Need some advice on finding a specific used bike

[Pax]

I'm looking for a very specific used bike, I've tried ebay and CL and wandering around the internet. Anyone have any pointers on where else I might look?

I'm looking for a 1998, 1999, or 2001 GT Slipstream (http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1999&Brand=GT&Model=Slipstream&Type=bike) in either an 18" or 20" frame.

A good friend owns one and this bike fits me like it was designed for my body... unfortunately she doesn't want to part with hers. :(

[Seajay]

I'm looking for a very specific used bike, I've tried ebay and CL and wandering around the internet. Anyone have any pointers on where else I might look?

I'm looking for a 1998, 1999, or 2001 GT Slipstream (http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1999&Brand=GT&Model=Slipstream&Type=bike) in either an 18" or 20" frame.

A good friend owns one and this bike fits me like it was designed for my body... unfortunately she doesn't want to part with hers. :(

Hi Pax,
I can appreciate trying to find a bike that you found so comfortable. Fit is the most important thing.
However, if as you request, you are OK with two completely different sizes (18" and 20")...the fit parameters couldn't be TOO specific.
Also you are shopping for a 10+ year old bike. Kind of the equal to a '74 Pinto in the bike world. I'm sure something more modern will work better and last longer.
May I recommend you borrow your friends GT, take (or preferably, have someone at your bike shop of choice take) some exact measurements off the fit and find something at the shop that is new and modern that will fit those exact parameters.
It's likely that with some stem/bar saddle mods...there are multiple bikes out there that will give you an identical fit to the one you liked so much in a much better bike than a used 10 year old GT.
My 2 cents.

[Pax]

Thanks Seajay, I just got off the phone with my bike guru buddy and told me if the 20" "fit like a dream" then I shouldn't even consider the 18"... that's just desperation on my part.

I talked with my local bike shop today and they said they'd be willing to fit me up using my friends bike, but as little as I'm able to ride I hesitate to part with more money when a used version of the GT will go for $200 or less.

And I LOVE the Pinto analogy!! :D

[Trek420]

Nice bike! Has the look of a Electra. Have you tried one of those? But I know how it is when you've found the perfect bike. :cool: You can search all of Craig's list on .... http://www.allofcraigs.com/ however you'd lose the local aspect.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bik/2299987083.html

[Pax]

Thanks for the allofcraigs link, my bike guru dude found that one in MN but launched into the don't-buy-the-wrong-size-bike-you'll-regret-it speech immediately. I'm going to start bugging my friend who owns the GT... I sold her my 7.5, it's only fair she sells me her GT. :D