What's some advice for buying a used road bike on craigslist?

Question

I'm considering buying a bike in the 700-1500 range and want to save money by buying a used bike. I'm in the Silicon Valley area.

Answer 1

Given the price range, you can get something pretty nice brand new. An example would be the Giant TCR2 (105 10spd, aluminum frame, carbon fork & seatpost) new is $1250. You also may be able to pick up a 2006 model on a close out as the '07s are on the way. But if you want something used off craigslist or ebay do your homework first. Find out what the bike retails for brand new (I've heard somebody spending $1000 on a bike that retailed for half that. Find out what the component level is, an approximation on the total mileage on the bike, & overall shape it is in. Ask for lots of pictures and get close ups of the frame, fork & wheels to try & check for potential problems. Find out how well the bike was taken care of & ask about any repair work that may have been done (like if the wheels have ever had broken spokes). This will give a rough idea as to what the bike has been through and any potential problems you may run into later. Ideally, you should look at the bike in person to really be able to examine it or better, take it to a shop & have them go through it. Another thing is to make sure that you know what frame size you actually need before buying the bike. Also take into consideration that some bikes may run big depending on the maker. Cervelo & Cannondale tend to run big (a 56cm Cannondale fits closer to a 57 or 58). Most makers put the sizing on their website, check the sizing charts and try to hit the local bike shops to actually see the bikes in person to get an idea on sizing.

Answer 2

In that price range, you can find something new that's decent. And now is the time of the year when bike shops are trying to get rid of the 06's. Everything I've seen on craigslist is over-priced. Even **** like Magna. Some of the bikes on that site are stolen. Never buy a bike without test riding it first. There's a reason for that person selling the bike.

Answer 3

Do not ever buy a bike without seeing it before hand.Try to find something that is not too far away from you. Go see it before hand. Inspect it carefully to make sure that it meets your expectations. Example: I saw a used Bianchi road frame for very cheap money via Craigslist. I emailed Craigslist that I might be interested, BUT wanted to see it before making a final decision. The seller had no problem with that. I saw it in person, liked what I saw,bought it. A word of warning: Don't try to price down the seller, because many prices tend to be firm and for the most part are pretty fair to begin with. Good luck.

Answer 4

the main mandatory component you're able to desire to be attentive to is the appropriate bike length for you. flow to a close-by bike save and enable them to greater healthy you to a bike. in the event that they don't have something you could locate the money for, don't sense too badly for them. you would be back to purchase factors, upload-ons, tires, tubes, and outfits as you get greater into cycling. I certainly have heard they make extra money on that stuff than they do on motorcycles. as quickly as you be attentive to the appropriate length you could save around for a used bike. If a bike fits you badly, that's a waste of money on account which you will no longer journey it very usually. once you're interior the bike save, ask in the event that they have taken any street motorcycles in commerce. there is not any longer something incorrect with a used bike that's been checked over via a qualified technician. you additionally can ask in the event that they have any of ultimate year's get entry to point fashions left over. they sometimes mark them down. A selection could be to purchase regionally. try journey the bike in case you could. that's certainly significant. HTH

Answer 5

I've bought two bikes off of craigslist - both worthwhile, I still ride them.
1. don't buy anything that you can't see in person. and test ride.
2. you may be able to haggle for a lower price, but that comes after you have weighed the options. talking about a lower price before visiting and getting your full view on it can hurt your opportunity.
3. be prepared to buy something that usually isn't new. yes, most CL postings are for used merchandise, so be prepared for scratches, nicks. then again, it shouldn't be falling apart either.
have fun!

Answer 6

#1 - Never pay asking price on Craigslist. Most people post what they 'expect' to get out of the item, but are almost always willing to drop it down a few bucks.

#2 - Just as you'd take an auto mechanic to check out a used vehicle you'd consider purchasing, take someone (unless it's yourself) who knows a bit about bike parts and repair and can spot trouble.

#3 - Know what you want in terms of components and keep an eye out for something that is EXACTLY what you want. Trust me, it's worth waiting for the 'right' bike.

Answer 7

Don't buy used.