Does This Qualify As ‘Dumbass’ ?
 

So, I’ve been looking for a more comfortable bike to ride than my Trek mountain bike lately and finally picked up a Specialized Crossroads Elite. With the ‘shortage’ of bikes, the ones I’ve seen around my area all sell within hours of their postings. I’ve missed several and was getting frustrated, so when this one came up locally, I jumped on it (problem #1). Turns out that I was a bit too quick on the trigger…

I arrived to see the bike after dark and really couldn’t see too much to do an inspection (problem #2). Couldn’t do a real ride, since the tires were way underinflated (problem #3). The seller told me that the bike was bought new in 2017 – sounded good. He’s a snowbird and it was ridden only occasionally (BS). Bike was stored inside (more BS). Turns out the bike is a 2008, was kept in an open air screened lanai. In our area of Florida, near the salt water, there is light corrosion all over the handlebars, breaks and some other aluminum parts and rust corrosion on most of the bolts. Outcome – it is simply my fault. I am disappointed that I allowed myself to be misled, as I definitely know better. Just fell real bad for the sizzle of a comfortable bike and finally the availability. Well, now I have a project to learn on. Hopefully, nobody else will fall into this trap.

Like I said – ‘Dumbass”?
RR

That's a bit harsh:)
How hard would it be to give it a perfunctory cleaning/lube and resell it with inflated tires?

I'd call that ******* and demand my money back. If nothing else you give him a piece of your mind.

I would certainly ask for my money back.

I think your only mistake was being in a hurry because of a perceived "bike shortage," and yes, that's on you. But how is it your fault that he lied about the age and storage of the bike?

You're already beating yourself up, I'm not going to help you make yourself feel worse. Alas, we all fall for something sometime, some of us will admit it, others won't. I have no doubt that a bunch of posters will no doubt use your plight to explain why their superior sense of blah, blah, blah would never allow this to happen to them.

I'd say do yourself a favor and delete the post.

Meh .... live and learn. I wouldn't say dumbass but a lesson learned.

Not sure I get the "bike shortage" rationale. Sure, it may be hard to find a particular bike, but there are lots of bikes on FB. CL, and in the bike stores in this area.

You got yourself a restoration project. Have fun.

Did pretty much the same thing, buying my first used sports car back in 74. Tough, but great life lesson, that I never repeated, nor will you. Still, I had a lot of fun with that pos. Subsequent purchases, including a lot of used bikes, have fared much better. Enjoy the new bike project!
Tim

Well, the fact that you're asking here I think you already know the answer. I'm willing to bet that some of us have done the same thing. I have, once. I won't repeat that mistake again. Ask for your money back. If you don't get it, hard lesson learned. If you do, a soft lesson learned and consider yourself lucky.

Not dumbass. Dumbass would have been if the guy was telling the truth and the bike didn't fit. Since the bike fits, I think I'd ask for a partial refund.

Yes?

Every single bike advertised was "only ridden twice around the block when the sun was shining, stored in climate controlled storage, got extremely good upgrades, and recently was tuned up by a pro-mechanic".

Deflated tires are the big red flag that the seller doesn't care about maintaining the bike at all.

It is an "as-is" transaction. You buy what you see and own it. the seller owns your money now. If you can't, or won't look, you are out of luck. Consider it tuition paid. We all have been in similar situations.

Buying a used bike in the dark is not a good idea.... as you found out.

Light surface rust is a complete non-issue. The most important thing for you to do now, is to ride the heck out of the bike to get your money's worth.

They will. And do you think you are the first to have this happen? If it is a good bike, you will get your money's worth from riding it.

I coined a phrase that might be relevant; paying the stupid tax. I have paid that tax quite a few times. Welcome to the club.

Appreciate all the good replies! I will keep the bike and do a refurb as much as I am able. Alas, a cheap lesson learned and likely a project that will keep me busy. Might just learn something about shade tree bike mechanics. I'll fix, ride and enjoy the bike and sell it when ready to move up to a more aggressive model.
When I sell, I will surely be honest about the age and history. At least I'll be able to sleep nights!
RR

The shallow end of dumass.

Didn't require attorneys, sale of assets, handcuffs, divorce, or a trip to the hospital.

The only Dumbasses here are the ones thinking you have a right to get your money back on a private sale.

Maybe not a "right", but if he spent real money on a bike that the seller grossly misrepresented for the purpose of swindling the buyer, he sure as heck should call the guy out on his BS. I know I would.

WWWD?


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d0acc6d79.jpg

My question would be whether or not a “premium” price was paid by the OP? That, of course would be from the perspective of the OP. I’m guessing in view of the “red flags” of; buying at night, deflated tires/unable to test ride and the perception of a “bike shortage” coupled with missing potential purchases in the recent past, the OP most likely DID pay a premium price! Buyer’s remorse occurred with the dawn of the next day. Craig’s List, FB MarketPlace and other “private party” sales should always be a “let the buyer beware” situation.

... and the bike didn't turn out comfortable ?