Hey Ana Sorry if I missed the post but did you get you professional fit? If you did, then you know wheather or not if the frame geometry is right for you.

I just went after a frameset on Ebay this way (knowing it was the size and brand I had test ridden and worked). Unfortunately, my Ebay ploys seem to always end up getting cut throat outbid at the last minute. However, I think it might not have been meant to be for one thing you are asking. I sent the seller a question if the carbon had been mechanically inspected for cracks/damage etc. No response. Hmm.

With that being said, I don't think it is unreasonable for you to tell the seller you would like some type of inspection (done by person/mechanic of your choice) before you hand over your cash.

If you have the year of the frameset, do as much Googling as you can about it. Besides reviews, look at things like TE and BikeForums for peeps who have it. What are their joys? What are their complaints?

On the condition, I don't know if you have bike pals that could look at the condition of it for you when the guy brings it?

If you have an idea roughly of what Grouppo you want, you can also Google "brand whatever and build kit". Some web sites will have the whole deal new laid out so you can get a ballpark of what it would be to do new. If you were to switch over grouppo from your current bike, will everything fit? You could ask the lbs if you plan to have them do the build of what they think too.

Ana, have you ever ridden steele before? Even if the bike is not your size, but close enough to ride, try to find one. I know it's really hard. I have been road tripping to find bikes. That's the only way I even felt ok about bidding on the one on Ebay. I looked 5hr radius on Craigs list too, but to no avail for me.

Good Luck!