http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: bike for sale - is this dubious? en Mon, 18 May 2026 13:13:10 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145912 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:26:47 +0000 gembo 145912@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There are some inconsistencies in what the seller is alleged to have said</p> <p>'Unwanted presents'</p> <p>'He said he got it at EBC'</p> <p>Still doesn't mean it is dodgy</p> <p>Even going in to the EBC with the serial number, which wokkie could do, would not necessarily prove anything ( I mean if the names didn't match).</p> <p>Think it remains a grey area</p> <p>The bike thieves I used to know in wester hailes were high volume low price boys, thus a kona mountain bike £10-£20. They were interested in my frog leg brakes as hadn't seen them before. i was visiting the home to speak to their mum and asked to take my bike in. Quite a few bikes in the property in a very large electricity cupboard.</p> <p>These lads would not have been interested in an EBC Country Explorer </p> <p>A good friend of mine once bought a set of very expensive golf clubs from a very nice man in Muirhouse. It never even occurred to him that they had been nicked. This was the first thing I thought. So there is naive and there is suspicious and this one I call about halfway FWIW </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145822 Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:20:09 +0000 algo 145822@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done on getting a good bike - it was certainly a good deal. </p> <p>I'm sorry but</p> <p><em>I wonder if the seller's Irishness brought up a hidden prejudice on the part of the OP? </em></p> <p>is extremely offensive - you don't know me; I clearly didn't know the seller when I posted the original post, and although this is entirely irrelevant I am lowering myself to mention that one entire side of my family is Irish.</p> <p>My worries were based purely on not wanting to contribute to the very real problem of stolen bikes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145821 Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:43:42 +0000 wokkie 145821@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just caught this thread in google when searching for info on the Revolution Country Explorer. Funnily enough, this is about the bike I picked up last night.</p> <p>Hopefully everything is kosher with the bike - no grounds to think anything else. The transaction completed as normal and the bike was even better than I expected. The seller was, sure enough, a bit gruff, but seemed a fine enough guy. When I was short of change, he thought nothing of dropping to the nearest tenner.</p> <p>I think if a bike was pinched, it would be quite risky to put it on ebay. I think if you were dodgy, you wouldn't invite people round to your flat.</p> <p>The seller didn't seem concerned with what price the bike fetched, and didn't seem at all disappointed about the low price fetched by the Kona either. He obviously wanted a bit more space, in a small flat, with four bikes at his disposal. What caused the concern, I guess, is that he placed the ads with his phone, so didn't give all the usual bullshit. He simply duplicated the one line description for both bikes, perhaps accidentally. Not a big internet user probably.</p> <p>However, after we had exchanged money and bike, he mentioned that he had given the bike a good clean, that he had taken it down to Halfords for a service, and had replaced one of the tubes a day or two earlier. I've rarely seen people bullshit about an item AFTER a sale is done. Though I have come across that particular pattern of talk from travelling people, who want you to go away thinking you have a good deal. </p> <p>Anway, I'm very happy with the bike, which is like a brand new machine, and very happy with the price which is half the price of a discounted new machine, so all is well that ends well, I hope!</p> <p>Interesting thread though. It is easy to get fevered in the mind or obsessive in the course of an auction. But realistically, how is anyone going to make money selling dodgy bikes on ebay for a few quid? I wonder if the seller's Irishness brought up a hidden prejudice on the part of the OP? I love the Irish myself, and the accent brings up a feeling of comfort for me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145081 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:00:48 +0000 chrisfl 145081@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Actually I think the EBC do keep track of the serial numbers. I managed to crack the frame on my Specialised Rockhopper originally purchased in 1997, around 2004 and I remember them checking the numbers matched up, before replacing the frame.</p> <p>Incidentally the bike is still going strong, although the only original parts are the front forks, handlebars and shifters. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145009 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:46:57 +0000 acsimpson 145009@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As an ebay seller I would never allow anyone to pay me via paypal and then collect the item in person. This is a relitevely common fraud which works because the only item which ebay will accept as proof that the buyer received the item is an online confirmation of delivery. Quite rightly it means that the seller is always liable for lost in transit items.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14281046">Here's a story on the beeb of one poor guy who fell for it.</a></p> <p>I would also never suggest to a seller that they allow me to do this as it makes me look dodgy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145004 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:09:40 +0000 algo 145004@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@DaveC - no not getting the serial number - just kicking myself for not getting it when I rode the bike. </p> <p>thanks again for all the advice.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145003 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:07:57 +0000 DaveC 145003@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sorry, you're going to go back to get the serial number? He'll probably swear at you and slam the door in your face.</p> <p>Im my experience the shop (even EBC) might not have the serial number. I bought my first C2W bike from a shop in East Anglia. When it was stolen a couple of months later I called the shop, and the owner gave me the impression he was not interested and what was I expecting from him? Hi certainly didn't have the serial number, and even if he could lay his hands on it he just said no, and hung up. