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#1
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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 |
#2
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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! |
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