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Would you buy a bike from ebay?
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 2014-04-29 8:26 AM |
Member  62  Raleigh |  Subject: Would you buy a bike from ebay?Just wondering what' folks' experience has been. I know exactly what I'm looking for - have tried out different sizes, models at LBS and want to go used so I can get a little higher end. Just not finding anything on craigslist anywhere within a tri-state area. Other than obviously not being able to return the bike, what are the drawbacks? |
| 2014-04-29 8:29 AM in reply to: kp73 |
New user 1351  Austin, Texas | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? You can't really inspect it closely unless they send you a lot of close up images, so just try to be really sure it hasnt been in a wreck |
| 2014-04-29 8:31 AM in reply to: kp73 |
Veteran 249 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I've bought at least three. Know exactly what your buying, make sure the seller has a long and positive history. I haven't had a problem. I prefer listings with numerous pictures, thorough descriptions... robert |
| 2014-04-29 8:33 AM in reply to: kp73 |
Member 62 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I just found a previous discussion about this also - someone posted that buying a carbon frame might be a little iffy if there wasn't a good return policy. What's the issue with carbon frames? |
| 2014-04-29 8:37 AM in reply to: kp73 |
New user 1351 Austin, Texas | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by kp73 I just found a previous discussion about this also - someone posted that buying a carbon frame might be a little iffy if there wasn't a good return policy. What's the issue with carbon frames? Supposedly a carbon frame has to be kept in really pristine condition for structural reasons. A friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer has a carbon bike and he wraps it up in several blankets before putting it in the back of his car because, according to him, even a scratch can make it structurally unstable and it could bust apart while you're riding. I don't know for sure if a 'scratch' would really do that, but he's a smart guy so take that for what it's worth. I personally wouldn't buy a carbon bike if I didnt see it in person, but thats just me |
| 2014-04-29 8:43 AM in reply to: kp73 |
Champion 7036  Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I personally wouldn't buy a bike on Ebay sight unseen. Just my conservative nature, plus I've been ripped off on Ebay a couple of time with other stuff. As far as carbon frames, you can have cracks or other damage that might not be readily visible in photographs that may make the frame unsafe and be difficult and/or impossible to repair. All the more reason to know the history of the bike and whether it's been in any serious crashes, etc. Caveat emptor. Mark
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| 2014-04-29 8:44 AM in reply to: trijamie |
New user 560 Key West | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? For whatever it's worth I have sold a motorcycle, car and boat on eBay, always using the escrow service, and have bought and sold several other items with no difficulty. The funny thing is that I don't trust most sellers on Craigslist. Just different perspectives and experience. But you definitely want some good close up photos and ask lots of questions. |
| 2014-04-29 8:48 AM in reply to: trijamie |
| over a barrier | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I race a carbon cyclocross bike and I've been in more crashes than I can count, including 5+ guys riding over me and my bike, during a pile up. Carbon is very strong. It can certainty be damaged, but doesn't need to be babied. A scratch would just be on the clear coat anyway, and carbon can even be repaired by places like calfree Here is a carbon vs alum stress test http://www.pinkbike.com/video/243228/ |
| 2014-04-29 8:54 AM in reply to: running2far |
New user 1351 Austin, Texas | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by running2far I race a carbon cyclocross bike and I've been in more crashes than I can count, including 5+ guys riding over me and my bike, during a pile up. Carbon is very strong. It can certainty be damaged, but doesn't need to be babied. A scratch would just be on the clear coat anyway, and carbon can even be repaired by places like calfree Here is a carbon vs alum stress test http://www.pinkbike.com/video/243228/ Interesting. Has anyone ever actually heard of a carbon bike breaking apart while someone was riding it? It sounds scary but I wonder if its just folklore |
| 2014-04-29 9:05 AM in reply to: trijamie |
| over a barrier | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I've known of carbon fork failures that become recalls, but that was defective product. Carbon is raced on the track where more torque is applied that you and I could muster together. |