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145001 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:03:59 +0000 sallyhinch 145001@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It reminds me of when we were buying our first car. We test drove one that seemed perfect and a bargain, the seller seemed lovely and genuine, was getting a divorce, couldn't keep it hence priced for a quick sale. I felt really sorry for him but fortunately not enough to not do the check on the chassis number - and discovered it was an ex-write off that had been put back on the road. We're not as good judges of character as we think we are! (or at least I'm not) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-145000 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:49:19 +0000 algo 145000@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>thanks a lot for the advice - I'm an eejit for not getting the serial number... he says he got it from EBC - easy to check with them I reckon - if it's not there I'll walk away and do as you say. Thanks again </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-144999 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:47:29 +0000 MeepMeep 144999@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd agree with DaveC, here. The fact that you're swithering so much means you're still not convinced it's all above board. Walk away. If your conscience isn't appeased by that action alone, obtain the bike serial number and pass on the information you've collected along with your concerns to the police and leave it to them.</p> <p>If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-144996 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:43:22 +0000 DaveC 144996@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not annoying at all! But I know from personal experience that some people come along to look at stuff you're selling, ask a million questions, and then never buy. My point is if you are thinking of buying Do! as the seller will wonder if you're just being picky and wanting a New shop bought bike at second hand price. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356&page=2#post-144995 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:28:38 +0000 algo 144995@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@DaveC - it's my own scruples which are making me want to be sure before I buy. As you say I don't want to perpetuate the stolen bikes game. I'm just updating here for info in case people are interested but will happily stop - apologies if the posts are annoying </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144992 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:24:28 +0000 DaveC 144992@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Your call really. I'd suggest you either buy the bike or leave it. Looks like you have had several contacts with the seller. They'll be wondering if you are just stringing them along soon.</p> <p>On the Plus side - Cheaper (??) bike - even if its c2w bike, the company might never find it through you/seller.<br /> Negative - no come back if its stolen, no return/cash refund. Could be stolen and you might (very exceptional circumstances) be spotted by the real owner?</p> <p>But buying from anyone who you consider may not be the owner, is perpetuating the stolen bikes game.</p> <p>Depends on your own scruples. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144976 Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:23:13 +0000 algo 144976@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Seller now claims it belongs to him 100% and it's the Kona that was bought on bike to work scheme..... it all seems pretty suspect, but as I said before, I have his name, address and phone number so he's not a very good criminal.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144922 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:16:20 +0000 custard 144922@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>THe +FB/payment relates to sales meeting certain requirements.<br /> New sellers,high risk categories etc </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144882 Sun, 09 Mar 2014 01:04:58 +0000 Focus 144882@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ <strong>Min</strong></p> <p>" "Paypal don't send the payment until you give positive feedback"</p> <p><em>Definitely not right. I have noticed that giving feedback seems to be for losers nowadays and often don't get any feedback after selling stuff. I still get the payment though</em>." </p> <p>The new option for Paypal now is that the buyer isn't debited until 2 weeks after the sale, whereas the seller gets paid straight away. That gives the buyer a cooling off period in case of disputes and puts the onus on Paypal to claim the money back from the seller in such situations.</p> <p>As for feedback, I'm a loser! :-o I always give feedback and will politely request it if I don't get any in return*. I've yet to sell anything, so my 100% rating has been easy to maintain. I realise that as a seller that can be harder as buyers will tend to be more critical than sellers for the obvious reason the seller knows the item's true condition etc before the transaction.</p> <p>* I am patient and check the seller's feedback history to see if they send feedback in batches or a set time after a transaction, and only request feedback after the appropriate time has passed. Out of around 122 purchases, I think literally only 2 or 3 sellers have failed to respond in kind. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144868 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 18:59:10 +0000 algo 144868@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>thanks for the tips. I'll try and find out if it's been paid off but I doubt it. I am quite skint but interested in a steel frame with a touring (more relaxed) geometry and if possible disc brake brazings - hence the interest in this. The country Traveller is alluminium and has cantilever brakes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144856 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 16:18:56 +0000 gembo 144856@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Check out the revolution audax - currently at £399 and in claret. Needs a rack then is similar to the explorer but with sora 2x9 gears.? Reynolds steel too.</p> <p>The revolution cyclocross pro in brushed aluminum has £350 off at £499 tiagra 2x10, will take mudguards and rack</p> <p>Both bikes in most sizes</p> <p>Both seem good prices to me </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144849 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 15:32:15 +0000 crowriver 144849@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Both bikes look quite new. </em></p> <p>They would do if they've never been used. </p> <p><em>The revolution bike is in their special offers at the moment but not for 25 quid and not in the XL size maybe?