wrk101

+1 Any really good deal is not going to last long enough for a "Hey, is this one a good deal?" posting. The bike will be long gone by the time you get an answer.

On pretty much ANY public sales forum (like C/L), the deals do not last long. The best deals around here last 15 minutes, maybe 30 minutes max, if properly marketed (pics, and some decent but not great details). In any decent sized areas, there are always people on the lookout for deals, these folks are educated enough to pounce on the deals, any time of day, any day of the week. In my area, sometimes I am that guy. Often, I get beat out as well. I call these folks "scoopers".

So how do you "beat" the scoopers at their game? Get educated UP FRONT, so you recognize a bike from even a crappy picture, or sketchy details, and you become a scooper. The sketchier the details, the better chance you have of scoring a deal. A lot of scoopers are lazy, no pics and minimal/no details, they look elsewhere. I love ads with no size, no pics, no description, etc. Or if they do have pics, crappy pics, flat tires, incomplete bikes (missing saddle, etc.)

That's how the deals are picked up.

And often, the best deals are on bikes that need work, but only if you have the tools/time/aptitude/access to parts to do the work yourself. Otherwise, such great deals become lousy deals.

Of course, your other choice is word of mouth. That's really the best route if you are patient. And remember, a great deal on a bike that is not your size, can still be a great deal, if you resell it and use the proceeds to pay full market for a bike that is your size. All of my keeper bike purchases have been funded by bikes that did not fit.

gtipton55

Yeah it's frustrating. That bike that sold before I could even talk to the guy is now back on CL for $425. It's frustrating because I who want something for commuting and everyday purposes can't find a fair bike because I get beat to it by resellers. That's just how things work though I guess. Knowledge is key. I'm just going to find something that appeals to me and looks reasonable for my needs and go check it out and buy it. I guess the good thing is i've learned some being patient and looking endlessly through craigslist and browsing forums. Thanks for the help though guys

nikku 

Austin is a good market. You should have no problem finding a good steel frame bike in your size for $200. You just have to be persistent, and a little patient.

gtipton55

Yeah I guess the city I live in is kind of in my favor for the bike market.
I have one final question.

If chosen. Would the previously listed GT be a better buy than this Lotus 2000R?
Here are some photos of the lotus. Couldnt find much on this bike though components and CrMo frame/fork appeal. I'm going to give it a test ride tomorrow.
https://picasaweb.google.com/1023199...50318656481506

FastJake

Wouldn't be a bad bike, but condition is rougher. Bolt on rear wheel, 27" rims, rust/worn parts, eh... How much are they asking?

The GT seemed like a better buy.

gtipton55

I could get the lotus for $200. Maybe a little less. I just wish the GT wasnt as bulky looking (the bottom tube is pretty thick).
Maybe it's the like real modern big GT logo and what not. I could always strip it and re paint it. I guess I should be thinking more about how it rides than the paint/stickers/ect. The STI shifters would be real nice to have.

FastJake

I wouldn't pay $200 for that Lotus. GT would be a better rider.

I know this is the C&V forum, but new bikes are cool too!

gtipton55

I know... I shouldnt get so caught up in only vintage bikes. Well i'm going to go check the GT out tonight and if I like it he'll let it go for $200. I'll be back.

gtipton55

Well... bike was way to small (definitely not a 56cm. He forgot to mention he was 14 when he road it), front shifter was pretty busted, chain was rusty. The bike was appealing though but it was to small and the shifter wasnt doing it's job.

The search continues.

wrk101

If the ad had a picture of the bike, you need to calibrate your eyes. It really doesn't take very long, to be able to spot sizes. Sellers rarely/never get size right. I pretty much ignore the sizing info I get from sellers. I can't remember a single time the seller got it right.

nikku 

This one might be a bit big for you, but to my eyes it looks like a 56, not a 58.

https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2983484521.html

[edit: it's a very clean Motobecane Grand Touring, looks to be mid to late 70's]