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Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first???
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 2005-06-09 8:40 AM |
Member  53  Montreal |  Subject: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first???Hey Guys and Gals i'm trying to streach my money as far as it will go while still getting ahold of equipment that will not be the "rate limiting step" in my training for several years to come. looking to get my first bike, i went down to my LBS and found out that i need a bike that is 54-55 cm. Do you guys think it's unreasonable or a bad idea for me to buy a bike on Ebay that i have never test driven? i can save so much cash getting a 2003 Quantana Roo Kilo for the same price as an entry level road bike. then i could bring it to my LBS for a full fitting and what not. Keep in mind, i can't find a store in my area that stocks tri-specific bikes, and even the selection of road bikes at an entry level price is small. has anyone taken the risk of doing this? thanks Scott |
| 2005-06-09 9:01 AM in reply to: #171664 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290  The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? Haven't done the ebay thing, but have bought two bikes from dealers online, and that has worked out well. I had a complete fitting done by an independent & custom bike tech, and he gave me a comprehensive computer printout that showed the measurements of my ideal bike: toptube lenght, seat tube, handlebar width, etc. I was then able to look at the manufacturer's specs and have some certainty that I had the right size. From ebay, though, you have the risk that it will be the wrong size (which you can mitigate as I did) but you also have the risk of not knowing the history of the bike: how hard and how much it's been ridden, how well it's been maintained, if it's been wrecked, etc. Also, if something goes wrong with the transaction or the bike youhave very little recourse. Basically, you pays your money and you takes your chances. |
| 2005-06-09 9:03 AM in reply to: #171664 |
Extreme Veteran 391 Oregon | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? Well, I bought my Cervelo P3 (New) without ever riding it. Some would say this was foolish, but it worked out well for me. I saved about $800 by doing this. I am a little impulsive at times. The bike is FAST and its RED!. I read an article on the Cervelo site and got an idea of what size was for me. The internet shop agreed and there we go! I also bought a Orca Predator wetsuit off Ebay for $80. Using the size charts worked great for me. I probably save a couple hundred on that one. If you research carefully you would probably be alright. There are many (most) on this site that would not agree with me. PS: I also did my own bike fit....shame on me. Also, I don't have a coach....shame on me again. Its in my character. Fishing is my hobby also and I built my own rod, tie my own flies, built my wood driftboat (without ever being in one),.......Its just funner that way. Good luck and be careful with my advice....I'm a rebel. Randy |
| 2005-06-09 8:12 PM in reply to: #171664 |
Elite 3498  Chicago | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? I bought my first tri-bike on e-bay. QR Tequilo on e-bay but new what size would fit me before I purchased. The guy "lied" a little bit saying only 700 miles on the bike (try more like 4,000miles) but no biggie, just had to change the BB for $100 and cables for $30 the rode it for a season and sold it for my current QR. |
| 2005-06-10 12:05 AM in reply to: #171664 |
Veteran 249 Cypress, Tx | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? I bought my Cervelo from a bike shop that uses EBAY for advertising. I already knew what size I needed and had done heavy reserach on the bike and comparing geometry to my old bike. As far as fit is concerned I had no problems. BUT<,,,,,there were some issues with the bike that were not disclosed and when addressed I was ignored and never got a response. I had to file a complaint with EBAY and so far nothing. I love the bike and got a screaming deal on it but I was mislead and lied to and there was nothing I could do but return the bike.....and that ain't happening. Make sure you get assurances and insurance. I purchased insurance through UPS but didn't have any problems. I did not purchase the insurance through PAYPAL which would have facilitated my grievence but not solved anything in the end. Buy at your own risk. BTW: I have bought MANY high dollar items off of EBAY and about 90% of the time have been completely lied to about the condition of the item. I still got great deals so it's a small condolence but it really pisses you off to be mislead and lay out a bunch of cash. |
| 2005-06-10 8:00 AM in reply to: #171664 |
Member 53 Montreal | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? thanks for the advice guys. i think i'm eventually going to go ahead and choose a bike from ebay once i have more precise information about my sizing other then a 55cm tube length. Scott |
| 2005-06-13 11:27 PM in reply to: #171664 |
Regular 76 | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? if you know what you are doing then by all means. i've been riding for 15 years on the wrong size frame i bought at a well to do LBS. i then ordered sight unseen a bike that fits like a glove on eBay - I just spent 3 months measuring and calculating. seems bike companies are moving away from the wide range of sizes these days anyway with small medium and large QR, giants etc. so measure and remeasure yourself and make sure to look at the exact specs of the frame - my frame was listed as a 49 - even though the measurements would make it a 51.5. |
| 2005-06-13 11:38 PM in reply to: #171664 |
Veteran 137 Citrus Heights, CA | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? Just like anything else on Ebay, if it is a POS or doesn't fit, just re-list it. Then you won't be out too much if it just doesn't work. |
| 2005-06-14 1:39 PM in reply to: #171664 |
| Master 1315 Shreveport, LA | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? I bought my bike of Ebay. I had a good experience, because I was looking for a decent bike at a great price. Would I do it for my next bike? I don't know. I would at least shop around, but I will probably try out a few Javelins first and use my Team Javelin discount to save me some cash. I will definitely try out some QRs and Cervelos as well. Here is a link that you should check out if you are interested in buy a NOS (New Old Stock) or used reconditioned bike: http://www.preownedbikes.com/05/browse.aspx |
| 2005-06-17 9:46 AM in reply to: #171664 |
Veteran 301 Seattle | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? I bought my bike on ebay. check out "leader" bikes on ebay. it's a new frame manufacturer who is trying to get there name out there, so they are selling great quality complete bikes for cheap, i got all ultegra components for 1300, you can get dura-ace for about 2300-2500, i got a road bike but they do have a tri specifc frame too. i have been very happy with mine so far. their ebay id is leaderbikestore |
| 2005-06-18 7:45 PM in reply to: #171664 |
Master 2491 | Subject: RE: Buying an Ebay bike without trying it first??? After suffering through a duathlon on mountain bike, I was determined to get a road bike before my first triathlon. The local bike stores were well beyond my budget, so I turned to e-bay. I looked on several websites to try to find the proper fit, and then selected several bikes on e-bay to track and follow. I ended up making a purchase, and I couldn't be happier. It arrived within a week and had extras, like a computer and shoes that actually fit! These things never would have fit within my budget if they were new. It's a risk, but it can pay big rewards. |
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