</em></p> <p>I don't think Revolution actually do the Country Explorer any more, it's now called the Country Traveller (since 2013) and is a different colour. <a href="http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/revolution/country-explorer--2012">According to this</a> the burgundy model is from 2012.</p> <p>Kona Zing also not the latest model. Judging by the paint job and a quick image search, it could be <a href="http://2011.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=zing">the 2011 model</a>. </p> <p>So it's entirely feasible he's telling the truth and also that he now owns the bikes after two/three years. £25/£79 at the moment, but there's still 8 days to go. In my experience most bids come in in the last few seconds before the end. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144842 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 14:32:03 +0000 gembo 144842@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Both bikes look quite new. One person can only buy one bike at a time on bike to work. There is then the long period where you do not own it. Obviously not advertising this on eBay </p> <p>If all true then likely to be making big loss on the bikes? The revolution bike is in their special offers at the moment but not for 25 quid and not in the XL size maybe? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144832 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:24:57 +0000 LivM 144832@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Buying" the bike off the employer was, in my case, my employer "giving" me the bike and then me paying tax on the "market value" as a taxable benefit in kind. The deal I had was 1 year making payments, 2 years after that where I was still not the owner, but "loaned" the bike, and at the end of the 3 years this deal emerged of the tax charge. Since the "market value" on the 3 year old £600-bike was then £70 or thereabouts, the tax on that was about £14 and they adjusted my tax code apparently so that I would pay £14 more tax the following year (i.e. I didn't notice it at all). </p> <p><a href="http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers/employer-updates/hmrc-update">HMRC advice on market value</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144830 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:11:33 +0000 algo 144830@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Baldcyclist - thanks for this. I've not done cycle to work so I'm not entirely sure how it works - would he have to buy the bike off his employer first then? He may just be ignorant of course, rather than malicious... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144828 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:07:00 +0000 Baldcyclist 144828@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Still worth checking documentation, he may well have legitimately hired them on bike to work, but may have no legal right to sell them as he is not the legal owner of the bikes.</p> <p>I can forward my C2W documentation if you like, it is perfectly clear from the docs that I don't own the bikes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144827 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:59:58 +0000 Kenny 144827@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Although this is by far not the most persuasive of arguments, the bikes do look extremely clean and undamaged, and thus I could believe they could be unwanted gifts.</p> <p>[ later ]</p> <p>And now that I see the above posts, aye if the guy let you in his house, then I would be inclined to think he's not a crook. Or maybe he's a really brilliant / awful one. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144826 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:57:29 +0000 Baldcyclist 144826@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If they are bike to work he doesn't own them, his work does. If he has purchased them from his employer he will be able to provide proof. Incidentally, not that I am selling any of my Cyclescheme bikes, but I could lay my hands on the documentation for both of them pretty easily.</p> <p>I'm now more alarmed, unwanted gift, now cycletowork, hmmm. I would ask for proof of purchase from his employer. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144824 Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:53:47 +0000 algo 144824@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Fwiw - just went to bloke's flat to look at this. He says he got two bike to work scheme bikes but doesn't use them. If they are stolen I have his address and mobile number so he's not a particularly proficient criminal. He just knows nothing about bikes..... odd but not dodgy I don't think </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144748 Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:21:11 +0000 Min 144748@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah, I think I know what this is. I had it once after a buyer disputed the description I had given on something. It meant that the next couple of times I sold something, I had to wait a couple of weeks before the payment actually came through but that was just time based, to give the buyer a chance to open a dispute if they wanted to. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144744 Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:02:04 +0000 DaveC 144744@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just going by what my other half says. I've bought stuff a couple of times and had the seller hastling me for positive feedback. When I said I'd only paid a few pounds she told be that the money sits in paypal's account for X days unless positive feedback is given.</p> <p>Suppose she could be wrong (but I'm not going to tell her that!!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144743 Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:41:24 +0000 Min 144743@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Paypal don't send the payment until you give positive feedback</em></p> <p>Definitely not right. I have noticed that giving feedback seems to be for losers nowadays and often don't get any feedback after selling stuff. I still get the payment though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12356#post-144742 Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:35:41 +0000 ARobComp 144742@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Who puts SPDs on a gift... #justsayin (with the Kona) </p>