+2
Personally, I would pass also.
Your friendship may get int he way of the negotiations.
Additionally, if the wheels are in need of repair, what else?
If you still feel comfortable negotiating for the bike, what condition is the drivetrain in, and the rest of the bike? Do you know how to inspect it?
You can get a really good, used low-mile bike for $1000-$1200.
If you must have it, I would offer $500 armed with the knowledge that it will need new wheels. Just like buying a car or motorcycle, the price of a used bike that needs work, + the parts to fix it better be significantly less that the repaired bike ready to go.
Originally Posted by
fishboat
+1
I'd pass on the bike. Given what the OP has said on condition, use, and specifically the wheels(should have been fixed long ago rather than being a current issue), for the money involved, buying a used-like-new or new bike would be a better deal. There's plenty of used bikes out there that have seen minimal use and are in near showroom condition.