That's why I'm afraid to buy off of CL. I think I'll be riding around and someone will say I'm riding their bike that was stolen.

You can always ask the owner what year it is. When you check out the bike see if the serial #s are scratched off. When people are really vague it just seems weird to me, but there are also loads of people that have bought bicycles before that didn't know a thing about them and then decided to sell them.

If you can push your budget or find one of these from last year:
http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes...mpact-crankset

Make sure you check the size though, you don't want "at least 54" you want "exactly the right size" - which makes buying new from a reputable bike shop worth paying extra for.

[Re: The $399 Jamis]

That's either a scam or a very good deal.

Seeing as there is a phone number to contact, I'd say "good deal".....better check it out QUICK' 'cause it'll be gone in a few hours, if not already!

Unlikely that they'd put a pic of a stolen bike and their phone# in a CL ad if it were stolen. Call and ask them the serial number...if they give it, go get it!!!

When shopping at a LBS am I riding the bike I'm going to buy or is that the demo model?

How much can I negotiate from asking price? right now looking at Giant Defy or Cannondale.

In most cases you will be riding the bike you will buy. There is the chance they may not have the one you want in stock and you could ride a similar bike and then they order what you want. As for negotiating...depends on a few things...is it a 2013? you have a better chance getting big discounts if you find a shop with 2012 bikes still in stock. some shops sale bikes lower than MSRP already so talking them down on new bikes may or may not work. My LBS is a Cannondale dealer and they have very fair pricing. Which Cannondale are you looking at?

The fact that it's getting near spring now [bike buying season] is working against you now, too. You won't be able to get as much off now as you ould have in the fall or dead of winter...but like Seymour says, if you find some left-over '12s, you could probably cut a good deal on them. I don't know what the 'rules" are..but like any negotiation....start low- all they can do is say "no" and make a counter offer.

caad 8 6
synaspe 5

Hello good people. I have been looking at and riding bikes and I'm starting to lean away from a road bike to more of a hybrd like the trek 7.? I'm more comfortable on this type of bike,. I road Giant defy, Cannondale CAADx, and I can't get comfortable on a road bike. While test riding the Defy another biker road with me and kept telling me to relax my arms!

I have not ridden the Trek yet, but I'm liking the Sirrus comp, and Giant escape 0. I do know I like good shifters. Any ideas?