I sold a really nice Motobecane Grand Touring last night. It was the early 70's version with Stronglight 49D cranks, Suntour GT derailleurs, and other classic components. The buyer really had no clue. He wanted to know if it was a single speed or geared bike. I answered it was a ten speed, but that may not really mean anything to him. I am sure the bike will remain in the gear it is in when i sold it. I don't think the buyer even knows where the shift levers are, or what to do with them.

So, how much information do you give your buyers? I try to explain different aspects of the bike, but I know not much is getting through. I did mention that this type of bike shouldn't be ridden up and down curbs. That it is really lightweight and care should be used in riding it. But do I need to explain the gearing and how to shift? I showed him how the front wheel comes off, and to place the skewer lever along the fork blade when you close it. Again, how much of that will be retained is questionable.

Sometimes i have the patience to delve into all the mechanics of the bike. Other times, like last night(after a long workday) I just don't know what to say to someone that has no bike knowledge whatsoever. And if they don't ask questions, how much info and what sort of info do you volunteer?

How do you guys approach the selling of a bike? Especially when it comes to the 99% of buyers with no clue.

The good news is at least they wanted a bicycle.

If they ride it so much the better. They liked it, and bought it over a "new" one, so they had some taste.

depends on the bike and how much im asking. if its a quick flip bicycle i have a buy it or not attitude. if its a valuable road bike and i'm asking alot, i will go into every detail of the bike.

If the customer shows some interest, he will let you know. Then go into the detail of the piece.

If not, then just learn to count and go on with the next project.

After you get the money, it's no longer yours. If the customer wants to turn it into a s/s, rat bike, well it's his to do what he wishes.

I'm insanely generous with information. I'll spend an hour with people telling them about how to ride safely in traffic, how to shift gears, how to care for a bike. The limit on how much information I give is according to their capacity to take it all in. I cram in so much information that their brains fill up in an hour or less.

But that's because I'm passionate, and when I'm passionate, I'm generous. You don't have to do any of this.

Hey, do you folks think we should have a sub-forum for bike flipping, separate from the rest of C&V topics?

Most people are not bike nuts/nerds like us! they just want to ride.

"How long has it been since you've ridden a bike?".......always the first question. "Do you understand hand brakes?...#2 Then I judge them for the fit of the bike. To date I have turned down 2 customers over 6'3" on bikes that would not fit.

Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Thanks for that. If they aren't forthcoming with questions, then I should start asking the questions.

I have the buyer ride around in a large safe parking lot. I check/adjust fit. I ask the buyer to brake. I instruct about braking. Then to shifting...I make certain that they go through all of the gears. Most buyers will ask questions. Some don't. I try ti be as helpful as I can. Often the discussion goes toward spouse, girlfriend riding issues. I volunteer what wisdom I have there. I also recommend specific things when asked, such as where to ride, an LBS I trust, or an accessory.

I'd tell him to ride it the way he wants to. If it breaks, I have more to sell.

It is completely up to the buyer. If he/she is interested, I am more than happy to talk about the bike as long as they are willing to learn. If they just want to buy the bike, and have an "uninterested" way of acting, then I won't force feed them information. But these things often comes down to what bike you are selling. Today I sold two bikes.
One was an old, banged ud Benotto, and the buyer had no interest in talking to me more than he had to. The other bike was a pretty pristine Italian in great condition - and it was of cause a lot more expensive that it's Italian brother. This time the buyer, who barely knew how to change gears, had some interest in gaining knowledge about the bike he was about to buy, so I explained some things to him.
So I guess it comes down to the buyers mindset, and the price. And those two things are very often connected. I have rarely sold a $600 bike to someone who have no interest in knowing how to change the gears.

I also don't put toe clips on flippers. Too many casual cyclists to risk a fall on a test ride. I'll clean them and include them with the sale.

+1

Only problem I've had is a couple buyers wanted me to become their personal mechanic, showing up, out of the blue, with BSO's for me to "fix" for them gratis.

I sold a series Paramount once, the only thing the buyer cared about was that it was "pretty". Her eyes glazed over as soon as I started explaining some of the features of the bike.

I sold a similar Motobecane (to the OP) to a college kid. Tried to explain that one too. The only thing he was interested in: "Is it really FRENCH?" I told him, "YES". WOW, a cool french bike, I'll take it. I'm sure he would have been just as excited buying a UO8....

As much as many of us (me included) on this list are really interested in all the details, 99% of the buyers I deal with could care less. At most, they want it to be light, and cosmetically appealing. The difference between Cyclone G1 and Suntour AR? They could care less.

Anymore, I rarely provide any info, unless they ask. 5% ask, 95% just want to buy and leave.

+1 On toe clips I remove them.

Note, I tend to sell a lot of midgrade bikes. $600 bike around here = ebay only.