Ebay experience?

[waterlilli]

I am wondering what peoples experience with ebay has been? I have spyed a few cheap road bikes, and know nothing about road bikes, I am learning, but it takes time. Do you feel it is a good way to buy a bike? I just want a bike for the road, and am not ready to spend much.

[MightyMitre]

Hi Waterlili

My brother has had quite a few sucessful purchases off Ebay - wheels and the like, but I think it would be a bit tricky to buy a whole bike.

Firstly I really like to see things in the flesh, to check out the condition etc for myself and secondly, to get the sizing right. Even though you might have 2 bikes which are the same frame size, the overall set up and frame design can make a difference.

Have you thought about nipping down your local bike shop instead and tell them you're after something cheap and cheerful? Some of the shops down my way sell second hand bikes as well as new ones.

While you might not be able to get quite the bargains they have on ebay, at least you'll have a bike you can try out for size and fit, someone experienced to give you advise, and all the bits should work! They'll also be able to do follow-up care which you won't get with ebay.

Whatever you get, it's worth spending money on a good frame that fits correctly. If you're not sure how much riding you're going to do, you can always go for entry level group set and componants and one you realise you love it upgrade componants later.

best of luck...

[IronHorse213]

Greetings!

I've bought many things off of e-bay, including a bike and heart rate monitor, and my best advice is know exactly what you want before hand, and read the descriptions closely. Ask the seller questions if things aren't clear. Do your research and you'll do well. Rushing into purchases usually gets you skunked somehow.

My bike was new as described, and the size is good, and it's great fun, but there are little things about it I don't like that I wouldn't know about without riding. I even emailed the seller, a bike shop in norhtern New York, and they were helpful, but nothing beats a test ride. For me, I can not seem to get the seat height right no matter how I play with it - I think it has more to do with the bike being a boys bike then anything, meaning it's angles are made for guys...

I don't know that I would try it again, especially with a road bike. If you've ridden the bike in question and liked it, or know the geometry of a frame that fits well, and you find it for a good price on e-bay go for it. Otherwise it might not be returnable and there it is in your garage collecting dust.

I've seen several bikes I've wanted to pick up - some for damn good prices too - they're out there - I'm just waiting to test drive one before I commit.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!!

'calla

[repto]

I've bought lots of bike stuff on eBay (and lots of other stuff for that matter, as well). My experience has been that you generally get what you pay for, although if you are an educated buyer, you CAN find some very good deals on eBay.

I've gotten some real bargains on bike lights, tires, and an AirZound II bike horn.

Things to watch for:
-check feedback ratings. The seller should have at least SOME record and the feedback should never be lower than about 97% positives (and ideally it should be higher than that). Always check the most recent feedback as well since you can sometimes spot trends in poor behavior or changed behavior from a seller.
-check shipping charges. Unscrupulous sellers will pad their shipping charges to get more $ out of you. Small and lightweigt items shouldn't cost more than about $4 to ship, even when sent via Priority Mail.
-Does the seller accept payment via credit card or Paypal? It's a PITA to have to go get a money order (not to mention it costs you more $).

As far as buying a bike, I would be really hesitant to buy a bike without giving it a test drive first. You never know how it's going to fit you until you actually ride it. If you know the model number/style/size and have been able to give the bike up for auction a test drive in real life (eg. at your local bike shop or borrowed a friend's), then I think you can safely buy online. You might want to limit your searches to local sellers, to cut down on shipping costs. UPS charges about $50 to ship a partially disassembled bike.

Good luck--
Jane