Romyan

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/...278454543.html


Thanks.... If you respond

jon c. 

A report of a crash is always concerning, but otherwise a good price for that bike.

Wileyrat

I think if it checks out ok, it would be hard to go wrong for 100 bucks.

General Geoff

According to the bicycle blue book, it's worth $0 so $100 is a ripoff

Romyan

haha

I already texted him, it's 9 pm on a Thursday night so I'll see tomorrow.

Romyan

Seems that the handlebar stem is broken, so I'd have to replace that. But hopefully, the frame is in good condition, but it is $100 and steel.

02Giant 

Are you referring to the one broke "pista" stem? That would be a Presta stem, and needs a tube replaced.

builderguy

Check it out carefully. I'm the suspicious type. When I hear it has been crashed once, and as of right now, the tires are flat. This mean no test ride.
Last bike I bought the tires were flat. The guy said he couldn't find his pump, because he was moving and had packed it away. I could sit on it, size seemed good.
After I bought it, for $100, got home aired up the tires, the right crank was bent. It's fixed now, but that is my story.

Buyer beware.

sdmc530

I would say this^^ is great advice! $100 seems super cheap.....unless your willing to make it a build if it turns out to be a lemon I too say CAUTION! Test ride would be critical in this deal.

bikemig 

Not really. You can visually check the frame for any structural damage; you can visually check the wheels and parts.

Also bring some tools to make sure that the seatpost and stem aren't stuck.

This is a deal at $100 assuming the bike checks out.

indyfabz

But you can't always tell if the frame is straight from a visual inspection alone. Back in the early 90s I got hit t-boned by a car. My body absorbed much of the impact, but the bike did get hit. Other than a bent crank arm, it looked fine to the naked eye. Brought it to a shop and found the frame was slightly out of line when checked with a tool.

mcours2006

It's super-cheap. It's been in a crash. Thanks, but no thanks.

bikemig 

I don't think we're disagreeing. Heck a bike doesn't even need a crash to be out of line. The point is that if there is no visual sign of damage, then the bike is likely fine or can be straightened if need be and most people don't care if a bike is slightly out of line.

I've bought bikes that I was unable to ride (I just bought one with flat tubulars) and had no issues with the frame. I did do a close visual inspection of the frame for signs of a crash.

jefnvk

Nothing really high end on the bike, should be fine as a rider, but as pointed out make sure to look it over carefully. Even with flat tires you should be able to lift up the back end and cycle through the shifting to make sure there are no irreparable issues with shifters/derailleurs. Articulate the brakes, spin the wheels to eyeball trueness. Crinkling of paint can indicate a stress point in the frame from the crash, I'd look that over carefully.

Kinda intrigued if "pista stem" was referring to the presta valve, or the handlebar stem, as it seems that pista stem can also refer to a type of that.

Romyan

I think it's the handlebar stem.

Romyan

I will obviously check to see how bad is the damage and such. If it's good I'll buy it, waiting for the seller to reply currently.

Romyan

Of course, that's my first thought when I eventually can check it out.

Romyan

I'll see if I can get it pumped temporarily with a airpump or use a patch kit to test it.

Iride01 

Pista makes bike stems for handlebars. If it is just a screw they tightened too tight and stripped, then that 30 bucks plus shipping right off the bat you need to take off the price. If there is a crack or something else wrong with the stem, I'd want to pull the fork and inspect the steering tube.

I'd also take off the cost of new tires and tubes since he can't prove they are good. There is another 25 to 40 bucks plus shipping.

And never be afraid to offer less than half what the seller is asking even if it does not have any defects. Don't contribute to a "sellers market" by paying asking price unless the seller is completely oblivious to the fact he should be asking ten times more.

Plus I'd want to know how much it weighs. There are a lot of "look like" light weight road bikes that are in fact 30 to almost 50 pounds. You don't notice the weight cruising, but trying to accelerate or climb it's noticeable. You can get a 22 pound bike for 100 to 150 dollars if you are patient.

corrado33

You guys seriously wouldn't buy a bike that's been laid down? I think as long as it hasn't been in a "head on" collision, it's fine.

Laying down a bike won't hurt it other than scuffs on the paint/handlebars/saddle. (Assuming it's not carbon.) Many of my bikes have been laid down at one point or another, I have absolutely zero issue still riding them.

jefnvk

+1. Didn't even cross my mind to list the bike I just sold as having been in a wreck. No damage whatsoever, other than scuffed pedals and bar tape, no real point in bringing it up even if it had crossed my mind. The bike probably took more damage in bike racks. I'd be silly to think any of my pre-loved bikes hadn't been in a wreck of some sort, then again if it is mentioned in the sales ad, I am certainly going to look it over good.

02Giant 

The following is from the craigslist description;

"Has one broken pista stem that will need replacement."

"Handlebar Stem: Specialized Elite-Set"

Iride01 

And your point is?

Iride01 

I agree. Who has not had a wreck of some sort? The only time I think a wreck needs to be disclosed is if there is physical damage that has not been fixed or the seller knows it was not fixed in a commonly accepted manner. Scratches from laying one down and other cosmetic stuff is for the buyer to find themselves.

So Buyer's beware! And don't buy at asking price.

Squeeze

I've been buying and selling hobby stuff on craigslist for many years. Before getting back into bicycles a few years ago, it was electric guitars and related stuff (amplifiers, effects pedals, etc.).

My philosophy when shopping on craigslist is this, at least in a major metropolitan area with a large and active craigslist:

If there's one of something you like for sale, that means there will be others. Wait until the right one comes along.

That might mean price or color or condition or seller's location or whatever. If I have any doubt looking at the ad, I save my time and money and wait for the next one.