Overpriced BikeE CT

[sprockets]

I found a BikeE CT on Craigs list that is local but the guy is asking $575 CDN. He mentioned that he paid $1100 brand new for it, the problem is that he may have but that was probably when the Canadian Dollar was much lower. There also appears to be some damage to the seat latch mechanism, how hard would it be to find a replacement for this part?

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/adamy96/be5.jpg

[jeffh129]

He's a BikeE in Milwaukee in perfect shape for 400.00. Ask him to take it to a bike shop and have it packed and shipped to you.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/652153198.html

[jeffh129]

Here's another BikeE a AT model in Madison WI. A bit more money, but again seems in great condition. I guess my point is that BikeE's show up for sale fairly often. Don't rush into something you are not sure of.

http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/677394051.html

[jeffh129]

Lastly, a 400.00 CT in Chicago

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/680238919.html

[jeffh129]

Really the last one, another in Chicago

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/677973089.html

The original one that you asked about may be priced fairly if it was in perfect condition, based on what I've shown you here.

[Doug5150]

I found a BikeE CT on Craigs list that is local but the guy is asking $575 CDN. ... There also appears to be some damage to the seat latch mechanism, how hard would it be to find a replacement for this part?
It appears the seat braces broke and were re-welded.

BikeE is gone now, since 2002.
Bicycle Man says they still have some parts available:
http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/bike_e/bike_e.htm
There's also some BikeE-specific websites I've seen in the past, but good luck.

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I would think hard before buying any BikeE, and still wouldn't likely pay over the typical $400 (US$) going rate for one with the wrapping still on it. The main reason is that the hybrid rear hub is expensive to replace.

The 3x7 is no longer made--not even replacement parts now--and a new 3x8 or 3x9 hub costs about $400 w/shifter.* ....Since there's no front dérailleur post, the only way to get around using an expensive hybrid rear hub (a hub with both internal & external gears) and still get full-range gearing is to use either an internal or an external-gear rear hub with a Schlumpf mountain drive crankset, which costs ~$500 US$ itself.

So you see... if you have to replace that rear hub at all, it's going to add $400-$500 onto what the bike will cost you. For around $1000 you could buy a Sun EZ-1 or a Cycle Genius Sparrow, and avoid the problems of a hybrid rear hub (and non-existent manufacturer support) entirely.
~

*[chatter on folding bike forums seems to indicate that you can put the 3x8's or 3x9's in as a substitute for the 3x7, but I don't know for certain]