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The Wacky World of Craigslist and eBay Ads

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The Wacky World of Craigslist and eBay Ads

Old 06-26-19, 10:08 AM
  #17326  
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Originally Posted by madpogue
"Sense of the room" question, re. above. What's your SOP when finding local ads of bikes with potential dangers or serious problems that aren't referenced in the ad? The common one here is the backwards fork. Only time I replied was with a kid's bike, and the seller was actually appreciative. But then I read of people sending friendly "reality check" replies to sellers, and getting the nastiest vitriol in reply.

So for those who have reached out to sellers when you see something like this ^^^^^, what has been your experience wrt. the seller's reception?
I politely PM, then let it go.

Example, someone posted a bike that said the crank the bike had a "Campagnolo Ofmega Mistral" of which only 400 were made. I sent a pm that Ofmega was a competitor, not Campagnolo, and that plenty of Mistrals were made, but that they are beautiful cranks.
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Old 06-26-19, 11:35 AM
  #17327  
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Originally Posted by jdawginsc
I politely PM, then let it go.

Example, someone posted a bike that said the crank the bike had a "Campagnolo Ofmega Mistral" of which only 400 were made. I sent a pm that Ofmega was a competitor, not Campagnolo, and that plenty of Mistrals were made, but that they are beautiful cranks.
Oh snap, the ad's down. I hope that means he took it down, not that he sold it....
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Old 06-26-19, 11:57 PM
  #17328  
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truly angry

This is an ad that was been posted on my local CL for years; literally years. Its some very angry person.


FOR PROFIT--- !! Bike Seller By Mall Marks Up Tag Sale Bikes!!!! (W Hartford/Farmington) hide this posting

© craigslist - Map data © OpenStreetMap(google map)
bicycle frame material: steel
bicycle type: road
condition: salvage
frame size: 54cm
wheel size: 14 in




SAVE A TON OF MONEY-- Get your used bikes at tag sales and not pay the big profit from people who buy them for almost nothing and do nothing to them and just re-post them for a big profit.

If you want your best prices on bikes then do what the resellers are, buying them from tag sales and marking them up many times over, like the seller across from the WF Mall
  • do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers
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Old 06-27-19, 03:40 AM
  #17329  
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Someone clued him in. The ad now reads:


Vintage 1989 Centurion Iron Man model red bike

23 in frame/27 in wheels/700 C wheels
Dave Scott model
12 gears
One owner/bought new in late 89.
Stored in Garage. All original parts
Water bottle holder/pack/soft seat cover
Will meet you in a mutually agreed upon place near 78213.

A GREAT VINTAGE BIKE!


Originally Posted by Jicafold
Too many errors in this ad. I don't know where to start. And yes, that's the best picture. He's asking $475.

Vintage Centurion Iron Man model red bike

23 in frame/27 in wheels
Dave Scott autograph model/the same bike he rode/won the 70s Olympics.
12 gears
One owner/bought new in 70s.
Stored in Garage. All original parts
Water bottle holder/pack/soft seat cover
Will meet you in a mutually agreed upon place near 78213.

A GREAT VINTAGE BIKE!
https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bi...920645321.html
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Old 06-28-19, 09:48 PM
  #17330  
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I think he has his Scott's confused. Not an Ironman.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DAV...5889%7Ciid%3A1

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Old 06-29-19, 03:43 PM
  #17331  
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I don't recall seeing these posted..........

Only $19.99 with FREE SHIPPING, somebody needs to jump on these. Oh wait, it looks they already have.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-SCHWIN...gAAOSwxGRZghD~


1974 Schwinn Varsity handlebars . reliable for use. Handles do not lay completely flat on table, but close. Feels good in the hands. chrome throughout with minor pitting blemishes. Good patina Please see all pictures of item as they serve as a description as well.
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Old 06-29-19, 06:37 PM
  #17332  
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Single speed roadbike 53cm - $50 (Monterey)

It needs new handlebar tape, but is mechanically ready to go. Has just been tuned up.


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Old 06-29-19, 06:42 PM
  #17333  
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That is down right ugly.
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Old 06-29-19, 06:55 PM
  #17334  
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Originally Posted by retrofit
IS it actually possible to reach those brake levers when in the drops?!?!
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Old 06-30-19, 05:46 AM
  #17335  
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^They actually look like drop bar levers that were "straightened" in order to function as tourist levers on an upright bar, but were then used on drops again.

