RiddleOfSteel

Oh my, people, we have an essentially pristine, barely used, nearly-all-original 1985 Trek 660 for just $150!! 61cm or 24" per the catalog. In Portland.

Retrogrouch731

Here is a JP Weigle in Chicago. I tried to purchase this bike but the seller stopped messaging me. We had exchanged several emails and even were to the point of setting up a day and time to meet and then nothing. That was 2 weeks ago and the bike is still posted and the post keeps getting renewed. Not sure what the deal is exactly, if it is a scam or something else. I asked for a few more close up photos and a shot of the bottom bracket and the messages stopped. I was serious about buying this.

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/b...997594002.html

due ruote 

That bike has been posted forever. I contacted him when he had it listed for a billion dollars and asked what he actually wanted for it, and was told $1500. But yeah, hard to know what's up. I know a bunch of folks have contacted him and no sale, so I gather he isn't exactly motivated.

I am more surprised that the Eisentraut is still sitting.

due ruote 

Very nice '83 Pana/Schwinn Super Sport on S side of Chicago.
1983 Schwinn Super Sport - $200 (Tinley Park)

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/b...009445252.html

Rocket-Sauce 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8528956978439/
New Old Stock Vintage Centurion Ironman Bikes --Your Choice 1986/1987Providence, RI · about a day ago · $850

J.Higgins 

This sort of thing happens to me a lot. Its as if the seller has an aversion to working too hard at answering questions, then the sale isnt worth it to them.

Also some people have overly-strict rules of play. One time, there was a bike one CL that was listed for a month. I'd been waffling over it long enough and finally shot the guy an email stating, "Hello! If you still have this bike, I'll take it." Listen, he replied so nastily, saying, "Why the eff wouldn't I have it still? You saw the ad for it didn't you? Is there something wrong with you?" I was shocked. I replied nicely asking him if he still wanted to sell it, giving him the benefit of the doubt that perhaps he's having a bad day. He said that yes, he still wanted to sell it. I asked if he was flexible on the price, and that's when all hell broke loose. I haven't heard that kind of cursing and name calling since my mother was still alive. I shook my head to clear it, but that was it for me.

All kinds of people out there for sure. Unfortunately not many of them know how to buy or sell anything. My personal code for buying something is not to chase ANY potential buyer. I'll answer any question thoroughly and promptly. I'll take any pictures he wants. If I answer questions and the deal seems to be lubricated and running nicely, I'll drop the guy/gal a line and ask them if they are still interested, and that's about it.

Hey after all... this whole bike thing has to be fun, otherwise what's the point, right?

2cam16

francophile 

Devil's advocate for a sec ... Not sure what your CL is like, but here in Atlanta, if you list anything, you get harvesters and scammers 90% of your inquiries saying "If you still have <item> I'll take it". After a month of getting nothing but that and thinking you're being hammered on all sides, then to get another one ... that's enough to send someone over the edge. Then, when you realize this is a real human and not someone from Nigeria, you come down off your guard, then they want to initiate a haggle sight-unseen?

I dunno. Maybe it's because I have three bikes up for sale and I'm getting lots of tire kickers and have been stood up on meets three times already, and my truck caught fire this morning on the way to work, but ... I can totally see how a rational human being could be in that person's boat. Selling on CL is stressful. It sucks. But there just isn't any better way to wheel and deal locally.

J.Higgins 

I dont like to brag. Its just not in my nature. However, I am a well-seasoned CL buyer/seller. Remember me mentioning that everyone has a "personal code of ethics" concerning buying a selling? There's a huge technique. It also helps to have a BS in Marketing Science. *wink*

1. Put into your ad the words: I will not respond to ads without a return phone number. Give me your phone number and I will call you as soon as I can. It works like magic, especially if you adhere to it. I get a lot of "I'll take it" emails. I reply, "Surely. Send me your phone number and I'll call you back. If I get nothing but radio silence I delete the email after a couple days and move on. I'm all about the theory that if they really want it, they'll do it my way. If they are smart enough to make a lucid decision about this, then they'll do what it takes to keep them and myself safe.

