Great Terry Bike Starter Package!

[emily_in_nc]

So, I finally spoke with Christine. The bike is only 44 cm (she thinks) that's way too small for me... bummer! Ah well, there's always ebay! Just in case anyone else is interested, that's the frame size. Thanks for the shipping advice!

Terrys are sized in inches - 16", 17.5", 19", and on up. I used to have one and rode the 17.5" size, which is close to 44 cm (44.5 cm maybe), so that's probably the size she has. The top tube measures right around 19".

Sorry for my cynicism above -- I am just very jaded after hearing about all the bike scams on ebay and Craig's List. That said, I have both bought and sold a bike on ebay with great success!

Emily

[ginny]

no need to apologize. What should I look out for on ebay? I always wonder... I mean, I pay with pay pal, but I pay before I receive the bike, so other than buying from someone with a good reputation, is there any way to protect oneself? I have had luck buying and selling equestrian stuff on ebay, but haven't done much else...

Also, I'm all about instant gratification and I just don't want to wait until the auction is over to see if I won!

[Pedal Wench]

Ginny,

I've bought 4 bikes on ebay, all without much problems. I always ask the seller a question about the bike that requires them to measure something (top-tube c-c, or steerer tube length) anything that shows that there really is a bike. Check the category that it's listed under - a scammed account will show the bike in a weird category - there's a bike listed in the Blu-Ray DVD section - instant scam alert. And, anyone that asks you to email them before you bid is a scam.

Some of the frames had a little more wear than was indicated, so ask specific questions if they say there are scratches.

[teigyr]

I have also bought two bikes on ebay. One was in Southern California (I lived within an hour of the seller) and one was in New Mexico. For the California one, I drove to pick up the bike and pay the seller. I got to test ride the bike and also not pay shipping. The New Mexico bike was the same -- we did a road trip and it was really great! The New Mexico seller was in a Mariachi band that played at a local restaurant/club (local in NM) so the evening after the bike pick-up, we went to his restaurant and got serenaded!

I'd say a LOT of people are honest. I look for things like other items the seller is selling, sellers history (ie is it good? What else did they sell? Is there a theme?), and communication. I have seen people who are almost fencing items -- they take things and sell them for other people. I am often distrustful of them. For their other items, is it like they are selling personal use items that they no longer use or is it a business or is it a scam?

In both my bike purchases, they were personal use items that were no longer being used. The Bianchi had been a racing bike and the Cinelli had been sitting in this guy's garage.

With proper research, I'm sure you can find a great bike. I'd say though that it's a bonus if the bike is located near you so you can see it if you'd like.