Should I just STFU?
11-13-19, 12:10 PM
#1
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Should I just STFU?
I saw this ad on CL and was just compelled to respond. Here is my comment:
I want to advise you that your ad for this bike has a couple of mistakes. The bicycle is probably post 1974 since the chainring lacks the additional braces between the Herons. The reflectors on the pedals also date it to that time frame. The second point is that the while the saddle may be a Brooks, it is most certainly not leather. It is plastic covered.
Should I STFU?
https://easternshore.craigslist.org/...014674353.html
I want to advise you that your ad for this bike has a couple of mistakes. The bicycle is probably post 1974 since the chainring lacks the additional braces between the Herons. The reflectors on the pedals also date it to that time frame. The second point is that the while the saddle may be a Brooks, it is most certainly not leather. It is plastic covered.
Should I STFU?
https://easternshore.craigslist.org/...014674353.html
11-13-19, 12:15 PM
#3
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My opinion? Yes. It's a $120 Raleigh...not a museum piece. 60s, 70s...anyone who cares about this probably is aware of it, nor do I think there's a notable value difference either way.
11-13-19, 12:17 PM
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I saw this ad on CL and was just compelled to respond. Here is my comment:
I want to advise you that your ad for this bike has a couple of mistakes. The bicycle is probably post 1974 since the chainring lacks the additional braces between the Herons. The reflectors on the pedals also date it to that time frame. The second point is that the while the saddle may be a Brooks, it is most certainly not leather. It is plastic covered.
Should I STFU?
https://easternshore.craigslist.org/...014674353.html
I want to advise you that your ad for this bike has a couple of mistakes. The bicycle is probably post 1974 since the chainring lacks the additional braces between the Herons. The reflectors on the pedals also date it to that time frame. The second point is that the while the saddle may be a Brooks, it is most certainly not leather. It is plastic covered.
Should I STFU?
https://easternshore.craigslist.org/...014674353.html
Kind of like this one in your area. The Comp TA was only made for one year. That's not a Compe TA frame. Not even a Centurion frame.
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...014819170.html
Last edited by seypat; 11-13-19 at 12:25 PM.
11-13-19, 12:29 PM
#5
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Yep, no need to waste the seller's time with unsolicited comments. Different situation if you were a prospective buyer.
11-13-19, 12:31 PM
#6
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Well, I couldn't just ignore the obvious listing error in this eBay ad.
Not that it made any difference. Seller never responded.
Not that it made any difference. Seller never responded.
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11-13-19, 01:06 PM
#7
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Yeah, there is no way for the seller to verify your expertise, even though it has lots of currency in this forum. Feel free to speak up, but it's best to expect to be ignored to avoid being disappointed. As said above, if you're a potential buyer, different story.
11-13-19, 01:15 PM
#8
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Every Craigslist ad for a bicycle in my area is posted by a ****** until proven otherwise. Steel bikes are listed as aluminum. Aluminum bikes are called carbon fiber. Those with 700c wheels say they are 24 inch. Those with a triple chainring are called a 10 speed. etc. etc. There are far more incorrect ads, often horribly incorrect, than there are correct ones. Of course they all say "tires just need air" when the entire dirt and rust covered drivetrain needs a complete overhaul. I'm looking at an ad right now for what is claimed to be a 1983 Peugeot with an aluminum frame. $500 and no photo. I just understand that this is all part of the decline of modern civilization.
And the people who call about the bike you are selling...they are almost always cognitively impaired as well. Esp the guy who is 6 foot tall and asks about your 52cm bike, with a size chart posted right in the ad.
I don't bother correcting people anymore.
And the people who call about the bike you are selling...they are almost always cognitively impaired as well. Esp the guy who is 6 foot tall and asks about your 52cm bike, with a size chart posted right in the ad.
I don't bother correcting people anymore.
Last edited by Jicafold; 11-13-19 at 01:32 PM.
11-13-19, 01:17 PM
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I was looking at the prices for Campagnolo Monoplaner brakes on ebay. Many were not Monoplaner even though the brake mounting part of the caliper looked close. No place to make comments on any of the wrong ones. Many were priced higher than the Mono's listed. Buyer beware.
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11-13-19, 01:30 PM
#10
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It sounds like the consensus is STFU.
11-13-19, 01:36 PM
#11
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11-13-19, 02:07 PM
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One reason I wouldn't bother is that the price is fair for what it is. One could do a lot worse for $120.
11-13-19, 02:16 PM
#13
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'Twere me, I'd take a more helpful tone:
"Nice clean bike! Looks to me like it's probably 1974 or later, since it has pedal reflectors, and the chainring lacks the additional braces between the Herons. And the saddle is indeed the original Brooks, but is plastic covered, not leather. Good luck with the sale.
"Nice clean bike! Looks to me like it's probably 1974 or later, since it has pedal reflectors, and the chainring lacks the additional braces between the Herons. And the saddle is indeed the original Brooks, but is plastic covered, not leather. Good luck with the sale.
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11-13-19, 03:00 PM
#14
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I might say something if a seller is making a glaring misrepresentation, or if they seem to be under the illusion that their $50.00 bike will sell for $500 (or if they're listing a $500 bike for $50.
Many folks don't care, but I actually had someone who thanked me for letting them know that the bike they were asking $800 for (and had been languishing) was more realistically a $150 item.
That said, I seldom interject myself without a wee bit of alcohol to remove some inhibitions.
Many folks don't care, but I actually had someone who thanked me for letting them know that the bike they were asking $800 for (and had been languishing) was more realistically a $150 item.
That said, I seldom interject myself without a wee bit of alcohol to remove some inhibitions.
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11-13-19, 03:34 PM
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Being forthright (you may have another term for it) has always been my problem. It's a good thing that I wasn't a diplomat.
11-13-19, 03:39 PM
#19
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If you go out of your way to help a seller with his ad in a diplomatic and helpful way, it might come back to help you as well in some way.
But you have to pick your battles...
But you have to pick your battles...
11-13-19, 03:40 PM
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Georgetown?
Just melt the bike down in the big frying pan.
Just melt the bike down in the big frying pan.
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11-13-19, 05:24 PM
#22
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No need to shut up, just realize that a solid sale poster will probably appreciate it and correct it. Another might ignore. Another might respond inappropriately. I have had several sellers thank me if I caught a typo or error. I always ask the question or simply say, "hmm...it might actually be..."
I think the key is to respond with the assumption that the seller wants accurate and true information...even if they might not be.
I think the key is to respond with the assumption that the seller wants accurate and true information...even if they might not be.
11-13-19, 05:26 PM
#23
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I see stuff all the time in CL ads that I really want to comment on, mostly the ghastly pictures they took
- do you actually want to sell your item? Ok then don't take the picture at night while ridding a pogo stick!
- take 5 seconds and remove the bike from the hook before you take a picture so we don't have to crane our necks
-Your phone camera has editing software - did you know that? get the neighborhood 8 year old to show you how it works
But I just keep my comments/rant to myself and occasionally laugh at the ad. I think you are trying to be helpful here I just think most CL folks don't want unsolicited advice no matter how good it is.
- do you actually want to sell your item? Ok then don't take the picture at night while ridding a pogo stick!
- take 5 seconds and remove the bike from the hook before you take a picture so we don't have to crane our necks
-Your phone camera has editing software - did you know that? get the neighborhood 8 year old to show you how it works
But I just keep my comments/rant to myself and occasionally laugh at the ad. I think you are trying to be helpful here I just think most CL folks don't want unsolicited advice no matter how good it is.
11-13-19, 05:57 PM
#24
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Feel free to state your case and leave it at that. The only person that can determine STFU is you.
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