folder fanatic

I reproduced the Craigslist ad below with it's photographs in case it's deleted.


"........Bicycle for sale folds in half. Breaks down to 2 pices tire zise is 20inch
Fresh paint new seat front basket.
Text me 626 xxx xxxx......"-https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...252961651.html

Do you think this bike is worth the price being painted up and all?

invisiblehand

I suspect that such bikes likely go for less ... an old single speed folding bike of unknown make probably in OK working order. But I'm not really in touch with the used market.

DVC45

That goes for $50 in my area.

jefmcg

you're not planning on buying this, are you? If I was selling something on CL I'd probably ask that much, as my time is worth something. If I was buying something, I'd ask if it was worth it to me.

Wouldn't pay for this, as I don't want it. Would pay for this if I did, and wanted it now. Otherwise, I'd just ignore it.

vmaniqui

to me it's not worth it but for someone it might be. depends on what you want/needs.

BassNotBass

Even if I needed something to load into my VW bus so that I had a set of wheels to get around on in a peyote haze at Burning Man I would be hesitant about paying $80 for this. If I needed something to do some serious riding on, I wouldn't even consider it.

Dynocoaster 

Worth the price for paint and extras.

folder fanatic

Your price quote is just about right for a realistic price. But many times (or now most of the time) I have been seeing a hyperinflation of bike prices-even in the used market in the larger population areas like mine. Here is another example of price inflation of the once ignored and neglected, now a very "in" bike with the youthful market-the Raleigh Twenty: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...241962726.html-photo included below. I was rather surprised at this listing of a supposed lightly used Bike Friday: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...256803504.html. I guess it is even more important at present to follow the perennial axiom "buyer beware." Or bring a knowledgeable friend and do check in right here on the Folding Bike forum for advice and support.

I was thinking on the lines of educating future bicycle purchasers that want to buy used bikes for any reason. I felt the best way was to see for myself how the market is doing and the direction is going. I will most likely buy new for sure for a while for the next few possible bike purchases-at least until the current "bike fad or craze" peters out.

That is so true. Everyone and every situation is different. Still, I think some though of exactly the wheres and hows of buying bikes should be thought over carefully, no matter if bought new or used.



It is colorful, isn't it.

Still it does not harbor good feelings toward the bike itself. I blew up the photos and noticed the paint job was very poor and amateurish (note the sky blue paint that covered the rims creeping up on the black also obviously painted spokes). Even if it is not stolen, it looks like it is. I'd pass on it myself for just that very reason. Plus I always prefer to upgrade and modernized the bike myself.

Diode100

it's a nice clean looking example of a typical italian housewife's bici, if it runs neat and tight and it appeals to you it's going to be well worth $80 as you dont come across them that often in clean condition in far flung corners . the heavy duty rear rack is intended for a friend to sit side saddle on.

bjorke

Prices depend on value of goods and also the value of alternatives (including doing nothing). The "right" price is the one you specifically are willing to pay for a specific item in a specific time & place.

folder fanatic

Oh, that what's the purpose of that heavy duty rear rack besides carrying heavy loads! I never would have figured that one out.

mulleady

A Bike Friday NWT for $600? Surely that's not a bad price considering their cost new?

folder fanatic

That is why I like to look and get a good feel of price range here locally or even out of the country. Here in the greater Los Angeles area, that price is a real giveaway-assuming the bike is lightly used as claimed-considering what they cost new. I just clicked on the ad and it is still online. I supposed many who would jump at the chance does not have the funds right now. Our economy has not really recovered quite yet.

folder fanatic

I just finished reading this article about how the young Dutch sit on their friend's bike (just as you described it, except a bit more well, crude): ".......On weekend evenings, young couples go out on bike dates. She sits sidesaddle on the luggage rack above the rear wheel, her skirted legs crossed daintily. She wraps one arm around his waist, while the other lifts an umbrella over their heads to ward off the drizzle. (Every time I see this, I find it incredibly hot.) Carey let me ride on the back of her bike for a minute, to see how it felt. It felt really painful. I lack the narrow Dutch ass one needs to sit comfortably on a metal luggage rack......."-https://www.slate.com/articles/life/w...terballen.html

ratdog

Sometimes, sellers will set a price for an older bike based on what the current value for a new one is even though the price of the used bike when purchased new was less than what they are asking.

folder fanatic

How true. I am noticing a drop in the general prices now on my local Craigslist. I think people have been "tapped out" as far as spending money for used bikes (I used to buy mine for no more than 50 dollars just a few years ago, generally less). Like tulips or real estate, there comes a time when all bubbles do burst.

frantik

just saw one of those go up on my CL for $50.. looks like it might be fun but no so much for serious commutes. that's cool you can give people rides on the back! i bet they weigh a ton though...