I had the same thoughts about damaged bikes in Spinlister so I first listed a bike I was going to sell. It's a 1992 Trek 2500 Carbon Pro, with full Dura-Ace 7400 down to stem and seatpost. Yes, the bike is in very good shape. Last summer I netted $600 with it! That's after giving Spinlister 17.5% of the gross cash-flow. Just about every person that rented my bike already owned a nice bike, but didn't want to fly with it. I've had renters from London and Barcelona, they were very happy not to pack a bike and only had to bring shoes since I have a decent collection of pedals.
I have even turned down possible renters, one guy wanted a lock for my Ti Eddy Merckx EX converted to SS. I told him it wasn't a bike to be locked up in the Venice Beach area. Also, the process is not anonymous it is face to face. I ask the potential renter questions ahead of time to help vet them. Anyone with a handle and semi-active on any bike forum or Stava gets an instant pass. Spinlister has their credit card info and that's a big incentive to keep a rental bike in good shape.
I've not had any real problems on almost 20 different transactions with 4 different bikes. One came back with a flat. The renter installed the spare tube and I patched the original. Another renter used my bike for a week to train for a local tri, during the race the chain dropped and she got grease on the newly installed handlebar tape. She even offered to pay for the new tape, but I was able to wash it clean.
I'm so glad I didn't sell my Trek 2500 Pro... it was rented so many days last summer that the money earned would have been the same as my selling price, I still own the bike and it keeps making me money. I've listed my spare bikes with Spinlister for about 3 years now and I love how they've become positive cashflow! Although, I have to admit my rentals have been very slow so far this summer.
Maybe I've gotten lucky, but every person that has rented my bike is also a cycling enthusiast and took care of my bike as if it were their own. I've not have a problem with a renter, knock on wood. If I do have an issue Spinlister is very responsive. They've been very responsive on other issues I've contacted on, such as problems with the app.
If you want to rent a bike then find a lister that's also a collector you'll know they maintain their bikes like a family heirloom. My bikes all ride exceptionally well and have nice parts. I've listed very nice bikes with quality components. My coasterbrake mtb is not for everyone, but the Cervelo, Merckx and Dean are sweet, check out the photos...
https://www.spinlister.com/profile/9934. Give me a shout if you're visiting the Venice Beach/Santa Monica/Culver City area and get a discount. Search the 90066 area code and look for my bikes at intersection of Venice & Inglewood Blvd.
Seems the more my bikes get rented on Spinlister, the more bikes I collect. Yes, I have a bike addiction and Spinlister is an enabler. At least my hobby is no longer negative cash flow. I'm definitely in the black this past couple of years since I don't have upgrade-itis anymore. I have kept my Ellsworth and Merlin with full Campy Record off the rental list... nobody gets to ride those two bikes.
