I want to ride my bicycle, but I'm a bit short at the moment

September 19, 2008 4:30 PM

I've got an almost-new bicycle to sell, and I'd rather not deal with a twenty phone calls from bargain hunters asking if I'll go down to $50. Where should I go? (Los Angeles, CA, USA)

I won a bike a few years ago, an urban cruiser similar to (but not exactly like) this one. There are only two problems with it: first, the frame is a bit too big for me (I'm 6' 1", and if I straddle the bar it's...shall we say, a bit uncomfortable?) and I only commuted with it for a week before I had to start driving my kids to daycare. I've barely ridden it since.

I'd like to start riding it more often, but the sizing makes it difficult; I don't feel like I can jump off of it without injuring myself in that most sensitive of areas. So I'd like to sell it off.

It didn't have a high retail price, and I'm not necessarily looking for top dollar, but I'd rather not put it on craigslist and deal with a long stream of phone calls from people who just want any bike, and don't want to pay more than $50. Given the sizing, I'd also like to target an audience who understands proper bicycle sizing, so that I don't get test-ride requests from people who turn out to be 5' 4".

I'm thinking about eBay, but it seems like there must be a local (to Los Angeles) resource, in person or online or in a publication, that caters to more knowledgeable buyers who might be looking for a bike of this type.

Hence my question. Replies appreciated.

posted by davejay to sports, hobbies, & recreation (17 comments total)

I realize you're looking for a buyer, but, in the absence of a buyer, could you donate it to The Bicycle Kitchen and get a tax break on it?
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 4:44 PM on September 19, 2008

There will be knowledgeable buyers on eBay. To get the best price you need the widest audience - eBay. The more "niche" the item the better it will do on eBay, it's a no brainer.
posted by fire&wings at 4:45 PM on September 19, 2008

I've known several knowledgeable cyclists to frequently check craigslist, but I don't know how knowledgeable your average craigslist shopper will be.

There's also Bike Forums.
posted by exogenous at 4:47 PM on September 19, 2008

Personally, I would list it on Craigslist, then leave the following message on my outgoing voicemail: "If you're responding to my Craigslist ad listing a bike for sale, please only leave a message if you're willing to pay the asking price, which is $XX." Then I would screen my calls until the bike sold.
posted by ottereroticist at 5:07 PM on September 19, 2008

Craigslist isn't necessarily going to be all hagglers. I sold my bike on craiglist about 4 years ago in the DC area. It was a super quick and easy experience. I just mentioned in my ad that I wanted $350, and that "If I can't find a buyer for that amount, I'm going to go ahead and keep it instead of selling it."
posted by bluejayk at 5:40 PM on September 19, 2008

Put it on Craigslist, don't put a phone number, don't reply to email that lowballs.

That said, if you've got room to store it for the next few months you'll get more for it in spring.
posted by mendel at 5:51 PM on September 19, 2008

You can put things on Craigslist without your phone number.
posted by longsleeves at 5:51 PM on September 19, 2008

(Don't reply to highball offers either, they tend to originate in Nigeria.)
posted by longsleeves at 5:55 PM on September 19, 2008

Here's the craig's list ad.

"I have a bike for sale (description), I will accept $xxx for it. I will be at x location (public park) at x time . I will sell it to the first person with $xxx."

Spend x (your choice) amount of time at the location, if nobody shows up, you've priced it too high, try again...
posted by HuronBob at 6:06 PM on September 19, 2008

I have sold many bikes on Craig's.
I always list the frame size in inches and centimeters.
I put the stand over height and an approximate size. (This bike fits kids about 5' 6" to 5' 11" depending on your inseam) I say it is a big/small frame.
In the end they have to come and try it out anyhow.

I don't put a phone number, then you can email them back because they always have questions. Just price it 20 or thirty dollars above your lowest price and you should have no problem, especially if it is like new.
posted by lee at 6:45 PM on September 19, 2008

On CL I always put "500 FIRM. Serious buyers only." That usually stops Mr. Bargain Hunter.
posted by damn dirty ape at 6:57 PM on September 19, 2008

Put it on craigslist with no phone number, just email. Just don't reply to the lowball offers. Then if you discover that your asking price is too high, you already have offers to choose from.
posted by winston at 4:38 AM on September 20, 2008

I'd also like to target an audience who understands proper bicycle sizing, so that I don't get test-ride requests from people who turn out to be 5' 4".

Just put in your ad: "I'm 6'1" and this bike is too big for me."
posted by winston at 4:39 AM on September 20, 2008

Why not start by posting an ad for a trade? Describe your bike and say you want to trade for a bike of similar value but a smaller frame size. If you don't get any nibbles, then I'd go with listing the price as firm and not including a phone number.
posted by bassjump at 5:47 AM on September 20, 2008

People who lead with a low-ball offer assume that you don't know what the bike is worth or that you're in a hurry to unload it. Set an attractive price, and make it clear in your ad that you know it's worth more than you're asking so the price is firm. That should cut down on the number of "I'll give you 50 bucks cash right now" replies. You can't really stop people from trying to talk you down by 10-15%, but they'll be expecting you to stand firm anyway.
posted by wryly at 9:53 AM on September 20, 2008

It didn't have a high retail price, and I'm not necessarily looking for top dollar, but I'd rather not put it on craigslist and deal with a long stream of phone calls from people who just want any bike, and don't want to pay more than $50. Given the sizing, I'd also like to target an audience who understands proper bicycle sizing, so that I don't get test-ride requests from people who turn out to be 5' 4".

Don't list your phone number in the add, and you won't get phone calls. List the recommended height range and you should be able to deal with that problem as well..

While a used bike retailer of some sort will be very low hassle, they will have to double (at least) the price they give you. If you are okay with that, go for it.

Also, I guess you're saying you have the extra large, with stand over height of 32.8 -- damn, if you were anywhere near Toronto, I'd totally offer you a dealer's price for that thing! :P
posted by Chuckles at 7:56 PM on September 22, 2008

That is to say.. They will have to sell it for double (at least) the price they give you.
posted by Chuckles at 7:57 PM on September 22, 2008