NewTandem

Hi All. I stumbled upon the below bike on Craiglist for $200, Is it worth it? Here's some info on the bike: Trek hybrid bike with a lightweight Alpha Gold aluminum frame, HCM carbon fork, Bontrager wheels, Continental tires. Thanks in advance.

Trav1s

CF fork, Sora crank, Deore rear derailleur, rim brakes, in need of love, tires are pretty smooth - Does it need a chain? Is there cassette wear?

I like what I see but not at that price. I'd figure a cassette and chain $50-75 and tires of choice. Seat looks like it needs replaced too. Did it sit outside? The black paint looks dull and leads me to think so. $120-150 would be my offer.

bargainguy

Looks like the front V-brake is not connected at the right caliper arm. Probably was released so the bike could be transported with the wheel off, but never reconnected.

In my area, Trek FX series 7.5 and above typically go for $400-500 used in good condition.

3alarmer 

...I guess I'm not seeing what you're seeing in the tires. There's not a whole lot of tread on that style of road tire to begin with. And when they do start to wear, they form a little flat track on the peak of the tire. I can't see that happening on the rear, where you'd expect to see it first. Conti road tires of that type usually have built in wear indicators.

3alarmer 

...it's not the sort of bike I would want, but if everything on it works, it's worth that price.
Sometimes, in a nice neighborhood like that, people just want to sell a bike they no longer use.

Sometimes, a lower offer works on something like that. Sometimes, it just demonstrates that any price would be subject to a lower offer. Personally, if I'm selling something on CL here myself, I have little patience with tire kickers. If you're going to offer less, at least mention that as a possibility before you waste their time and your own, arranging an inspection in person. Not, "Would you take $150?", but "Upon inspection, are you open to any lower offers ?"

If I have already priced something at bargain pricing (mine), I usually reply no. Saves us all time and energy. If the tires, chain, etc are not worn out, and you point out that they are, it just makes it obvious you're a tire kicker.

Russ Roth

Your screen contrast is off, the bike is purple.

OP, when new that was a really nice bike, hydroformed aluminum tubes, carbon fork, they sold for 800-900 new. If it fits and things are generally in good shape I'd think it well worth it. I've got a friend right now looking for a boardwalk bike to do fitness rides with friends and that's exactly what I'm trying to find.

Trav1s

I know the bike color is purple. I'm talking about the black paint on the brakes, bars, and stem - they look dull to me. Also, the cracked seat is another concern. Maybe it sat inside but received sun exposure through a window. No matter what, I'm concerned about sun/weather damage and soft parts (tires) needing replaced.

fishboat

The 7.6FX sold for around $1300 when new. Even the 7.5FX was $900-$1000. It's a very nice bike, if that's what you're looking for. Whether it's worth $200 or more depends on condition. Photos are deceiving and can only confirm what it is. Real condition can only be determined while looking it over. In the two neighborhoods I live in (WI & FL) a very good condition 7.6FX would run north of $400.

bboy314

As others have said, $200 is a good deal assuming no major issues, even if it needs new tires/consumables (which I recommend accounting for with almost any used bike purchase).