Originally Posted by oddjob2

Decent price? Rider or to refurb and flip? Both look like they need a full overhaul, so bad flip candidates. Both overpriced by 25-30%.

Originally Posted by bikemig

Location matters. In a hot market, bikes cost more. Are you in a big city or a college town? You could also do a bit more digging for a bike on CL and post them here for some feedback. As a general rule, vintage mtbs tend to go for less than road bikes and they make great commuters esp. for a short commute.

Originally Posted by bikemig

Location matters. In a hot market, bikes cost more. Are you in a big city or a college town? You could also do a bit more digging for a bike on CL and post them here for some feedback. As a general rule, vintage mtbs tend to go for less than road bikes and they make great commuters esp. for a short commute.

Originally Posted by bikemig

Typically cities like Seattle, Portland, NYC, SF, etc have higher valuations for bikes. That trek is a steal at $50. My preference for a commuter is a vintage mtb without a suspension fork. That said, this bike has an incredible price. Run, don't walk, and buy it. You'll want to swap the tires out for slicks and buy a good lock.

Originally Posted by hatrack71

You can always get that Trek for $50 and keep looking for a better one in the meantime. You'll easily be able to get your money back plus a little extra.

Originally Posted by hatrack71

I definitely would not give $150 for that Univega. More like $50

Originally Posted by bikemig

Typically cities like Seattle, Portland, NYC, SF, etc have higher valuations for bikes. That trek is a steal at $50. My preference for a commuter is a vintage mtb without a suspension fork. That said, this bike has an incredible price. Run, don't walk, and buy it. You'll want to swap the tires out for slicks and buy a good lock.

Originally Posted by hatrack71

Also if you have up to $200 for a budget, check these out and see if you can haggle or not. Make sure the frames are dent and crack free (make a point of asking):

mountain bikes:

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5407533473.html

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5386873315.html

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5441173290.html


Road bikes:

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5407872074.html

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5368891578.html

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5389827519.html

https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5404270221.html


...of course I don't know your size but I'd look at these because of the pricing on them. Not sure if the Lemond guy would come down..he's giving that one away if the frame is nice. Good luck!

Originally Posted by wrk101

1. Most sellers have no clue on how to measure bike size, and no interest in doing it either. If the bike is a deal, go and look at it and decide if the size is right.

2. Sellers who get a big response will often go with the buyer that appears to be the easiest deal. Ask a bunch of questions, and you go to the bottom of the list. Keep your response simple: I would like to buy your bike and am available to look at it now or at your convenience. Leave a name and phone number.

3. The lower the price, the faster the bike sells. $100 or less, even the crappy stuff sells. Why? Because there are so many buyers looking for CHEAP instead of GOOD.

4. Craigslist sellers will OFTEN NEGOTIATE in person, in cash only. Negotiate via email? No thanks, as a seller, its a total waste of time. The only time I will do it is if the buyer is relatively far away, and even then, we have a phone conversation.

5. Offering $50 for a bike someone wants $150 for? Forget it. Figure 75% to 80% for a first offer, in person, unless there is some serious, undisclosed defect. If the bike is grossly overpriced, just forget it and move on. You are in a big enough market to find something else.

6. I have bought bikes where later I decided I didn't really like them. By buying right (attractive price), I was able to sell the bike for more than I paid, and move on. So it can be like renting a bike for FREE! That's the beauty of buying used. You cannot do that on something new.


If you are handy, that Cannondale MTB looks sweet to me. Seller mentions being open to offer. Take $75 with you and grab it. Find a local co-op, do some basic maintenance, don't go crazy on expensive tires (but get some narrow ones) and ride.

Originally Posted by wrk101

That Cannondale MTB has some serious issues, forget it. The $20 Rockhopper is surely LONG, LONG, gone. And its really small. Forget it.

That Raleigh MTB would already be in my truck right now if I was in Fresno. Go, go, go!

All three Treks look to be good deals. The 400 will need the most love, although it does have newish wheels so that could be a plus. The 100 at $120 is a no brainer if it fits and looks good in person.

Originally Posted by newbie2345

Does anyone have any thoughts on this Trek Bike: https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/5389827519.html

Originally Posted by newbie2345

This is the bike I really want. The owner said he'll contact me in the morning with the exact size Univega Via Carisma hybrid

Originally Posted by hatrack71

I definitely would not give $150 for that Univega. More like $50-75. She is entry level with that terrible paint splatter thing and low end heavy Shimano. I'm sorry, I just couldn't..