Road Cycling - Has anyone ever bought a bike on ebay?

I think I am the only person in the world that has not bought anything on ebay. Especially, something as expensive as a bike. Have any of you purchaced a bike (say over $1000) on ebay? If so, what was your experience? Is it safe to do this... do you have any recoarse if the bike is damaged when you get it? Any ebay shopping advice is welcome. I just looked on ebay, and there are a great many, very interesting bikes for sale.

thanks.

Yep, been there and done that. My suggestions won't be surprising: First, do a lot of research to make sure that the "deal" is truly a "deal." Second, when you zero in on a bike, ask lots and lots of questions if you need to. Third, be wary of anyone with less than stellar feedback from other buyers. Nothing's for sure, but doing these things will let you sleep better after you hit the "bid now" button. Good luck.

Yes. I bought my Lemond Poprad on Ebay. And it was the first thing I ever bought. I suggest familiarizing yourself with Ebay's policies and procedures, including PayPal.

Then, take a look at the seller profiles - stay away from guys selling almost new $4000 bikes with absolutely no seller history. It's not necessary that they have had sold bikes in the past, but experience with selling and delivering anything is a must. Also, don't be afraid to send the seller personal notes with specific questsions - how they answer them will tell you a lot about how they operate.

Good luck - it's fun if you know what you are doing.

55/Rad

I did, and I felt like puking everyday until the bike came in the mail. Afterward, I broke my arm patting myself on the back for saving $300.00.

Just be cautious, what seems too good, usually is....

I prefer to stick with those who have a great history of sales, even though others are tempting. You also have to consider that you are a first time buyer, which can count against you as well.

In my uneducated guess, you have a 5% chance of getting ripped off, and thats only because you are new.

Good luck, and hopes this helps.

ehenz

Bought a new in-the-box road bike from a reputable company that was trying out Ebay as a marketing device for their bikes. (I haven't seen them back after this one time, where they also offered several other bikes).

It was new and in the box, and it was a steal, and I really like it for what I got it for.

I have also bought a new hot tub, saved about $400 off of the retail price, and the package came from the exact same location as a new one, and the warranty was good - I used it twice.

You have to be extremely careful, as bidders tend to get caught up in the bidding. I did that once, and paid $350 for some junk.

Particularly on computers. Almost all the time you can find a new computer on the Dell website at a cheaper price than the bidding on EBay for used and inferior computers!

Overall, I am way ahead.

Oh, forgot one thing. I try to buy things listed as "new", which is less subjective than "slightly used", "minor knicks and scratches", and "plenty of life still left in the bike." Just in case there are any problems afterward.

I did, and I felt like puking everyday until the bike came in the mail. Afterward, I broke my arm patting myself on the back for saving $300.00.

Just be cautious, what seems too good, usually is....

I prefer to stick with those who have a great history of sales, even though others are tempting. You also have to consider that you are a first time buyer, which can count against you as well.

In my uneducated guess, you have a 5% chance of getting ripped off, and thats only because you are new.

Good luck, and hopes this helps.

ehenz

How can me being a first time buyer count against me? Can the seller refuse to take my bid?

How can me being a first time buyer count against me? Can the seller refuse to take my bid?

Yep, some do that. I don't know exactly why. I see statement that read "If you are first time buyer I will not accept your bid....e-mail me....", a real pain in the butt.

Sometimes first time buyers may not be familiar with how to pay, how to contact, etc... Many times they don't realize signing up for Paypal takes a few days. That could delay the buyer contacting the seller after the auction closes. Contacting the seller beforehand would give the seller notice that payment may be delayed.
Anyway, I'd sign up for Paypal before bidding on anything.

How can me being a first time buyer count against me? Can the seller refuse to take my bid?

