somethingliketh

Howdy all --

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum; I'm basically looking for an appraisal, but the bike is certainly not a vintage/older model so I was unsure as to where to put this thread.

I found the following bike on craigslist... I'm including the seller's description and pictures he's sent me.

"This is a beautiful Trek 5200, identical to the famed US Postal Service frames that won the 2001-2003 Tour de France. The unique Project One custom flame paint scheme is a nice departure from the common blue "Postal" colors that dominated Trek production in the early 2000's. The bike, and especially the frame, is in overall great condition, and the more common Postal version typically sells used for over $1000. I am discounting this bike because I recently noticed an occasional "hitch" in the right shift lever when moving from the smaller to larger cogs. This is likely due to wear on the lever assembly, and while the lever is functional, I can't honestly sell the bike at its full value as a result.

Here are the specifics on the bike:

Frame & Fork
Frame Construction Bonded
Frame Tubing Material Carbon fiber composite
Fork Brand & Model Bontrager Race Lite Carbon
Fork Material Carbon fiber w/aluminum steerer, aero crown

Component Group Shimano Ultegra
Brakeset Shimano Ultegra Dual Pivot brakes, Shimano Ultegra STI Dual Control levers
Shift Levers Shimano Ultegra STI Dual Control
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra SS
Crankset Shimano Ultegra, 39/53 teeth
Pedals Not included
Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-6500, 109.5mm spindle
BB Shell Width 68mm English
Rear Cogs 9-speed, 12 - 25 teeth
Chain 1/2 x 3/32"
Seatpost Bontrager Race X Lite
Saddle Bontrager R1
Headset 1 1/8" threadless Cane Creek S-2
Wheels Mavic Aksium Race; radial lacing, bladed spokes
Tires Continental Ultra Race"

He also added in an email he sent to me,

"I am not the original owner, but it came from a friend in California who I am fairly certain put very few miles (maybe 3000?) over the 5 or so years he owned it. It has definitely never been crashed, and there are no nicks in the frame that would otherwise suggest any compromise of the carbon structurally. I can send you the original higher res pics if you want, and can take photos of anything else you care to see."

The gentleman is asking 750$ for the bike; I understand that prices are variable depending on location, personal desire, etc. (it's not hard to find people making the oft-repeated claim, "It's worth it if it's worth it to you!"). Thing is, I'm only so familiar with bikes, and I want to make a fair transaction with someone, not get ripped off.

Is this a fair price? should I offer him something lower...?

Thanks in advance!

Pat

That was a pretty good bike in its day. Currently, an ultegra equipped bike would go for over $3000.

Another thing, bikes do not wear out that fast. Except for wear components (brake pads, tires, tubes, chains, and rear clusters) most components will not start to wear out until you have gone over 30,000 miles. So I bike with 3,000 miles is nearly new.

If it fits or can be made to fit with swapping out the stem and you want a decent road bike for little $$$, I would say get it.

Elvo

Good price, I'd offer $650.

A5teroid

Hi, I noticed the bike is still for sale. I'm in the market and it sounds like a good deal. Any reason why you didn't buy it?