Meanwhile, here's a good old fashioned crazy simply asking too much for a crap bike.

https://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/...923413052.html

Bike - $300 (Church Hill)

image 1 of 3
bicycle frame material: alloy
bicycle type: road
condition: good
frame size: 23 in long, 20 in tall
wheel size: other/unknown

“Red Wing” 10 speed bike. The frame itself is nothing special. However, I have a friend who works at a bike shop who rigged it with new tires, a new chain, new pedals, and a new seat. I rode it on the handful of times after that, so I would say all these are in like new condition, but the frame is old. My husband and I end up getting new Bikes, so are clearing space on our bike racks now. Frame is 23 inches long, 20 inches tall. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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Old 06-30-19, 06:35 AM
  #17336  
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Originally Posted by delbiker1
That is down right ugly.
But it has one of those rare ferric oxide treated chains

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Old 06-30-19, 06:37 AM
  #17337  
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Originally Posted by thumpism
^They actually look like drop bar levers that were "straightened" in order to function as tourist levers on an upright bar, but were then used on drops again.

Meanwhile, here's a good old fashioned crazy simply asking too much for a crap bike.

https://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/...923413052.html

Bike - $300 (Church Hill)

image 1 of 3


bicycle frame material: alloy
bicycle type: road
condition: good
frame size: 23 in long, 20 in tall
wheel size: other/unknown

“Red Wing” 10 speed bike. The frame itself is nothing special. However, I have a friend who works at a bike shop who rigged it with new tires, a new chain, new pedals, and a new seat. I rode it on the handful of times after that, so I would say all these are in like new condition, but the frame is old. My husband and I end up getting new Bikes, so are clearing space on our bike racks now. Frame is 23 inches long, 20 inches tall. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

So it sounds like the new parts added $299.99 to the price.
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Old 07-01-19, 12:35 AM
  #17338  
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Possibly? I Am Adding It To Our Collection!

80's Huffy 10-speed "English" - $100 (old Wake Tech area)






"Possibly a collectors item. I have an 80's Huffy 10-speed I bought new and never used it. Might have a mile on it at most. It has been in the garage for 30-plus years and has been evicted for space. I hate to see it ruin outside, so it is for sale. Tires are 30 years old, otherwise like new...foam handlebar cover has weathered a bit already from sitting outside. I'm going to guess it is a 26", can't remember."

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d...912827596.html
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Old 07-01-19, 08:36 AM
  #17339  
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Originally Posted by machinist42

"Possibly a collectors item. I have an 80's Huffy 10-speed I bought new and never used it. Might have a mile on it at most. It has been in the garage for 30-plus years and has been evicted for space. I hate to see it ruin outside, so it is for sale. Tires are 30 years old, otherwise like new...foam handlebar cover has weathered a bit already from sitting outside. I'm going to guess it is a 26", can't remember."

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d...912827596.html
Well, at least the cable routing is correct for the "Tore De France".
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Old 07-01-19, 08:47 AM
  #17340  
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"Custome Bike, $200"



This one is painted for the Dallas Cowboys (licensing fees paid?). Probably good for riding around the block a couple of times, while blackout drunk, on rare occasions when they win. I can't see commuting, racing, or even club rides on this, but it does appear to have its own mini keg up front.
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Old 07-01-19, 11:55 AM
  #17341  
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^^^^^ Mini-keg or barf barrel? (Or perhaps dual-purpose....)
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Old 07-02-19, 02:07 PM
  #17342  
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Someome must have sneaked in and expertly repainted / rebadged the seller's bike; I mean, there's no way the seller could get EVERY reference to the brand wrong, right?


Right?

https://madison.craigslist.org/bik/d...925127685.html

aluminum trek - $100


1Nice trek hybrid,everything works please call or text show contact info
to see please mention trek when texting thank you,
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Old 07-02-19, 02:59 PM
  #17343  
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Originally Posted by madpogue
Someome must have sneaked in and expertly repainted / rebadged the seller's bike; I mean, there's no way the seller could get EVERY reference to the brand wrong, right?
The seller got aluminum correct. The shopping bag is a nice touch, and should command premium prices.

Perhaps the seller knows something about the bike that we don't know.

‘Secret’ Giant is world’s biggest bicycle manufacturer and still growing

Industry experts wonder if this inherent reserve is one reason why Taiwanese bike-making behemoth Giant is, in the words of its US general manager John Thompson, “the best-kept secret in the bike business”.

Founded in 1972, Giant began as a supplier to the US Schwinn Bicycle Company, but has evolved into a vast original equipment manufacturer (OEM), assembling bikes for a client list that includes major brands Scott, Trek and Colnago. But since Schwinn switched to a cheaper Chinese manufacturer in 1987, Giant has also been developing own-brand cycles, such as its Defy and Propel models, the latter starring in Tour de France sprints in recent years.

