Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 15
From: Chattanooga
Bikes: '93 Bridgestone RB-1, '91 Specialized Allez Epic, '85 Raleigh Team Pro, '78 Andre Bertin, early '90s F. Moser Leader AX , '85 Centurion Equipe, '98 Litespeed Tuscany, '89 Klein Quantum, '80 Nishiki Superbe, '83 Peckham, '84 Fuji Opus III
I've learned to avoid these kinds of situations. I have learned that there are sellers who intentionally insert a disparity between what is pictured and what is listed. Sometimes even the condition pictured and what is described in writing will differ.
If this kind of situation comes from an experienced seller (feedback history), then it's a scam in waiting. From an inexperienced seller it could be another story; still, unlikely.
As I read this, the seller is clearly at fault, regardless of intent. Any fallback deals are suspicious as well. I would press for the full package. This seller (and others of the ilk) should pay for questionable behavior.
Sometimes the prospect of a "great" deal or buyer eagerness/greed clouds the mind.