After perusing hundreds of bicycles for sale online, I've concluded that an amazing number of people buy bicycles that they don't ride. OK, maybe once or twice.
My son has outgrown his mountain bike and is interested in getting a road bike for a summer bike tour. At the rate he's growing, I'm a little reluctant to buy something brand new. So I'm looking for something used on Craigslist
I'm surprised at how many low mileage bikes are out there. Here are some of the unusual ads I've come across:
Fixed Gear: “Although 2 years old it has never been ridden. Complete except for pedals (not included). I bought it before my wife got pregnant, and, well you know how it goes.”
No make or model: “Almost new carbon fiber road bike available. Price drop! $1649, accessories and pedals are negotiable. Barely ridden, less than 70 miles.”
This bike lists for $4,500, according to link from the ad: “Felt Road Bike F1C — $5,700. Excellent condition. The 69 miles were light riding. Check out this beauty of a bike. It's lonely in my garage and looking for some sunshine and pavement!”
Specialized Allez carbon: “Purchased for over $1000 3 years ago, and used once …”
Schwinn Frontier 21-speed: “Green 24″ frame 26″ tires male 5 years old mint condition ridden once…”
Good bike, bad roads: “I purchased this bike used last year for $1000. I have only ridden it once, the roads around here are a little too treacherous for my taste..”
Sunshine cyclist: “Rode it 7 times and stopped riding it. Still in EXCELLENT NEW condition. Only rode in sunny weather…”
Some honesty: “It has very few miles on it (ashamed to say that it has less than 2,500). I have never crashed it. I have raced it a couple of times (under 5). “
Faint praise: “Tires hold air.”
Overall, I'm stunned by the sheer number of bicycles for sale and some of the offers.
It brings to mind the push by Shimano to get people back on bikes with their Coasting concept (“Rolling out the new Coasting bicycles“). For lots of people offering bikes in the want ads, buying bicycles isn't the problem, it's wanting to ride them.
Recent Comments