Purchasing bike through classifieds

Heya guys, I would like to get some opinions/advice regarding purchasing a whole bike through classifieds. I'm in the midst of buying a bike through a website's classifieds. How can I cover myself from fraud other than paypal? The seller has offered his information and I asked for his phone number. However, how do I know his info is not fake?(could give a real number but fake id). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.



Izzy G.

Have the seller ship the bike C.O.D. (cash on delivery). It will cost more for shipping, but keeps both the seller and buyer relatively safe from fraud.

FedEx has a C.O.D. system they call "Collect on Delivery": http://www.fedex.com/us/services/opt...round/cod.html

UPS does too:
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/res...tions/cod.html

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"There is alot of blather here that does not float the hooey barge." boudreaux 11/22/2005

Will the shipper wait while you unpack the bike, assemble it, and inspect it?

Bob

Will Bob attempt to answer the OP's question, or slam the only viable option?

Also, you forgot to include a high intensity interval session after you inspect it. Don't want it breaking on you because the new owner is more powerful than the previous.

Seriously though, every C.O.D. shipper I have dealt with at least let me open the package to verify the contents before payment.

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"There is alot of blather here that does not float the hooey barge." boudreaux 11/22/2005

Will Scotty explain why C.O.D. is "the only viable option"?

C'mon. I was only pointing out that while C.O.D. shipping may prevent a situation where you pay for something that you don't get, it doesn't guarantee that the condition of the contents will be as advertised.

At a minimum, the buyer needs to inspect the following:

>frame: cracks, rust, dents, bends, bulges, loose bottom bracket, stripped threads, loose lugs, bad alignment.

>fork: cracks, steerer condition, dropout condition.

>wheels: rim cracks, bulges, braking surface wear, hub condition, spoke/nipple condition.

>shifters and derailleurs: condition, do they work properly?

>bottom bracket: condition, stripped threads

>cranks: condition, cracks, stripped threads

>handlebars: cracks, bends

>seatpost/seat: cracked rails, cracks

I doubt that the shipper will wait patiently for you to complete this type of an inspection.

A problem in any of the above areas could result in an expensive repair/replacement which could cause the purchase to be a rip-off.

I am not "slamming" your suggestion. Simply pointing out some potential problems.

Consider it for what it's worth.

Bob

Because it's the only option given in this post thus far. Feel free to list another viable shipping option which helps prevent fraud, as requested by the OP.

The OP did not mention being worried about the condition of the contents, only the true identity of the seller.

This is all great advice. It should be performed with any purchased bicycle, whether it be new or used. But because it has nothing to do with the OP's original question, maybe you should start your own topic with these sound bicycle purchasing guidelines.

As do I.

This is always a concern buying used and/or without a warranty, yet websites such as Craigslist and Ebay still flourish with great success. Even this website has a Classifieds section, so be careful.

Thank you for your helpful input thus far.

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"There is alot of blather here that does not float the hooey barge." boudreaux 11/22/2005

Thanks for the advice guys. After weighing my options, decided to purchase a brand new bike from the LBS. Alot more costly but they take care of me with fitting, tune ups and warranties. Not to mention the support I'm giving to the local community. =P

Oh and I got a Cervelo R3.

Izzy G.

Q: "Will Scotty explain why C.O.D. is 'the only viable option'?"

A: "Because it's the only option given in this post thus far."



WTF?

Following your twisted logic....if someone posts a question such as "I have a chest cold, and a big race coming up. What should I do?"

.....and the only post in response is "Slash your wrists".....

.....then slashing his wrists is his "only viable option"!?!?

Ludicrous. Much like the rest of your post.

Bob

Nice choice. A teammate of mine bought one about 3 months ago. It is an awesome bike.

Bob

Bobby

Your entire input in this post has been all about me and my viable reply to the original poster. You contributed nothing constructive whatsoever. Thank you for your time and attention, as I now feel emotionally complete.

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"There is alot of blather here that does not float the hooey barge." boudreaux 11/22/2005