However, the ‘made-in-Taiwan’ factor remains an issue. Giant CEO Lo Hsiang-an told Bloomberg. “Our roots are in technology and quality. Some brands are more marketing, more talk. I believe ours should be real.”
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Old 07-02-19, 03:09 PM
  #17344  
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Trek is headquarted in Madison, maybe all bikes there are Treks... a "generic trademark" like xerox, kleenex, band aid, chap stick, etc
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Old 07-02-19, 03:35 PM
  #17345  
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This is from an ad on Ebay not Craig's List but i thought some might find it interesting. The price isn't too bad bu WOW the shipping!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-80s...d=123717466897

Derailleur is $29.99 USD but the seller wants $139.99 USD for the shipping! WOW!

Cheers
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Old 07-02-19, 04:01 PM
  #17346  
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Originally Posted by Jp42
Trek is headquarted in Madison, maybe all bikes there are Treks... a "generic trademark" like xerox, kleenex, band aid, chap stick, etc
Sorta like in Atlanta, they ask "What kind of Cokes y'all want?"

Trek HQ is actually on the edge of Waterloo, WI, about an hour by motor vehicle from here. Just a mile or so from the original "barn" (really a metal pole shed, but "barn" sounds so much more romantic) in which the company was "born". Trek is huge here, but I've never heard the name used generically. I'm guessing the dude has a a few bikes to flip, and grabbed the wrong one for the photo shoot.

Originally Posted by Miele Man
This is from an ad on Ebay not Craig's List but i thought some might find it interesting. The price isn't too bad bu WOW the shipping!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-80s...d=123717466897

Derailleur is $29.99 USD but the seller wants $139.99 USD for the shipping! WOW!

Cheers
eBay is fair game here, along with Kijiji, OfferUp, SpyBook, etc.

Maybe for $140, it's hand-delivered by a Kardashian......

One less silly possibility - according to a guy who sold us a bike on eBay, they automatically add shipping on items in some categories, unless you specify pickup only. And often the amount is more than what it would actually cost to ship. The bike we bought, we paid the shipping separately, and ended up saving some money. It's possible this seller mis-categorized the derailleur and the automated eBay humunculus tacked on the $140 shipping charge.

Last edited by madpogue; 07-02-19 at 04:40 PM.
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Old 07-02-19, 05:45 PM
  #17347  
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Originally Posted by Miele Man
This is from an ad on Ebay not Craig's List but i thought some might find it interesting. The price isn't too bad bu WOW the shipping!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-80s...d=123717466897

Derailleur is $29.99 USD but the seller wants $139.99 USD for the shipping! WOW!

Cheers
I'm seeing $7.95 to get it shipped from Washington to Oregon.

Are you having that shipped to the Moon?
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Old 07-02-19, 06:28 PM
  #17348  
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
I'm seeing $7.95 to get it shipped from Washington to Oregon.

Are you having that shipped to the Moon?
Here's what's on the page I linked to.

"
Shipping:
$139.99 USPS Priority Mail International | See detailsInternational items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Item location:Gig Harbor, Washington, United States

Ships to:Worldwide
Delivery:
Estimated between Thu. Jul. 11 and Tue. Jul. 30Seller ships within 1 day after receiving cleared payment- opens in a new window or tab. Please note the delivery estimate is greater than 5 business days.Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers
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Old 07-02-19, 07:24 PM
  #17349  
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Originally Posted by Miele Man
Here's what's on the page I linked to.

Shipping:

$139.99 USPS Priority Mail International
You still didn't list the destination.

But, I've encountered that too many times. Parts shipped from Europe to the USA that should be $5 to ship, but instead come in for $150.

Or, order multiple items from a single seller. Say $20 each for shipping. 5 items get dumped in a single box, and they combine the shipping to $100. Even if you ask the to fix it, once you've hit the buy button on E-Bay, one is at the mercy of the sellers, some who burn the buyers on shipping costs.

Of course, if you really want an item, talk to the seller. The price could be an artifact from a calculation that the seller wasn't aware of, and they may offer to fix it.
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Old 07-03-19, 06:22 PM
  #17350  
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https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...9244740312583/

Now you can say screw it to only taking the few small purchases that will fit in a basket or your racks!

Part of me laughs but the other part thinks seller did an ok job of cobbling this together and that it just might function

Per ad
$150 Shopping cart bike
Condition Used - Good

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