So this one requires some backstory. I had a GT Outpost on both my website from last fall and on local cl here and there for a few months. Solid bike, in great shape, worked perfectly. I just sold it this weekend and when the guy called us (having found the bike via our website) mentioned he was wary because he thought something scammy was going on as he had seen an ad on craigslist for the same bike. My wife explained that sometimes we post bikes on craigslist and assured the gentleman that it wasnt a scam.
He asks if we take bikes in trade and we say sure, bring it and we'll look at it. He shows up, buys our ready to go red Outpost and then pulls another red Outpost out of his truck. Laughing, figuring that he maybe just had a thing for old red GTs, I was ready to offer him $20 on a trade and call it a day. He explained he purchased it on craigslist for $80 and took it to a bike shop who said it needed new shifters, a new tube, and new brakes. The bike looked okay otherwise and I figured I could revive the shifters with a good solvent flush or perhaps an overhaul. Since he said he bought it for $80, I felt bad about offering him $20 so instead I said $40. He took it and was happy, and I figured I could relist this one quickly after some repairs. Win win.
After fixing up the new GT I remembered that my old craigslist ad for the old GT must have still been up so I searched for it.
My ad was long gone, but I found the ad for the bike I bought from him! Except it turns out the guy who was originally selling it stole the copy from my website word for word! Even though there were several differences in the bikes, he of course couldnt be bothered to change the words up to match his own bike.
So this poor guy bought this bike last week thinking it was good to go from some jerkbag who stole my words without bothering to mention the issues with HIS bike. He couldnt even take the time to change the description to match the bike. I understand if you arent a bike person you may not know the differences between the shifters, but the seat cutout is plain as day, not to mention the bike is a good size or two smaller than the one I had listed. He added that a lock was included, which, as you can tell from the pics, is only half true, hahaha.
Here's my copy :
"90′s Red GT Outpost Mountain bike w/ Triple Triangle frame. 18-speed, 20″ frame, 28″ standover height, fits someone 5’5″-6’1″. Shimano Altus C50 rear derailleur and SIS thumb shifters. This bike is from the era when GT was a high quality bike shop brand, and GT’s triple triangle frame is legendary. Super comfy gel padded seat w/ cutout. This mountain bike rides like a dream and is very comfortable, stops and shifts well and was just tuned up."
Here's the plagiarised copy :
"Outpost GT triple triangle Mountain Bike. Very good condition.
90′s Red GT Outpost Mountain bike w/ Triple Triangle frame. 18-speed, 20″ frame, 28″ standover height, fits someone 5'5″-6'1″. Shimano Altus C50 rear derailleur and SIS thumb shifters. This bike is from the era when GT was a high quality bike shop brand, and GT's triple triangle frame is legendary. Super comfy gel padded seat w/ cutout. This mountain bike rides like a dream and is very comfortable, stops and shifts well. Also comes with a kryptonite lock and key. Extremely good condition.
Leave a phone number and I will get right back to you.
FOLDING PAPER ONLY. REAL Money!!
NO credit PayPal or any other type of payment.
Must sell! "
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2892777215.html