Ebay purchase

[Gixxerman]

Looking at bidding for a Trek 2010 4.9.
It looks good but one thing is making me nervous.
The seller says that it has a slight ding in the fork leg. The attched picture is the one off ebay that shows it. What do you guys think? Is it fubared or is it OK? What should I be asking the guy about the defect?



If the forks are no good, that will influence my max bid, as I would have to factor in getting some replacement forks.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

if it's a ding in a carbon fork, i'd factor in replacement. if it's aluminium it's less of a biggy provided the indent is smooth with no folded edges or cracks; but you'd want to replace those with a carbon fork anyway as alu forks are known for giving a harsh ride.

 

[raindog]

Looks as if it's been hit with a hammer.

 

[Zoiders]

Looks like where the D-lock was smashed off.

 

[Gixxerman]

Looks like where the D-lock was smashed off.

Is that comment serious? Do you really think that it might be stolen?
It is a carbon fork BTW.

 

[Smokin Joe]

A damaged carbon fork?

Bit of a no-brainer there, walk away.

 

[Tynan]

or factor new forks into the price

the seller is at least pointing it out

 

[2Loose]

A ding in carbon, nope, very likely unsafe.

 

[Zoiders]

I'd question him on how the fork was damaged. If he comes back with a reasonable answer, might make it a bit less suspicious. Dosn't look like crash damage.

RE Zoiders: I don't know that many people who put a d-lock around the front wheel.

EDIT: Having a look at the listing, I'd ask for some proof of purchase, and if he has the cleats to go with the shoes.

He does seem to be selling alot of bikes, all of which are high end. Alot of bike pieces aswell. Could be a dealer.

I have been known to put two locks on before now in some places, both front and rear locked up.

 

[e-rider]

I just checked out the listing and this guy is selling bikes every week. Either he's a dealer (of which there is no mention) or something is a little off - there is a wide range in frame sizes so they are clearly not all his own bikes.

On a more general note, I'd not buy an expensive bike secondhand from ebay full stop. It's fine for little bits here and there for £30 but it's always a risk - can you afford to lose £1000 if it all goes pear shaped?

 

[Gixxerman]

OK both it and he look a bit dodgy.
So I have decided to leave well alone. I don't want to risk losing my money or possibly hand it to a bike thief.

So is ebay a dead loss for finding a highish end Madone?
If so where else can I look for a decent 2nd hand one?

 

[fossyant]

Cycling weekly classifieds or similar.

Must say that 'ding' is a deffo no no, excusing it's probably nicked.

 

[cyberknight]

Cycling weekly classifieds or similar.

Must say that 'ding' is a deffo no no, excusing it's probably nicked.

+1 , cycling weekly have a classified part to their website as well if you do not want to buy the magazine.

There are reputable people on ebay , if you come across a nice bike you should always ask for a test ride, details etc etc , an honest seller of such a bike will know a lot about the bike and will not mind you test riding it .That all said with that fork i would run a mile even if it was a kosher sale !