Originally Posted by
Camilo
Lots of ebay sellers of new stuff are bonafide established sellers (as opposed to John Doe, individual guy). Also, many are tagged as "Authorized Seller". I have no idea how that designation comes into play, but in hundreds of purchases since the 90s, I've never had any issues with EBay new products being counterfeit.
Seems like making a very, very rare issue to be significant, which it isn't.
Not so. Fraudulent products are a huge issue on eBay. One example:
Ultegra PD-R8000 Pedals Road Bike Clipless Pedals with SPD-SL R8000 Cleats Pedal | eBay
Purchase these pedals and let us know what you receive. These deals are rampant on eBay and are listed as authentic Shimano.
Here's a set with very authentic-looking packaging. My buddy bought a similar set for less than $100 and the spindle and bearings flew out of the right pedal on the first ride. He nearly crashed.
Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000 SPD-SL Carbon Pedal 9/16" Road Bike Cycling SH11 Cleat 692757023618 | eBay
Here's a real set, from an authorized dealer and NOT on EBay:
Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000 Pedals - Components (competitivecyclist.com)
News Flash: If you're paying half price for your new Shimano pedals, you are purchasing counterfeit junk from China.