Just wondering if many people here had ever purchased used parts on Ebay? Especially if they've purchased vintage parts if it was a good deal/experience? I'm torn on whether to bid for these cranks and try to go Campy on a vintage mint condition Bianchi I've got. I don't expect to get a full gruppo in mint but at least in very good/good would be cool if it doesn't break the bank. These cranks are what make me want to, so sweet http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7108425989&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
can you tell from the pics? what u think? should i buy?
I had a good ebay purchase gone bad that turned into a great thing. I bought a set of used wheels. It turns out one was broken. After contacting the manufacturer, they offered to replace both of them with a brand new set of the latest version for a very small additional fee. I got lucky! Keep in mind you may not always get lucky. But for the most part, people are honest and dont want thier Ebay reputation to be damaged. Always a good idea to see how many items they have sold. If they are selling thier first item, be careful. Good Luck 🙂
But for the most part, people are honest and dont want thier Ebay reputation to be damaged. Always a good idea to see how many items they have sold. If they are selling thier first item, be careful. Good Luck 🙂
Yeah, I figured reputation definately matters, the seller appears to have a stain free history. so what do you think of the cranks? I've never bought 30 year old equipment w/o handling it first
Ughhh! Not related to bicycles, I won an auction on on an accordion several years ago. The seller had several (like 50 or so) positive ratings and the squeezebox was one I really wanted...and red! I was so happy, and I viewed the pictures every minute of the last ten thinking it was the greatest of my collection.
The description of the item was that is was in good condition and played beautifully (as beautifully as accordions do) and knowing the manufacturer (I have a black on just like it) I was sure this was going to a great box.
When it got here, it was a different story. It had gotten wet (not visible in the picture) and all the leather valves were ruined. A huge piece of celluloid was missing from the back of it...and worst, the bellows had an un-repairable hole in them. Also, because the reeds are held in place with wax, many of then were floating around inside the accordion. I have repaired these things for ten years, and this one was beyond that-it wa sbound for the garbage (which pains us accordion weirdos greatly). I emailed the seller that this accordion was far different from the one described, and his response was that he had spent the money on his mothers medical bills. After many attempts to get my money back, I found that my only recourse was to right a bad review of the seller...which was not very satisfying. A Molotov Cocktail through his window would have been better, but he lives across the country. The moral here is that buying something sight unseen on the word of someone you don't know is sometimes catastrophic.
If you can get the cranks for a low price, you have nothing to lose. And if they are not usable, you can always frame them and hang them over the fireplace right?
Yeah, I figured reputation definately matters, the seller appears to have a stain free history. so what do you think of the cranks? I've never bought 30 year old equipment w/o handling it first
I've had good luck with vintage cycling parts on ebay, am restoring a pair of neglected 70's racers and ebay is the most reliable source for parts. Bought an entire bike (1970 vintage Falcon San Remo), dusty from hanging in a garage for 20 years, but restorable and the price was right. Plus a Campy high flange wheelset, old Campy NR brake levers, new old stock Reynolds 531 frame decals, cables, a pair of Regina chains, and a new Brooks Team Pro saddle. Haven't been disappointed yet.
Read the descriptions. If they sound like they were written by a bike person, you'll probably do well. If they sound like the person doesn't know what it is, then they may not be describing the part correctly. Most sellers aren't out to cheat people, but they don't always describe the item correctly.
