Used, Not Stolen?

[Biciclista]

Does it fit the person who's selling it? And if not, do they volunteer that that's why they're selling it, without being asked?

Don't ask them over the phone if it has any dings, ask when you get there, and see if what they tell you corresponds to the bike's actual condition. Same with the condition of consumables like tires, brake pads, cable housings, chain - ask them when you get there how many miles or months they have on them, then do your own inspection. If it's really their bike, they'll know that stuff.

If they're a career thief, they still may know, but I would think you could eliminate a lot of casual thieves just by finding out whether or not they actually know what they're selling.

Oakleaf, I am confused. If you ask them when you are there, they can see just as well as you can what the actual condition is. Am I reading this incorrectly?

but yeah, be perceptive, listen to their story. if it smells funny (the story that is) you hunch is probably right

[OakLeaf]

If you're standing there talking to them, and they have to bend down and look at the bike to find out there are chain-chips on the chainstay, or scratches on a pedal from where it's been crashed, that's a good clue...