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?