Tailwind Sports is auctioning off 17 “slightly used” team bikes ridden by the likes of George Hincapie, Egoi Martinez, Jani Brajkovic and other Discovery Channel team members in the past year.
No. Nothing from Alberto Contador or Levi Leipheimer.
Most of the bicycles are Trek Madone 6.9's, although there are a few Trek Equinox TTX bikes, including one sized “large” for Hincapie. Bidding starts as low as $6,200, but most bikes are between $8,200 and $12,200.
Hyping the auction, ThePaceline fan website writes: “Make no mistake about it, these are the real-deal bikes that have been in the Tour de France, Vuelta Espana and many other top professional races around the world.”
Buyer beware
Aside from the chance of owning a bicycle ridden by a pro cyclist, there's no guarantee about the bike's condition. Here's a link to the auction site.
In fact, Tailwind warns that there is no warranty, and that neither Tailwind nor Trek certifies that the bikes, in their current conditions, are rideable. They advise that a reputable bike dealer check out the bike and fit it for the buyer before the new owner takes it for a spin.
They also warn that the bike will be sold “as is” with all its “marking and features related to a used bike.” If you ask me, that makes it cooler.
Auction
On the plus side, each buyer will receive a letter of authentication from Tailwind and Discovery Channel that it was a team-issed and race-ridden bicycle.
Depending on the bike, you have 7 or 8 days to make up your mind. Good luck.
Forgot to mention, they're also selling team-issued time-trial helmets.
First seen at Bicycle Design blog.
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