max1122

Hey guys! I've just got into biking recently and am having a difficult time picking up a bike, given my budget (100-250) and lack of knowledge. It'd be greatly appreciated if you guys could tell me whether or not this is a good deal.
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...434575548.html


The seller said that tune up was done recently, new tires, and new tubes. And hes asking for $250. I'm no expert but I feel like it's a little steep. What do you guys think?
Again, any opinion is tremendously appriciated

thinktubes 

$100 to $125

max1122

Since I have no knowledge about bikes, what would be some reasonable counter-arguments I can use to talk the price down?

thinktubes 

it's a lower-end Trek, it is probably made outside the US, and it's old as dirt. On top of that it's freeking Christmas (AKA the middle of winter) - bike demand should be at its lowest.

A seller putting money into a bike for basic components is not a legit reason for them jack up the price beyond market value.

One just sold on Ebay for $76 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Trek-330-Roa...item2ec34ed607

trek330

As you can tell by my handle I have some experience with that bike.Great bike!Made in the USA.Bought mine in like new condition for about $250 and felt it was worth every penny.Long gone now but the bike that got me into serious biking.

no1mad 

Moved from Road.

FastJake

+1

No bar tape, stem shifters, s----y steel bars and brake levers. And why does it have cyclocross tires? It's not a bad bike but it would take some parts to make it decent.

oddjob2

I'd keep looking if I were you. Just not a fair priced deal, even at 1/2 off.

randyjawa 

Small question - big answer. There are so many variables that an experienced buyer would apply when seeking to purchase such a bicycle, and, yes, time of the year is certainly one of them.

Have a look at Vintage Bicycle Value to get an idea of how to consider the value of an old bicycle. Look also at Bicycle Quality to get an idea of what it takes to demonstrate quality in an old bicycle.

These two articles should help you begin an understanding of what you want to buy and how to go about doing so in an informed manner.

By the way, welcome to the Bike Forums.

max1122

thanks for the comments guys! Greatly appriciated

wrk101

Sellers are free to ask whatever they want. An offer based on what your budget allows, rather than some knowledge based argument, would be my recommendation. Realize whatever knowledge you may garnet from the web may not matter to the seller. But someone asking $$250 is likely not yet ready to sell for $125.

In general, steel Treks are strong sellers, and you are in a hotter market.

Get knowledge, get lucky, or get taken.

That bike, if it were equipped as original, in ready to ride condition, could bring $250 in a hotter market. Unfortunately, its kind of messed up with cheap, inferior parts to what originally came on it.