2. I usually try to deal in higher-end bikes now. It weeds out the dirtbags. My philosophy is that if I know what I'm looking at, I'll be able to judge if the other guy knows what he's looking at, and calibrate the deal accordingly.

3. Wheeling and Dealing: The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Karma, folks. Its real. Every potential buyer is your best friend. Some people will never resonate with you, obviously, but I've met some great people over CL deals, and many I consider my friends and friendly bicycle related contacts.

I could seriously write a book about the philosophy of CL deals and dealing. I could ramble here until I run out of cabernet... that would be bad!

But I'm done rambling.

bark_eater 

So whats the secret code? That all I can think of asking when a good deal pops up. I always include my phone number. 10% of the time I get a reply, and 10% of those reply's lead to looking at a bike, beyond that the odds change because my lack of impulse control...

malcala622 

Really tall peugeot on offerup

Check out this VINTAGE PEUGEOT for $120 on OfferUp https://offerup.com/item/detail/772667544/

francophile 

It's not a ramble. It's legit. But not everyone is as savvy as you. Those that aren't (in my experience) tend to get agitated more easily. Here you need to be wary of what you post in ads. I have some choice examples I won't post here to derail the topic. But PM me if you want a laugh. I can share some ... lets say "interesting" responses from one especially duchey idjut here in ATL critical of us BF'ers and vintage enthusiasts who seems to think they're anonymous.

You never truly know. What I've found works in my area 90% of the time is starting with, "I know how many scammers and spammers tend to reply on CL, but I'm a real live human here in town and I'm genuinely interested in buying if you're available to show the bike. Here's my phone number, I'm open to email, text or a call to plan it out." If I don't get a reply that day, I usually get a reply within a day or two saying someone else was in line ahead of me and took the bike. Just happened this weekend with a Torpado @greg3rd48 tipped me off about this weekend.

francophile 

Looks like a late 60s/early 70s PX10 if I'm seeing that tiny fork crown correctly. But that fork may be bent, buyer beware.

jetboy 

If I am really interested I usually list some days and times I could come and get it. Not so much for bikes, but other .. larger objects- its nice to list that you willb e bringing a truck, a dolly, and a friend. basically show that you have the resources to actually do the thing as 90% of the CL responses seem to just be from lonely people pretending they want to buy a thing.. or outright scammers.

malcala622 

Im sure it's just the angle of the picture

We'd need a better drive side picture to confirm.

J.Higgins 

It might be a sum of the whole. I'm at about 90% success rate using the following email to a prospective seller:

Hello,

I'll take this if you still have it. Please feel free to call or text.

Sincerely,

Seamus McGee
Ledzepplinville, NH
603-555-1234

Its matter-of-fact, and to the point. Telling them to call or text gives them freedom to choose. The "sincerely" adds a lot to it. The name and town here are obviously changed to protect the innocent (me), but letting the potential seller know who you are, and that you are earnest is a priceless bargaining tool.

Bianchigirll 

MAX tubed Dancelli anyone? $600, 60 CM. b It is in the "Steel is Real!!! Classic and Vintage Road Bikes

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4285...comment_follow

rccardr 

Hunh. I may have owned that Dancelli once upon a time. Only one I've ever seen like it.
BTW, impossible FD setup. Impossible.

cqlink 

https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/b...009851112.html

Unca_Sam

Seller lists the size as 62 cm...
clearly not an xl frame...

cqlink 

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/b...006159967.html

cqlink 

https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/b...009548861.html

Ballenxj

Curious, what makes this bike worth $2000, or even $1500. as mentioned later?

TenGrainBread 

It's a boutique frame by a one-man custom shop with a years-long waiting list and a price tag that's probably around double that. I wouldn't buy it but as far as candidates for a $1500 bike this is a good one.

Ballenxj

Thanks, so not as much to do with components, but more with the frame?