Motobecane help
 

Hello, this is my first post and am also a newbie to biking. I was looking to purchase a road bike and came across this ad on my local craigslist. I would like to know if it is a good value but I am also aware that the ad provides little information. What questions should I ask the seller in order to have enough info for you guys to help me value this bike?

Thanks,

Gabe

link to ad:
http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/bik/1257125122.html

What is the model name of the bike?

Measuring up the seat tube, what is the distance from the center of the chainwheel to the center of the top tube?

How long have you owned the bike?

Have you changed any parts on the bike?

How old are the tires?

When was the last full tune up done on the bike?

Can you send me more pictures that are clear closeups of the components?

At the $100 price point, you can't be too choosy. I would head over before someone else does.

As far as what makes it worth more:

Frame: good paint, no dents, made out of a better material (cromoly) vs heavy gas pipe.

Crank: Cotterless alloy

Wheels: alloy rims

Overall condition: Ready to ride (or close). Are you ready and able to do any work on it? A good deal can become a bad deal if you have to pay a shop to rehab the bike (can often exceed the value of the finished bike).

Consumables: tires, cables, and so on are relatively cheap to replace. If they are in good shape, great, if not, not a deal breaker.

thanks for the swift responses guys! I sent him an e-mail.

Probably a Mirage (entry-level Motobecane), but whatever it is, it's easily worth $100 (assuming it's in good condition).