Buying Used?

[Amira]

Amira... the second I saw your screen name at the start of this reply, my heart skipped a beat! Lol!
I actually just posted a new thread thanks to the feeling I got when I saw your screen name!
Aside from that, I am SOOO sorry you had your bike stolen. I can't stand dishonest people. I always try to be as honest as I can be, and it really upsets me when people just don't care about how their actions affect others. Aside from that little rant, it sounds like you didn't recover your bike- sorry!
I completely hear you about obtaining specifics. I always try and ask as many questions as I can. My husband gets annoyed sometimes with how thorough I am, but I always prefer the age-old motto "Better safe than sorry". In terms of buying used, I always try to figure out if they're the actual owner and a good sense of condition.
So I GREATLY appreciate everyone's concern about purchasing a stolen bike. It reminds me that there are other honest people out there as well! So far, I am really loving this place (Team Estrogen, that is!)!!!

Yeah, so far I am totally digging this forum as well. I expect to spend a lot of time here. Why, oh why, do I have to work....I could spend my days riding and hanging out on my cycling/fitness/photography forums if for that pesky work thing.

I did not recover my bike. I gave the police the serial number and the make/model/color. A few weeks after the break in, they called me, very excited, because they had found a LeMond in a pawn shop. It was a different model and color and serial number, but they were hoping I was just confused on those details. DOH.

I don't expect to see it, but it was a very distinctive emerald green and you sure don't see many LeMonds on the road here, so I assure you I keep my eyes peeled every time I spin around my typical loop. If I ever get it back, it will go on my trainer.

[Catikin12]

I think I've been neglecting my kids since I found this forum- lol!
The insight on here is invaluable! My husband was making fun of me for how much I've been consuming here... until he started asking me questions!!! My, how the tables have turned
I just finished reading a couple of threads about clipless... a whole new feat
I was fortunate enough that the bike came with clipless pedals (although I'm not sure if they will be the best for me, but they were included with my purchase, so I should probably as least try them, right?), shoes that I *believe* will fit (and are also pretty sweet looking!), and a couple of other small accessories. But I've now been scouring craigslist for a trainer at a reasonable price since I just dropped a pretty big chunk of change on my new bestie in hopes that it will help me overcome my paranoia about clipless pedals!
But yeah... it's always so nice to read about everyone else's experiences and know that you aren't alone
I love the fact that the police thought you didn't remember your own bike! I mean, if you took the time to take the proper course of action in hopes of recovering it someday, one would think you remember what it looks like!
If I ever see anything similar, I know who to check with! Although I think Ohio would be a little far for it to have traveled...
I just realized something! Do they have a forum section on here for stolen bikes? Like if someone gets their bike stolen, they can start a thread with the info about their bike and post pics and whatnot and then everyone can kind of keep their eyes open for it. I'm going to look into that!

[Charlieggo]

It's funny that you all are talking about stolen bikes. Last week I saw a Co-Motion bike on Craigslist. I was very suspicious because of the great price and very good condition of the bike. First I checked the stolen bike registry, check ok. Then I went to Co-Motion website to see if they had an owner registration link but they didn't; however, I learned that the last two numbers of their serial number = year of manufacture. I then arranged to see the bike with a friend. My plan was to copy down the serial # and call Co-Motion to check on ownership while my friend called the police station. The seller was a super nice guy who said he was moving, he had the manual for the bike and a bunch of accessories. I looked at the serial # and saw the year matched the manual he had. Things were definitely looking good, but I still felt like I should check to make sure. We started making our phone calls and the seller definitely got offended. He said, "I have the receipts if you want to see them. I did not steal the bike." He brought me the receipts from a LBS with his name on them. I gave him the cash and got a new bike. I may have offended him a little, but I am not about to ride around on someone's stolen bicycle. See, sometimes Craigslist is a good thing. New to me Co-Motion Nor'Wester Tour! Have fun on your new Trek!

[TigerMom]

Congrats on your new non-stolen bike!
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)