Most sellers will accept the bid even though it is your first time. Most common problem with newbies specially as a buyer, you get very impatient when item does not get there within a certain peroid of time. Give the seller time to pack it and ship it. ALWAYS ASK FOR TRACKING NUMBER. This way, you know when to expect your item and be able to have a good night's rest knowing that your item is on the way. If you just follow the advices posted earlier by other members, you will be just fine and pay with paypal using a credit card. Make sure the seller has a "verified paypal account"

I would say shoot for 99%+ positive feedback. This is usually a good sign. I'm a buyer/selle w/ 100% positive feedback (90) and I've made it a practice of only buying from sellers with staggeringly high feedback. Has worked well. If they have over 20 w/ 100%, I'll spend $100. Over 40, w/ 99-100% = $200, etc, etc, etc. For a $1k bike, I would really refer to buy from 100 feedbacl w/ 100% positive. Still, eBay's a pretty good place and nowdays you can get buyer protection through PayPal sometimes that covers if you if you get ripped. Buying through PayPal w/ a CC gives you some dispute options too. Just make sure you communicate w/ seller before buying. Ask for alternate pics, etc. Heck, for $1k, ask them if you can them on the phone...

Good luck. You'll be OK

I think I am the only person in the world that has not bought anything on ebay. Especially, something as expensive as a bike. Have any of you purchaced a bike (say over $1000) on ebay? If so, what was your experience? Is it safe to do this... do you have any recoarse if the bike is damaged when you get it? Any ebay shopping advice is welcome. I just looked on ebay, and there are a great many, very interesting bikes for sale.

thanks.

If it makes you feel better, I bought my bike from an eBay transaction where the reserve wasn't met for 1,300. I used Paypal and he lived in Cali and I live in NYC.

It went fine because I had all the telltales (good prior feedback, I contacted a previous buyer). Most selling a legitimate bike will tend to place a detailed ad rather than just highlight the parts.

Besides, I had my bases covered. I knew where he lived, etc. "just in case".

My first eBay purchase was a LeMond Zurich for $1,200 - the transaction was great and I got a good deal. I asked many questions about measurements/condition and bought from a reputable person (much positive feedback on eBay). As mentioned earlier, the response to your questions will usually give you a good indication of the seller's merit.

I also suggest you know exactly the size and type of bike you want before buying one unseen; you might be otherwise disappointed. Assuming the bike is packaged properly, I believe shipping insurance would cover a bike damaged in transit.

I sort of bought mine on ebay. They had an ebay store front selling bikes, a new company trying to get the name out. All the bikes had buy it now prices. The company web site was listed so I went there and got there contact information called and and asked a lot of questions and ended up with a more custom bike for a great price. I don't know if I would want to drop that much coin unless they had some sort of store front preferably brick and mortor in the real world. Rather then for example some person that says, "new Lemond Zurich bike rode only once and found out I really don't like riding" Yea right!

I bought two by the end of last year, both Bianchis. Excellent bargains, however I picked the up myself from the actual bike shop which was auctioning them.

Corsaire ;)

Purchased the bike in my sig via ebay this past year.

I also suggest you know exactly the size and type of bike you want before buying one unseen; you might be otherwise disappointed. Assuming the bike is packaged properly, I believe shipping insurance would cover a bike damaged in transit.[/QUOTE]

size and geometry is very important. if you are picky about sizing, it may be hard to get the right fit. I got a frame and fork off ebay about 2 months ago and I've bought enough off ebay to not worry about the bike getting to me. As others have said, check their responses and ask questions.

Be sure to use your credit card when paying with paypal!!! Paypal wants to take it directly from your bank account, but I have found that your credit card company will protect you from someone ripping you off. MC/visa will charge the seller a fee, but you get the protection. And they will take care of it with one phone call. :) About a year and a half ago I bought a frame from another website, roadbikereview.com and the guy was a flake. I had a hard time getting ahold of him after I paid him. A month later and a series of emails, I emailed him that I was going to call my credit card company after a certain date...the frame showed up. It was a vintage frame and not something I want to slip through my fingers. :D