What Do You Think of My College Commuter?
09-01-13, 01:50 PM
#1
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What Do You Think of My College Commuter?
I ended up selling my CAAD9 for $750 before I headed off to college; I'm planning to buy a new bike for $200, as a commuter. So far I entered road bike on the West Massachusetts Craigslist. I am in the Amherst College area:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/se...=50&maxAsk=300
I would definitely like brifters, and I've found bikes with these at the $200 price range:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/4008420945.html
^ This is my favorite off the list. I'm 5' 8" with a 86 cm (33.85 inches) inseam.
I figure I could haggle $50 off the price and use that to stick some fenders on the bike.
What do you guys think? Any other bike catch your eye?
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/se...=50&maxAsk=300
I would definitely like brifters, and I've found bikes with these at the $200 price range:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/4008420945.html
^ This is my favorite off the list. I'm 5' 8" with a 86 cm (33.85 inches) inseam.
I figure I could haggle $50 off the price and use that to stick some fenders on the bike.
What do you guys think? Any other bike catch your eye?
09-01-13, 02:17 PM
#2
Thrifty Bill
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Trek is rode hard, hung up wet. Pretty dirty too. Ugly paint could be a plus on campus.
Nice clean used STI bikes start at about $300, and go up from there. So the ugly, dirty Trek may be a winner. Most buyers have no imagination. Lack of interest = discount!
First bike is long gone.
The best deals on C/L will not last long enough to get an answer to: "Hey, what about this one?" The Trek has a double helping of UGLY and DIRTY, that may be the only reason it is still around. If you can get past the aesthetics, it could be a very nice choice. I have no problem getting $350 for better looking, but similar STI Treks. And that's here in Hooterville. MA market is much stronger.
Realize as the price gets lower, you are not just competing against pickers and flippers, you are also competing against buyers that just want a cheap bike, any bike. That's one reason the best deals on C/L are often at a much higher price level.
But these two look interesting:
On the small side, this one could make a good college bike with a little TLC:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/3989726192.html
This one below is a terrible ad, may be a deal, who knows. I prefer ads with as little information as possible, preferably with no pictures too, as it eliminates the competition. I would have preferred he not mention steel frame or Trek in his listing, then it would have been perfect. My second best deal off C/L in the last two years: "Race bike bad paint", now that was a great ad!!!:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/4039641175.html
Nice clean used STI bikes start at about $300, and go up from there. So the ugly, dirty Trek may be a winner. Most buyers have no imagination. Lack of interest = discount!
First bike is long gone.
The best deals on C/L will not last long enough to get an answer to: "Hey, what about this one?" The Trek has a double helping of UGLY and DIRTY, that may be the only reason it is still around. If you can get past the aesthetics, it could be a very nice choice. I have no problem getting $350 for better looking, but similar STI Treks. And that's here in Hooterville. MA market is much stronger.
Realize as the price gets lower, you are not just competing against pickers and flippers, you are also competing against buyers that just want a cheap bike, any bike. That's one reason the best deals on C/L are often at a much higher price level.
But these two look interesting:
On the small side, this one could make a good college bike with a little TLC:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/3989726192.html
This one below is a terrible ad, may be a deal, who knows. I prefer ads with as little information as possible, preferably with no pictures too, as it eliminates the competition. I would have preferred he not mention steel frame or Trek in his listing, then it would have been perfect. My second best deal off C/L in the last two years: "Race bike bad paint", now that was a great ad!!!:
https://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/4039641175.html
Last edited by wrk101; 09-01-13 at 02:33 PM.
09-01-13, 02:27 PM
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+1. I could get over 300 for that bike after a few hours work. At 200$, it's a deal, but check the brifters to see if they work. If they don't, and they're 7/8 speed, those are usually gummed up and easy enough to get working (takes a couple days soaking, a couple hours actual work, and a handful of metric allen keys). If they're not working, offer 150 or less.
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09-01-13, 07:09 PM
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The seller agreed to $150, I'll go check it out as soon as possible (probably tomorrow).
Hopefully it fits.
Hopefully it fits.
09-01-13, 07:15 PM
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+1. I could get over 300 for that bike after a few hours work. At 200$, it's a deal, but check the brifters to see if they work. If they don't, and they're 7/8 speed, those are usually gummed up and easy enough to get working (takes a couple days soaking, a couple hours actual work, and a handful of metric allen keys). If they're not working, offer 150 or less.
09-02-13, 04:51 AM
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I'd simply make it rideable, overhaul it, and clean it up. Right now it needs all three.
If you can do the work, and the brifters are operational, it's worth it just for parts at 150$.
If you can do the work, and the brifters are operational, it's worth it just for parts at 150$.
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09-02-13, 07:14 AM
#8
Thrifty Bill
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Don't delay. Sellers do not have to abide by agreements (buyers don't either). First one with the cash wins. You are at a price point ($150) where choices will be limited.