| 2014-04-29 9:11 AM in reply to: trijamie |
| 631 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by trijamie Originally posted by kp73 I just found a previous discussion about this also - someone posted that buying a carbon frame might be a little iffy if there wasn't a good return policy. What's the issue with carbon frames? Supposedly a carbon frame has to be kept in really pristine condition for structural reasons. A friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer has a carbon bike and he wraps it up in several blankets before putting it in the back of his car because, according to him, even a scratch can make it structurally unstable and it could bust apart while you're riding. I don't know for sure if a 'scratch' would really do that, but he's a smart guy so take that for what it's worth. I personally wouldn't buy a carbon bike if I didnt see it in person, but thats just me They make carbon cross bikes and mtb. The end up with more than scratches. |
| 2014-04-29 9:25 AM in reply to: trijamie |
Member 1748 Exton, PA | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by trijamie Originally posted by kp73 I just found a previous discussion about this also - someone posted that buying a carbon frame might be a little iffy if there wasn't a good return policy. What's the issue with carbon frames? Supposedly a carbon frame has to be kept in really pristine condition for structural reasons. A friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer has a carbon bike and he wraps it up in several blankets before putting it in the back of his car because, according to him, even a scratch can make it structurally unstable and it could bust apart while you're riding. I don't know for sure if a 'scratch' would really do that, but he's a smart guy so take that for what it's worth. I personally wouldn't buy a carbon bike if I didnt see it in person, but thats just me I spent 7 years doing carbon fiber development, there is no reason to wrap your bike in a blanket. If a carbon fiber bike has been crashed you need to inspect it very carefully for cracks as a crack(which can be difficult to see) can propagate and fail. A scratch will not do that but you have to make sure it is a scratch not a crack. |
| 2014-04-29 10:16 AM in reply to: kp73 |
Champion 19812 MA | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? No one has mentioned scams which can happen when buying on ebay. Don't allow seller to save money by avoiding going through Paypal. Call and talk to the seller and ask questions. |
| 2014-04-29 10:27 AM in reply to: trijamie |
Pro 6191 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by trijamie Originally posted by kp73 I just found a previous discussion about this also - someone posted that buying a carbon frame might be a little iffy if there wasn't a good return policy. What's the issue with carbon frames? Supposedly a carbon frame has to be kept in really pristine condition for structural reasons. A friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer has a carbon bike and he wraps it up in several blankets before putting it in the back of his car because, according to him, even a scratch can make it structurally unstable and it could bust apart while you're riding. I don't know for sure if a 'scratch' would really do that, but he's a smart guy so take that for what it's worth. I personally wouldn't buy a carbon bike if I didnt see it in person, but thats just me I am a mechanical engineer. A scratch will not cause your carbon bike to become structurally unstable. A very deep or very wide scratch might be worth getting a once over by an knowledgeable bike mechanic, but those bikes are build to handle normal wear and tear. |
| 2014-04-29 11:53 AM in reply to: ratherbeswimming |
| 113 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Check with mybikeshop(a user on here) to see what he has available. He has sold a lot of bikes and parts to users here and on slowtwitch. I considered buying a bike from him but found a great deal locally. |
| 2014-04-29 12:04 PM in reply to: kp73 |
Veteran 721 Naptown, IN | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Yes, I would buy a bike on eBay. In fact, I've bought 3 or 4 bikes on eBay and sold close to 20. This includes road bikes, tri bikes, and mountain bikes in aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, and titanium. My general rule of thumb for ANY eBay purchase is the seller should have at least 100 (selling) transactions and 100% positive feedback. I typically e-mail the seller and ask questions about the bike (both general and specific) and will request additional photos if required (depending on the photos in the ad). Reputable sellers will have no problems answering questions or sending additional photos. I've always done my transactions through Paypal for the buyer protection service, but you could also use an escrow service. |
| 2014-04-29 2:21 PM in reply to: mobey |
