Originally Posted by
Lemond1985
This would make me even more insistent on wanting a test ride. I took a chance once on a bike with flat tires and no pedals. Got it home and discovered the frame was cracked, something a test ride probably would have revealed. Seller of course ignored my request for a refund.
Yeah true, it is always a risk buying used. Then again, you are getting a bike that was close to $4000 new for $1000. So something has got to give.. If the bike was in tip top, ready to ride condition, he would probably be asking $1500 for it. You cannot have it both ways.
It all depends on your risk tolerance.. I bought a used BMC SLC01 carbon bike on Ebay sight unseen (apart from photos obviously), and it has been great, served me well the past 4 years so far. Although Ebay has buyer protections you can rely on if things go badly..
I'd say if you want the deal, bring a chain, slap that on, and ask the seller if you can take it around the block for 5 minutes. If all seems well, and if it fits you, buy it. If not, or if the seller doesn't want you to try it out, steer clear.