Hello all,

Not sure where I should post this. If there's a better thread or forum, let me know. So I'm in the process of tracking down a new bike and looking to spend about $1k. Looking for a bike that I could comfortably do up to 100 miles on. At this point I'm getting back up to speed on what's out there and the terminology of the improvements made. I have been riding for years, but not really following the "happenings".

So I'm scanning craigslist, and ebay for a possible bike. Recently a bike was posted up on eBay and no one bid on it. Looks mostly like the guy did a crappy job of posting it. So was this a good buy? Assuming no one was there to out bid you.

Thanks for any tips or suggestions on finding another bike.

I wouldn't buy carbon anything and definitely not unless I could see it.

Aaron

Well I have no problem buying used carbon from ebay or any other format. I've done it before and am sure I will do it again. I just want clear pictures and lots of info on condition and parts on the bike. That auction doesn't have any of that. I would ask the seller a bunch of questions and for better pics of anything i might be concerned with. He has not sold a bunch of stuff before but does have a history of bike items so I would feel ok about that. This bike was sold before but must have fallen through for some reason. I would ask about that too.

His starting price and BIN seem within reason if all questions are answered to your satisfaction. I don't think msrp was ever $3800 for that bike though, but maybe.

If you know what fits you and are informed on the product then ebay can be a great resource for used bikes. Just ask q bunch of questions.

I do have a similar bike (Trek 5900) up on Ebay right now but it's not the correct size for you if the above bike is your size. It's been a while since I have sold anything on Ebay but I tried to give a bunch of info on condition and more than enough pics to help any prospective buyer obtain enough info to make a decision.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ht_1713wt_1141

I hate those wheels. Something about them just seems like they could fold at any moment. I think the bike is nice though, just NOT in FANTASTIC condition.

^the weird part is that the older model Rolf vector comp wheels that came with these Treks were even more scary looking, but actually are renowned for being bombproof.



I took a chance and sold those wheels on eBay and ended up selling them for well above what I expected.

There's a reason he only has the original front wheel. I am sure the back one didn't survive this long. The upper end paired spoke Race X-lites I have have been fantastic wheels. I've never needed to true them at all. My wife has the Select wheels and they have held up well for her but they are very heavy and she is very light. The Race lites have not had a good reputation with spoke breakage or bearing life.