| New user 54 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I bought a brand new Fuji Aloha frame that was several years "old" (beyond the model year) with a mishmash of components. It was the most cost effective way for me to get my first tri bike. I was willing to buy that sight unseen since it was from a legitimate bike store. That bike served me well for 3 years before I upgraded. When I sold it, I got 70% of my original purchase price. I've purchased many things on ebay. Seller feedback is a priority and you have to go into it with a "worst case" scenario as a possibility. I haven't had major issues and love the price value point on ebay. |
| 2014-04-29 2:26 PM in reply to: mobey |
Pro 6520 Bellingham, WA | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I have gotten a few great deals on bikes on Ebay but I knew exactly what I wanted and was patient until it came up. I've purchased hundreds of things on Ebay over the years including a vintage sports car but again you need to know what you are looking at and need to be cautious and run if your spidey sense starts tingling. |
| 2014-04-29 2:56 PM in reply to: popsracer |
Expert 1168 Vancouver (not Canada) Washington (not D.C.) | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by popsracer need to know what you are looking at and need to be cautious and run if your spidey sense starts tingling. I've also bought two bikes, a VW van and a bunch of other stuff on EBay. There are great deals and it is a good marketplace, however I've had to learn to be careful not to "fill in the gaps" in peoples story by my excitement to buy. There are too many bikes that research shows don't matchup with the year, model or specs and they were "my friends bike he rode for one race". If there is a gap, don't buy, wait and another deal will come up. As far as carbon problems, I've picked up a damaged bike at a deal because I know that some carbon is repairable. I've had great results with a local Portland company http://www.ruckuscomp.com/services/repair/ They also repaired my brothers Wilier after a crash and it is hard to see where the break was. |
| 2014-04-29 9:35 PM in reply to: kp73 |
Veteran 2297 Great White North | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Bought a CX frame... it snapped while riding up hill in the winter... long walk home (no injury). There was no sign the seller would have known about it and the company was no longer operating. |
| 2014-04-29 9:35 PM in reply to: kp73 |
Veteran 2297 Great White North | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Bought a CX frame... it snapped while riding up hill in the winter... long walk home (no injury). There was no sign the seller would have known about it and the company was no longer operating. |
| 2014-04-29 9:53 PM in reply to: simpsonbo |
| 471 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I just bought some 88mm CCs from these guys, they were very good, professional and shipping was quick. http://www.light-bicycle.com/ |
| 2014-04-30 5:32 AM in reply to: trijamie |
Pro 5892 , New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? Originally posted by trijamie Supposedly a carbon frame has to be kept in really pristine condition for structural reasons. A friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer has a carbon bike and he wraps it up in several blankets before putting it in the back of his car because, according to him, even a scratch can make it structurally unstable and it could bust apart while you're riding. I don't know for sure if a 'scratch' would really do that, but he's a smart guy so take that for what it's worth. I personally wouldn't buy a carbon bike if I didnt see it in person, but thats just me Absolutely crazy! We've been using carbon fiber (and CFRP) for years in planes. You don't see planes break apart mid-flight. Aluminum frames are even more sensitive to point contact than carbon fiber (think about a soda can… if you apply pressure at one point in the middle of the can it will collapse). Back to the OP… you can buy bikes from eBay, but you have to understand whom your are buying from, not all sellers are equal. There's a lot of reputable dealers and I would stick with one of those. I would shy away from private sellers, unless it's local so you can inspect the bike. |
| 2014-04-30 5:34 AM in reply to: kp73 |
Pro 5011 Twin Cities | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? I prefer to sell on Craigslist, to avoid shipping, etc., but I buy there all the time ( it has gotten harder and harder to find deals, though).Out of the seven bikes I have now, all but one came from eBay.Know what makes a deal, what to look out for, which questions to ask, when to ask for additional photos, etc., and it's an okay process. |
| 2014-04-30 7:03 AM in reply to: kp73 |
| 631 | Subject: RE: Would you buy a bike from ebay? All frames can break. I have a AL mtb sitting in my basement with a broken chain stay. |
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