mrtomaso

I had a (slightly) customized Trek 7200 Hybrid stolen about a month ago.


A little bit of a back story first. I live in Buffalo NY. I help raise 5 children (13-19, 2 of them adopted through foster care) and work 2 jobs. Over the past 18 months, I had gone almost car free. It's a lot of fun riding the 20-25 miles when it's a windchill of 0 outside...


I'm going to look at this bike today -


He's asking $250.


Any thoughts, experiences or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.

StarBiker

Does it fit?

More pics would help. In really nice shape $250 isn't a bad price. What about tubes, and tires? I would want nice condition on those.
I sold a Blue 1000 that needed work for $125 (Frame was a beauty), and a 1200 that needed nothing for $225 last fall.

mrtomaso

Thank you for the feedback.


I was surprised at the lack of photos in a CL ad myself, but I'm heading over this afternoon to check it out.


After I test drive it, I'll drain the air from the front tire... hopefully I'll be able to squeeze my finger in to feel the inside lining of the tire... looking for dry rot. (thoughts that I'll actually accomplish anything with this?)


I only have $200 on me. Considering that it's the first month of winter, I don't believe that I am lowballing him.

oddjob2

Looks to be a fair deal even at asking price. Be warned, with those brakes, you won't have adequate clearance to put any wide and cushy tires on the bike, so it will be bumpier than your hybrid, but you'll get there faster.

Enjoy.

mrtomaso

I was using 700cx32 on my trek hybrid, which i believe are the same size as this new bike. On the trek, I was shocked at the increase in speed I achieved when i changed the tires from 700x36 to 700x32. My average went up ~2mph with no additional effort... nor any real discrease in comfort.

With the the two jobs and my age/weight (41 and 'pregnant')... I prefer the least amount of effort for the distance I'm traveling.

I'm going to miss the front shock absorber that my Trek had, but I'm just looking for the best value at the moment. The market is a little shallow because winter is here.

bargainguy

Round tube aluminum Treks are nice rides. The later series Alpha Aluminum with the triangular downtube (like this one), not so much. I've always found these a little stiff and harsh. If you're missing the shock fork on your Trek hybrid, a longer-than-normal test ride (assuming decent weather) might be in order to see whether it's plush enough for you.

StarBiker

This is also a desirable color scheme.

wrk101

Im not surprised. Lots of lazy sellers out there.

Personally I prefer ads with as little info as possible, as it holds down my competition (other buyers).

One of my best deals was a four word ad: “race bike bad paint $50”. No pictures, no brand, no size. Turned out to be a Pinarello.

I highly doubt that bike has 32s on it.

0.2HP

Not sure of you size, but these bikes on Buffalo Craigslist seem better suited for the type of riding you describe:

Schwinn - $79 (Buffalo)

Mountain bike - $175 (Cheektowaga)

RALEIGH M-20 MEN'S MOUNTAIN BIKE - $95 (Tn. Tona.)

If you want drop handle bars, consider the last bike listed, and search this site for "drop bar conversion mountain bike"

ramzilla

From the limited view it looks allright. For $250 it all boils down to the wheels. If they match & they're true - then it's an OK deal. Plus, 1000 is a cosmic number. Good luck. Have fun.

mrtomaso

Tried the bike... not a good fit for my body.


Car was barely functioning (bad spark plugs) and decided to walk from home to second job.


Decided to stop at a neighborhood pawn shop... pay cash for a replacement bike. They weren't going to let me into their basement, until I explained I was ready to buy one TODAY with cash in hand.





They had MY BIKE in their basement. never expected to see it again!! (nearly cried)

StarBiker

Going from a Hybrid to a road bike can be a shock.

Anyway you bought your stolen bike back?

mrtomaso

originally I bought it back... talked to them an hour later and they refunded the money.

ramzilla

this is really a buggy web site

mrtomaso

Thanks again for all the responses!


Good stuff... back to riding the 20 miles to/from work. Forgot how cold 20 degrees is! Only ~40 more miles until I clear the 4k mile mark. $600 saved in gas.

altenwrencher

IMHO you should inform the police where you found your stolen bike. The pawn shop's records may help them solve that crime, perhaps many others. You are a crime victim and deserve the attention of the police department.