I know there is a bike shop in Brooklyn called Sheepshead Cycles which has a good reputation, but are these guys on Craig's List the same people? https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/930847783.html Anyone ever buy a used bike from these CL guys? How was the experience?

I have been commuting on a '73 Schwinn Suburban which I have really grown to love, but I'm ready to accept the reality that the 22" frame is not cutting it for my 6'2" body. I bought the bike back when I didn't know much about the finer details about bikes, or how to make sure the fit was correct. Now that I have learned to do some of my own maintenance and adjustments, I would like to get a bike which really fits me, rather than dumping more time or money into something which is just the wrong size. I would like to stick with a cheap, oldschool, bombproof beater, and it seems like these folks may have the selection I need. So, please share any info you have on this CL outfit.

I'm also open to recommendations for other used bike shops in the 5 boros, or, if you live in the city, are 5'4" - 6'0", and have a commuter bike which is too big for you, let's talk trades! Thanks!

Looks like one of Igor Kenk's many warehouses.

Those pictures are definately NOT from Roy's. The backroom of Roy's is mostly high end road and mtb either new or customer's bikes that are ready to go.

Plus, the ad clearly states that they are located in "Gerritsen Beach", which is not where Roy's is located.

Caveat emptor

Hmmm. A bit foolish, but it never dawned on me that some/all of these could be stolen. Perhaps I will have to check this place out and see if the folks running it seem on the level or not. I wouldn't want to make any false assumptions.

Wish it wasn't so far out of my way. If anyone has experience with this place please jump in.

"We are available just about every weekday evening from 6-9pm or sat from 3-10pm and sun from 2-5pm. "

OK, so they have day jobs, of a sort.

"Please Call 1-917-273-0673 for exact location."

A method to pre-screen the potential buyer and to weed out any potential law enforcement, is the way I read this.

That and the sheer quantity of bikes makes me think that they either got hold of a LOT of pre-owned bikes (how'd they manage that ?) and fixed them up for re-sale, or that the whole thing stinks, which was my first reaction.

SB

On the other hand, if the main owner is older than 30ish and has been flipping bikes as a side job/hobby for a couple decades, it's not inconceivable that he has built up a large stock. Especially with all the police auctions and garage sales which happen in the greater tri-state area.

i'm actually gonna try to head over there this weekend. i feel like if they were all stolen they wouldn't post it on craigslist.

I think it is more a guy that does it as a sideline and buys at garage sales etc... The thing I worry about is that the bikes themselves aren't worth the money he's asking. A lot of CL bikes are junk being pushed as "like new", "ride this beauty home" type stuff but are really just dept. store junk that you really could buy new for less.

I think anytime you have that many 'pre-owned' bikes you run the risk that some of them are stolen, regardless of how the current owner acquired them.

Some of the bikes listed on Craigslist are obviously stolen - like the guy who used to post from a Times Square internet cafe saying "bring cash - ride home tonight." Some are probably perfectly legitimate. Either way you should get a receipt just in case you ever need to prove you paid for it.

Awesome. Please post here if you do. I would like to go this weekend too, but have work. Maybe Friday evening...

I agree with zacster,
isn't this guy well known on CL bikes? he buys low and sells high.
sometimes begging a guy to give him a bike, then he flips it.
I think he charges too much for the bikes though.