wants your handlebars
but not your stem, you lose at least some bidders who don't want to
pay for unusable items, or "extra" shipping costs, even in small
amounts.

If the frame is to be shipped, make sure to charge enough in the
"shipping/handling" area to cover not only the shipping, but enough
pipe insulation (Home Depot, plumbing dept.) to cover the tubes
completely, and use fork/dropout spacers. It's been several years
since I sold a frame but the UPS home pickup service was very handy
and you avoid storefront shippers ripping you off for "oversize" when
your package is not actually oversize. There are "frame only" boxes,
if your large frame will fit in one.

I hope your cycling days aren't over. I know a successful local racer
who was severely injured in a car crash. It took years, but he came
back, and riding a cool old custom steel bike that had been carefully
stored pending the day.

Good luck! --D-y

I agree 100% on parting it out. Particularly for a bike for well over
average sized riders. You'll (OP) have a much bigger market for the
non large-specific stuff, and you won't hurt your sales chances on the
frame. There are so few huge bikes available, I don't think anyone
looking for a whole bike will be turned away by a frame only. Not to
mention shipping hassles with a large bike. As it is for a frame only
shipping you'll need to custom make a box, but it should at least be
mailable.

I don't mean to stir up potentially depressing thoughts, but if I were
you I'd hang on to the bike. Maybe it'll help motivate youu for a
recovery down the raod and if that is really out of the question,
maybe someday you can give it to somebody special, or who knows what.
Just a thought, but anyone (even a huge guy with limited other
options) who buys a 5G bike in the first place isn't hurting for cash.

Good luck!

Joseph