ShreyasM123

Hello,

I was looking for a bike to buy off craigslist. I found a 2009 trek 1.2 triple, but the user has upgraded the crank to shimano 105 and the wheels to a mavic aksium.
He's asking for 400 dollars, which I think is too high (?) What is a reasonable price for this bike? Looks to be in very good condition, well taken care of. I've made sure it fits me as well.

Thanks!

woodcraft

I looked on ebay and craigslist,

& saw a number of those bikes listed for higher than $400,

none lower.

Seems like a fair price if the bike is in good working condition.

A bike for less could easily lead to spending $$ at the bike shop.

mcours2006

I think the price is a tad high as well, for Sora, even if it's a 105 crankset. I'd offer $300-350.

Raiden

Things are worth exactly the price someone pays for them. If you don't like the price, either pass on the deal or offer him a new price. He may take whatever you offer (though a seller ALWAYS has to expect a haggle on CL), or he may not and you may need some leverage for him to see it your way.

Have you seen equivalent or better bikes elsewhere that make you think the price on this one is too high? Why not buy them?

ShreyasM123

I am basing my judgment primarily off of bicycle blue book, which places this bike without any modifications at 250 dollars. With the new crank and wheelset, I am prepared to add an extra 50-100 dollars, so I was simply asking since I do not know enough about parts and buying used bicycles.

Dave Cutter

I've done some buying and selling on CL. Usually someone will look over a bike and make an offer ...or not. Should the bike be a little less pricey... maybe. So offer a little less. (400 sounds about right to me)

I would guess you posted here because you're hoping someone will help sell you on the purchase. Not everyone on CL is a salesman. Sometimes... you have to sell yourself on the purchase. Call or text the guy... and offer him a lesser amount.

Raiden

I don't put much stock into what BBB says, it usually claims some very low prices, and in claiming to be such an authority, artificially alters prices. I live close to large urban areas with ideal bike paths, bikes are worth more here. If I had that bike and someone offered me $250, I'd definitely counter quite a bit. $400 would be fair here, IMO. The lowest price I see in Ebay's sold listings are around $400.

But he's not me and your area may be different.

bgrider

Bike Blue book is a good guide and then you can factor in add ons/extras/upgrades as you have done. Another poster commented on the bike being worth what you paid for it and I think another about having to convince yourself its the right deal. Both are true and if you like it, get it, if not, another will come along. It would be a reasonable price in my neck of the woods. Personally, I would tend to avoid heavily modified drive trains unless you are able to establish that the mods are correct. A simple crank change should be easily checked out though so I would not say this bike is heavily modified. Wheel change outs should not be a concern if they are reasonable\y true and not beat up.

Good Luck with the decision.

Shuffleman

I am sorry but I hate this advice. I have no problem with people negotiating a better price. As a seller, it is up to them to say yes or no. What I hate is when people negotiate over the phone or text. Everytime that I sell something on CL I get the nonsense texts and calls of "will you take" or "what is your best price". My answer is always the same, If you are in front of me with cash, I will consider any offer. If you are asking me over the phone, you have my price.
I would take exactly the amount of cash that you would pay for the bike. Go look at it and tell him that you are willing to pay X dollars for the bike right now. People have a much harder time of saying no, when a person is in front of them with cash. I recently put a washer/dryer set on CL for $425. I got all the usual garbage calls. One guy showed up and offered my $275 cash. He got a great deal and I did not have to waste any more of my time waiting for people to show up that rarely do. Show up with cash in hand and put the ball in their court.

Sidney Porter

If he is asking 400 he will take 300-375. Offer 300 or 325 an see what happens. I don't know how the bbb comes up with 250. In my observation modern entry level bike store bikes bottom out around 300-400. Treks seem to hold their value a little better.

rmfnla

Exactly, both as a buyer and a seller...

Dave Cutter

You are absolutely right! My post wasn't clear. From what I had read from the OP's posts.... I understood he had looked the bike over and was sure of the size. He just wasn't sure of the price. That is the only reason I would suggest anyone call or text for a lower price.

Thanks for pointing out the error in my post.

mcours2006

IME, when I am buying something from CL I have a price above which I will not pay. For some of these deals I have to travel a long way, so I would get the price negotiated before I ever leave the house. That way if the item isn't quite what you thought, then fine, I walk away empty handed. Doing it the other way around I might be walking away empty handed because we can't come to an agreement on the price.

And of course, I always show up with cash in hand.