exmechanic89

I used CL to buy my own bikes, and my wife's as well. I also currently buy parts pretty often on there. Doing this I've noticed several wacky things that seem to happen over and over again, some of these ideas dating back even to when I worked in shops in the 80's.

First, almost nobody seems to know how bike sizing works. People almost always say their mountain bikes are 26", and their road bikes 27" in size. Why is this? I think this confusion has existed for decades.
Also I've also noticed that tons of people seem to think the proper riding position is way high jacked-up handle bars and a low seat, this goes for both road bikes and mtbs. I see this even on high-end bikes pretty often, where presumably the owner would know a little bit more about how bikes work and are set up. The size thing drives me nuts though, as you end up having to guess or have the owner measure the seat tube if they're able.

CliffordK

I would say it is valid to list the tire size as part of the specs.
20", 24", 26", 27", 700c, 29er, etc. However, frame dimensions should also be part of it.

With the modern sloping tubes, I'd put fork crown headset height as part of the measurements, but this doesn't seem to be captured.
I was looking at a kid riding a 16" or 20" (tire) bike today with the seat slammed all the way down. One probably can't get the bars very low with the seat so low.... where do the legs go?

I probably ride more on the tops of the bars than on the drops or the hoods, and sometimes like to look up.

Someone recently posted a crash video... guy on road bike, head down, slams into back of parked car. Woman comes along a little later on "comfort bike", sitting bolt upright. Sees whole situation with plenty of time to react.

Fahrenheit531 

Nevermind the, uhhhh, fork issues. If this thing has been stored for years someplace hot enough to do that to the grip I have real concerns about CF integrity.

[h=2]Trek 2100 Composite - $180 (Houghton & Speedway)[/h]













I have for sale a Trek 2100 Composite bike, which has been in storage. One of the rubber handles needs replacing. It looks like the sun or heat has damaged it. Please see photos. The bike needs the tires pumped up, everything tightened and there is a tear in the seat.

14 speeds, 30" from the bar to ground. My mother in law was the original owner, clean serial.

Any questions please text or email. Serious buyers only.

CliffordK

I don't see any signs of corrosion. One could probably get it reassembled for a test ride in about 10 minutes. For $180., it might make a fun restoration.

I don't know about heat damage... that might be a reason to insist on a test ride.

GordoTrek

how the heck did they ride it like that? 180 is more than fair, i bought my 2200 for 300 bucks and it's still running strong, same bike only has 105 on it. i think the if the CF has lasted this long then i wouldn't worry about it.

Fahrenheit531 

Too small for me and not in the market for bonded CF either way. Price is certainly fair unless it's a heat-compromised death frame.

arex

bicycle built for two

bicycle built for two - $40 (29 and orchard gj co) < >




CAMO LOL

FlatSix911

Not a bad price ... I like it

seedsbelize 

The link took me here: Walmart.com.mx

CliffordK

Cute paint job.
Not a bad price for a MTB based tandem. I just put one together, and it is very easy to go over $40 in parts
Also with a right side only chain using a triple crank in the rear.
Oh, just noticed, are the front and rear chainrings different sizes?'

Should I ask what the rider in the rear is supposed to hold onto?

arex

I was wondering that myself. And yeah, it's a good price, even if it's not the greatest bike in the world...I even briefly considered following up on it, but I have to pick my battles.

RubeRad

The only option is buttcheeks

ncrnelson

2014 Trek Madone 6.2 H1 (56cm) - $3050 (Wadena)



"Bought this bike in the spring of 2014 and I want to upgrade. This is a 2014 56 cm Trek Madone 6.2 with H1 geometry and the traditional crankset. (53/39) and in Excellent/Like New condition. Bike will be sold stock. No accessories! I am mainly a runner so this bike was used to cross train. Less than 300 miles on this bike."


I can't wrap my mind around people like this, you bought a $4600 Madone, according to your ad, put 300 miles on it in one year and you need an upgrade???

Keep your eyes peeled for a Pinarello Dogma with 150 miles on it for sale next year.

Wilfred Laurier

This is very common. Generally it is people who value the bling rather than the ride. Probably a lawyer or dentist or real estate reptile who realized his buddy has the Madone 6.3, and so is now shopping for a 6.4.

You should be thankful he is buying bikes and not sports cars. Most people in his position would have endangered the lives of many people by the time he put 300 miles on a Ferarri... if he didn't total it in the first 50.

Clang

Hmmm

[h=2]LIKE NEW Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bike, 19" - $250 (S. Minneapolis)[/h]LIKE NEW Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bike, 19"

holden west

Yeah, if he's only using it to cross train he should downgrade, rather than upgrade. Trade it in for an old gaspipe cheapo. That will get your legs in shape better than some wispy featherlight. It's a red flag when someone has such quick buyer's remorse. Is it a bad ride? Is there some sort of damage?

Wilfred Laurier

The general rule-of-thumb I use is that clueless buyer with no idea what they have (like someone 'upgrading' from a brand new Madone 6.2 - what exactly is he hoping to accomplish with his 'upgrade'?) are often the best possible people to buy from... the bicycle equivalent of a 'little-old-lady-driven car'.
Be very careful when buying from someone who knows every part of the bike as he may have spent a lot of time fixing or replacing parts damaged from heavy use. My buddy recently bought a KTM motorcycle from a dirt bike racer dude who knows how to properly maintain his bike, but the amount of repairs my buddy has had to do seem to indicate the bike has no life left in it. My friend has spent 10X more time wrenching than he has riding.

Wilfred Laurier

Funny how with the old Specialized graphics, the word 'Rockhopper' looks exaclty like 'Hard Rock'

lutrija24

"great condition" bike of the day. At least the rims are shiny.

this is a vintage classic 1950's-1060's peugeot road bike 10 speed, it is in great riding condition, these bikes are worth about $350 I am only asking for $95 obo.

lutrija24

Depending on the year and the font, it might even look like 'Sport Rock'

holden west

^I think he meant to say "Good Riddance condition"

Well said. Either way, I'd go over it with a fine-tooth comb.

CliffordK

Hmmm.... perhaps he decided that he needed electronic assist for his cross training.

smontanaro 

Me paraphrasing:

Japanese Road Bike

Force 

Campagnolo Mavic Scott Shimano Dura Ace vintage

"The front wheel has a spot on it where it appears a hard brake caused the pads to rub into the wheel a little."

CliffordK

Wow, that's a new one. Maybe the perspective in the photo is off.... but it looks like the neighbor's dog took a chunk out of that wheel. It looks like damaged CF, but I can't imagine what did it. A few broken spokes and out of true wheel?

Perhaps trying some kind of skateboard railslide with the bike???

Rubbing from poorly mounting it on a car rack?]

Not a single good photo of the "Campy Hub", but the seller is better off pulling the hub, and selling the rear as a single, and the front as a bare hub.