I know it's a scam, but what's the catch?

[GLC1968]

If the guy is savvy enough to know that the components are 105 and the size of the bike (it's not always easy to tell) and he is able to say that it's an even trade, he's probably savvy enough to know that trading a $1500 bike for a $300 one is asking for trouble (if it is stolen). I guess my point is that it may actually be a $300 bike.

And my husband has bought and sold high end bikes on craigslist. Hell, I sold a car on Craigslist. Just because it's worth something doesn't mean that it is stolen.

But, as others have pointed out, buyer beware...for any number of reasons.

[ttaylor508]

I sold my hubby's Allez with 105 components for around $500 several years ago and it was in pristine condition. So if it is not in the best of shape or an older model Allez, $275 might not be too far off for price. I think it is good to be cautious, but the guy could be on the up and up.

[lauraelmore1033]

Awww, I chickened out. There were just too many red flags, and I just really have to take care to keep out of situations where I have to--but likely won't say no--because my first impulse is to be nice. First off, they guy was really vague about the details--even down to the actual size of the bike and year (things ya atta know if you just bought a bike). Basically, the only thing he could tell me was that it was silver. 105 is emblazoned on the shifters and deralieur, so no points for knowing that. Second, he was aware that the value of "his" bike was greater than the value of mine, but said he wanted just to trade, "if I was ok with it". Also his phone was a Seattle number. Not so far away from me, but just far enough away to be another red flag.

Like I said, I just want my beloved bike to go to a good home. I just don't need this extra trouble (or potential trouble)

[Cataboo]

It's probably a good thing what you've decided.


I don't think the seattle area code is a red flag. I pretty regularly run into people whose cell phone numbers are from 2 or 3 moves ago.

I've moved a state away from where I used to live - and I still have my old cell phone #. I've had it since 2001, it's local to most of my friends and family, and for my new friends, they mostly have unlimited long distance with their cell phones or i tell 'em to text me & I'll call them. I don't have a house phone, so my cell is my only contact number.

[lauraelmore1033]

ah, you're right! oh well.

[KnottedYet]

If the dude doesn't even know what size "his" bike is, how does he know that YOUR bike is a better size?

I think you did just fine trusting your gut and the red flags.

[Ritamarie]

Oh, but I did so much want to know "the rest of the story"!!