Anybody bought your bike on Ebay?

[Beane]

I bought my Gunnar frame on ebay. There were a few issues to say the least. I was really worried since there were no pictures of the frame (only a written description) and the guy wouldn't take Paypal, only a money order. I know some of you are saying "well, you dumbo, what would you expect with no pics and no paypal?", but I really wanted a gunnar and simply did not have the dough for a new one, or the patience to wait for another to come up on ebay/craigslist.

1) The frame arrived about a month after the auction ended. This was absolutely ridiculous. The guy kept blaming it on the bike store that was packing and shipping the bike for him.

2) The frame had more nicks in the paint than I expected. It was still basically new, but some of the new bike excitement was lost. He gave me $5 for touch up paint (which actually cost $25).

To make up for the shipping delay, the guy threw a more or less new Dura Ace front derailleur and hideous, slightly used cycling jersey in the box. I sold the derailleur for $30 (I equipped the bike with campy) and wore the jersey as a halloween costume, so all was not lost.

The other issue was that I had somehow mismeasured my old bike so that I thought a 54 was the right size for me. In reality, a 52 would probably be better, but with a short stem and 0 offset seatpost, the bike fits.

All in all, it wasn't the greatest experience. I was impatient (as far as bidding on a bike with no pics even) and mis-measured my bike, so those things are my fault.. The guy had good feedback and certainly he didn't steal my money, but the shipping time was absurd. I think ebay can be good if (a) you know exactly what frame size you need, (b) the seller has great feedback and the listing is thorough and includes pics, and (c) you can't find that bike/frame somewhere locally for a comparable price.

[KatyLady]

I have had excellent experience buying bikes on ebay. Bought 3 new bikes from large established ebay bike sellers. One of the three I bought just for the components. (I was able to buy the entire bike cheaper than buying a component group.) All three were exactly as described and very nice bikes.

A word of caution however, I have seen scam ebay posting for bikes on more than one occasion. Symptoms of the scammers: 1) only a few feedbacks, 2) postings are for 24-48 hours, and 3) posting asks you to contact the seller outside of ebay.

As long as you stick with sellers with lots of positive feedback you should be safe.

[uforgot]

I purchased my Burley frame on ebay. It was exactly what I expected and wanted. A great transaction. I always look at feedback. I've heard some say that they won't go below a certain percentage, but if I'm buying something for more than say $50, I read all negatives carefully and the seller's response. I won't bid if they are a)rude b)do not have whatever selling nicely displayed, it shows that they probably take care of their stuff. If it's in the middle of crap, they don't care. c) If they have even 1 negative with the buyer having issues with it not being as described or pictured. d) won't take paypal because you can use a credit card on high dollar items and that will give you some protection also.

I've only had one bad buying experience and it was here on TE, not ebay, and the paypal arbritation is a joke, so use a cc. I've had almost 1000 transactions, but be careful careful careful.

[emily_in_nc]

I bought my Aegis Swift (carbon road bike) frame/fork on Ebay brand new but a previous year's model left over, from a small bike shop in California with excellent feedback. I also bought my used Titus Racer X mtb on ebay from a small bike shop. Both were excellent purchases for me, but I checked out the sellers carefully and established an email dialog before buying.

Emily

[mupedalpusher]

My hubby has bought and sold several bikes on eBay. All were very positive experiences.

[uforgot]

My hubby has bought and sold several bikes on eBay. All were very positive experiences.

Warning: Thread drift
I listed a bike on craigslist once and offered to meet the person in Columbia. I emailed "Let's meet at Klunk cycles, I love that place, but I don't know when they are open". The guy emailed me back and said that he knew, because he owned it! I do love to look at all of those old bikes he has. Have you ever been there?

[Laru]

I have bought one and it was fine. I would make sure they are going to have a professional pack the bike. The one I bought was packed very well and I think it's imperative if you want the bike to arrive undamaged.

[whateveronfire]

I bought all three of my bikes (Gunnar Rockhound, Fisher Kaitai, and Surly Cross Check) on ebay. The Fisher was a local seller, so we just met and swapped money for bike. That bike was showroom new.

The Gunnar and Surly were both in ok shape, but not quite as good as described. I had the Gunnar repainted and checked by Waterford, which brought the frame price up, but it looks great. The Surly's condition doesn't bother me at all. It shows its use, and at some point I may have it powder coated.

In both cases, the component groups were in nice shape and the wheels were just ok.

I also sold my LeMond on ebay--for much less than I wanted--and despite my really detailed description, the buyer asked for several concession refunds. I gave him one, which certainly led to the requests for the others.

I guess I'd finally say to go in with your eyes open and you'll probably be fine. How's that for equivocation?