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Does This Qualify As ‘Dumbass’ ?

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Does This Qualify As ‘Dumbass’ ?

Old 04-29-22, 01:30 PM
  #1  
jwr0201
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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
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Old 04-29-22, 01:37 PM
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FBOATSB
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That's a bit harsh
How hard would it be to give it a perfunctory cleaning/lube and resell it with inflated tires?
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Old 04-29-22, 01:45 PM
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I'd call that ******* and demand my money back. If nothing else you give him a piece of your mind.
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Old 04-29-22, 01:50 PM
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257 roberts
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I would certainly ask for my money back.
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Old 04-29-22, 01:51 PM
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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?
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Old 04-29-22, 01:53 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 02:06 PM
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Rdmonster69
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Meh .... live and learn. I wouldn't say dumbass but a lesson learned.
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Old 04-29-22, 02:15 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 02:24 PM
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I don't see the problem here. Light corrosion? 2008? So what?
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Old 04-29-22, 02:37 PM
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You got yourself a restoration project. Have fun.
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Old 04-29-22, 02:54 PM
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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
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Old 04-29-22, 04:48 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 05:03 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 05:42 PM
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Yes?
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Old 04-29-22, 05:54 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 05:59 PM
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Buying a used bike in the dark is not a good idea.... as you found out.
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Old 04-29-22, 06:29 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by jwr0201
Hopefully, nobody else will fall into this trap.

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.
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Old 04-29-22, 08:23 PM
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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.
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Old 04-29-22, 10:19 PM
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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
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Old 04-30-22, 06:19 AM
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The shallow end of dumass.

Didn't require attorneys, sale of assets, handcuffs, divorce, or a trip to the hospital.
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Old 04-30-22, 08:40 AM
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The only Dumbasses here are the ones thinking you have a right to get your money back on a private sale.
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Old 04-30-22, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by trailangel
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.
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Old 04-30-22, 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Miradaman
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?


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Old 04-30-22, 02:57 PM
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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.
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