. . . or subtle clue about the quality of a used bike? https://boston.craigslist.org/bik/157993480.html

perhaps an allusion to the baby**** brown color. It may actually be a very nice frame. It's a shame they posted 2 photos of the fancy headbadge, and none of the lugwork, or even a decent side shot so you could get a sense for the geometry.

That's my continuing beef about CL - people have no idea what information about a bike is relevant. You see these ads that say, "Men's road bike, runs great," and nothing more, and that doesn't even make it worth my while to inquire. I don't blame the posters, because maybe they just have old bikes in their basements that they want to clear out. I just wish CL would create a form that suggests to posters some of the basic info. they should include (e.g. size of bike or, absent that, size of rider). (I suggested this on the CL feedback forum, but so far, nothing.)

Also, I think it's funny to have a big picture of a headbadge that says, "NISHIKI" and still spell it "Ni*****ka."

that picture of the edge of the handlebar is really informative.

hahaha this made my day!

at least they aren't asking 150. People in philly think they can sell a crappy road bike for a down payment on their house.

fair price indeed. Assuming: the brakes work, gears shift without excessive clicking, tires hold air, wheels are close to perfect true.
I also like it alot when a CL poster leaves a number. yes it is risky somewhat to do that but I like to call and talk to them over the phone.

I actually hate when people demand a phone call and will not deal with email. They are listing it on an internet site!

I typically have specific questions/requests for pictures and don't really have time to try to get ahold of someone(who often will be at work, busy, etc) and try to get a straight answer as opposed to a hard sell, take it or leave it attitude.

well I have never dealed with phone-only people. I just prefer calling over shooting emails. Emails are not instantaneous and time consuming. Good bikes go fast on CL, I want to get to checking the bike in person asap.
Then again I probably have more free time than you so my priority is actually to see the bike first hand. You on the other hand might have better things to do. I just work 9-4, six days a week with no responsibilities at night.

I got you beat. I "work" for the government. You might have fewer hours at work, but you can't beat an 8-430 of mandatory attendance, optional work. Kidding, well only sort of.

Sorry, got you all beat. "stay at home dad"....yep, all day long on the computer watching a 2 year old and his shows, crawling on teh floor with him, walking around the block and taking naps..

Much easier to do email than to try to get on a phone and get a conversation going with him yelling, crying, running out of the room, etc.

I'm glad I know this guys wife is 5'7".