soundtweakers

Hi, my first thread here, currently considering buying a used 2008 Downtube Nova 8FS(orange). The description the seller posted was a complete copy/paste, even the photo was not of the actual bike. The photos shown in the ad has suspension. I will get a photo soon(possibly), and may be from there even pay a visit to the bike. Any potential problem with that years' model I should be looking out for, especially on a used folding bike?

those of you who own it, what do you think of this bike?

I'm 195 lbs, 5ft.9 and I will be using this bike for commuting. Work is 3 miles one way, all paved city street. Do you guys think this bike is suitable for me? If not, any other suggestions?

DVC45

The DT Nova doesn't have suspension.

How much? If the price is close to buying a new one, buy a new one.


I'm very happy with my Nova after I changed the gearing.

Sammyboy

Maybe he's just selling a Downtube FS? (I say just; it's a more expensive bike than the Nova)

snafu21

Check its not stolen. How? I don't know. Ask for the serial number before you go over there?

soundtweakers

thanks for the replies guys.

the seller wants $240 US, and again the content of the listing is copy and paste, photos are from the website showing one with suspension. The title of the listing shown Downtube Nova orange model 8FS. So until I get an email from the seller I wouldn't know.

would 240 USD be too much for either model?

DVC45

For a Nova, yes. For an FS, maybe not, depending on condition, of course.

soundtweakers

thanks, I'll probably try to negotiate a bit upon receiving the seller's photos.

nice photo!! that's a Nova I assume, would it be good for daily commute on city street?

DVC45

Thanks!
That's how I've been using it. So, yes.......but then, your city streets might be different than mine.

soundtweakers

my city started to become more bike friendly recently, with the public transit constantly raising fare and cutting service, more and more people start biking(me included).

got words from the seller, it's an 8fs for $240.

Urbanis

Your city being New York, I presume, since that ad is sitting on NY Craigslist? I'm a little concerned whether that bike is stolen, since the seller did not use their own pictures, copied the description from the Downtube website, and did not know which model of bike they had (and the differences between the Nova and FS are significant). I'd ask some friendly questions, such as how long they've had the bike, how they got it, why they're selling it, how they felt about riding it--what they liked and disliked, etc.

soundtweakers

I've had quite a few bikes stolen at my younger days when I was growing up on Long Island, NY, in farely safe suburbia neighborhoods. So I do know how it feels to lose a bike(a few for me).

I'll definitely be careful with this as I do NOT want to buy stolen goods, but then again how can I tell?

TiberiusBTkirk

Or it's a scam phishing for e-mails.
that's why one should be weary of e-mails responding to your ad just saying "I'll take it! when and where!" usually they're that enthusiastic.

soundtweakers

either the seller never got the chance or he possibly refuse to do so, I have not receive any actual photos of the bike. at this point I'm looking at somewhere else.

thanks for all the replies and suggestion.

hazyphonics

Dr Yan sells Novas on ebay. The blue ones are being auctioned off right now.

soundtweakers

just an update. got actual photos of the bike, and met the seller. It was a father helping his young daughter sell her old bike on Craigslists. Bike's super clean, everything works, might tweak the break and gear a bit but definitely caught a good deal.

I am now a proud owner of a 2008 Downtube 8FS!!