Road Cycling - To those who have bought from ebay

Hello,

my friend is very close to putting down a bid on a trek 2200 on ebay, but has some concerns. He didn't know where to get information, so I thought I would ask you good people.

He currently uses his entry level trek 1000, but was planning on buying a higher level bike in a few months because he uses his bike a lot more than he thought he would. He is thinking about going for this 2200 early because it seems to be a good deal (possibly less than $1000), and he has already been fitted for a bike, so knows what size he needs.

So, what can he expect when he receives the bike (in general)? Do you all usually take your shipped bikes to the LBS to get them assembled? He uses clipless pedals, so do the pedals that come with his new bike have to be recalibrated for his shoes or something (I too am ignorant of this issue)?

Also, there is the general question of whether this bike is right for him (he definitely loves the ride because we test rode one the other week... in fact I own a 2100). Assuming this bike is in quite good condition, is it a good "next-level-after-entry" bike in the $1000 range? He currently bikes ~100 miles a week, but him and I will be doing a cross country tour (no panniers) next summer, so that is quite a bit of wear i.e. he needs durability (as do I, but I cannot afford a new bike).

Then, he will probably want to sell his old bike on ebay. How do you guys sell on ebay? Do you go to your LBS to package up the bike and whatnot?

I know this is a lot, but thank you for any information you can provide.

I have only bought a bike from e-Bay, never sold one (although I've sold my fair share of useless junk).

The bikes usually come almost all the way assembled. All you need to do is put on the handlebars, seat, one or both wheels, and pedals. Your pedals should fit in there with no problems, just remember that the left one is backwards (not righty tighty like almost everything else in the world). None of the things I mentioned are very hard, so you should be able to do it without your LBS's help. However, you never know about fitting and other adjustments that may need to be made.

All in all, it's pretty simple, and you get a nice big box to play with.

It's certainly an upgrade going from Sora to Ultegra and to a better frame. Can't advise on whether it's a good deal without knowing age or condition, but if your friend has ridden one the same size and likes it that's 90% of the decision right there. Ultegra is as good as anyone "needs" unless they race. Dura-Ace or Campy Chorus will be much more $$. WRT the Trek, there are certainly other bikes and other deals out there, so your friend should check some others out too, but if the 2200 makes him smile that can't be bad.

I don't know the Trek line well, but would you want to tour cross-country on a 2100 even without panniers? Something to consider.

Well there are always deals to be had out there on Ebay, you just have to be carefull. I think the biggest reason as to why i wouldnt buy a bike off Ebay is the service aspect of it. You mention you re friend has already been fitted at an LBS, how ethical does that seem for him to use all their time and experiance on that and then go and buy the bike somewhere else? All I know is if your friend cant do his on bike repairs he will eventualy pay for it when it takes that bike into the LBS. They will know it wasnt from there and it wont get the same speedy attention that a bike purchased in their store would recieve. So he just needs to realize that the cash payment for the bike isnt the only thing involved, could be a good deal now, but down the road..........whos to say?

Tailwinds rock!

If it's a very good deal get the bike. You can always pay for service from your shop. But if it's only a slight difference (10%? or so) I would just get it from the shop.

Yeah, I think I am advising my friend to get the bike. I do not want to come off as someone out to screw my LBS. Firstly, my friend purchased his Trek 1000 from the LBS, and has gone to them for service and parts many times (and will continue to do so). Further, the guy selling his bike is doing so because he wants to buy another from his LBS... so it all evens out.

Having just sold a bike on eBay, I feel somewhat qualified to answer:


Well there are always deals to be had out there on Ebay, you just have to be carefull.

> Agree. You must start by checking user feedback. A good seller typically has at least 99% rating. After 106 transactions, I came dangerously close to getting my 1st negative feedback the other day when some guy complained about a laptop I sold him, and inexplicably refused a refund, yet maintained I owed him $52 for a new drive. I basically had to bend over backward a bit to satisfy what I thought was an unreasonable demand, just to avoid (-) fdbck. That's the type of commitment a good seller (IMHO) has to earn a high fdbck rating.

NOW, something really scary has hit eBay -- Nigerian and Western Union scams. Anyone who wants you to ship internationally be very careful. Anyone who wants you to pay via Western Union - RUN FOREST! RUN!

If you want to be comfy, ask for the seller's phone# and politely ask to speak with him first.



You mention you re friend has already been fitted at an LBS, how ethical does that seem for him to use all their time and experiance on that and then go and buy the bike somewhere else?

Disagree. OP's friend already bought a Trek 1000, during which I presume he learned of his correct fitting. And/or he has done his homework. Hence, the store has no intellectual property claim on the friend's knowledge of his own fitting. Friend is free to use that knowledge to buy online now, without ethical probs.


All I know is if your friend cant do his on bike repairs he will eventualy pay for it when it takes that bike into the LBS. They will know it wasnt from there and it wont get the same speedy attention that a bike purchased in their store would recieve.

Disagree. A paying customer will receive good attention at a reputable bike shop. How about someone in my position who bought his bike at one shop, then patronized another shop who correctly pointed out the judgment error of the 1st shop as to proper fitting? The reputable 2nd shop holds no grudge, and would be happy to have his business on accessories, paid maintenance, etc.


Then, he will probably want to sell his old bike on ebay. How do you guys sell on ebay? Do you go to your LBS to package up the bike and whatnot?

I learned the answer to this the other day. One of my preferred shops regularly ships bikes thru UPS for themselves and other customers. They are experienced in how to break a bike down, package it, and ship. For less than $50, I simply handed the bike to the shop, and they will take care of all the details. It's so simple! And UPS ships these quick I have heard.

As far as how to sell, eBay has that info, and you will learn. An overriding principle is DISCLOSE. I gouged the paint on my top-tube with my cleat, and I not only disclosed it, I posted a close-up photo in my ad. Buyers appreciate honesty. Honesty, friendliness, prompt communication ensures a satisfied customer.