suncake

I'm hoping C&V is a relative term. I'm considering picking up a 2000 Lemond Buenos Aires tomorrow. The seller is asking $500, but keep in mind this is Seattle. Compared to what I usually see on CL/eBay, this doesn't seem like a terrible deal, but I was hoping to get some feedback from some more knowledgeable folks.

I test rode it today, and it definitely fits great & is a huge step up for me...I've had my heart set on a nice modern steel frame & the 853 is well-received. The paint's in decent shape, but definitely not pristine. He's replaced the original 105 crankset with a Shimano compact double he claimed to pay ~$300 for. He might also throw in the original 105. Rolf Vector wheelset, everything else is 105. MSRP was $1529, putting $500 at 32.7%.

I'm really not a huge fan of bargaining, especially since he seems like a nice guy...and I'm terrible at it. But what seems like a reasonable/respectful first offer? Thanks & sorry for the lo-res pics.

mercator

That's what I paid for mine a couple of years ago, and I had to replace the crank myself. If you can get him to take a lower price, by all means try, but $500 is fair and it is a great bike.

Edit - except the wheels, those paired spoke jobs don't seem to last that long.

suncake

Thanks for the input. I ended up getting it for $500...sigh.

Anyway, it still seems like a respectable value considering the upgrades: Shimano R700 compact crankset, Easton EC70 seatpost, Profile H2O quill stem, Cateye Astrale CC-CD100 computer, and a Cervelo OEM Selle Italia saddle. Rides great, so I'll get over the buyer's remorse soon enough.