Cycling
A wide range of bicycles and accessories are sold online, from custom-made Italian
racing bikes to vintage Schwinn cruisers. Prices vary widely, depending on the model.
Some bicycles can be difficult to ship and buyers are often unwilling to pay freight
costs unless the bicycle is very valuable. So, if you have a less valuable bike
to sell, consider an online local classifieds site such as craigslist. It might
be a better sales channel for more generic or mainstream sporting goods merchandise.
What Sells
Top-selling brands include:
SPORTING CYCLING now selling on eBay
Research Resources
Visit the websites of each of the bicycle manufacturers listed above for full product
specifications for each of their latest models.
Bikesite.com offers a Bicycle “Value and Condition Assessment How To” for used bikes.
Visit the website at
http://www.bikewebsite.com/value.html.
Condition
Look for these signs of wear and tear:
- Scratches and scuffs
- Bent forks, frame or wheels
- Dented rims
- Flat tires
- Torn saddle
- Rust on the chain or gears
- Brake pads rubbing against wheels
Ask the owner how often the bike was cleaned, lubed and tuned up, when the chain
was last replaced, and if the bike was ever crashed and repaired.
Key Details
Include these details in your listing:
- Brand
- Model name/number
- Size
- Frame material (titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, chrome-moly, etc.)
- Brand names of parts (Campagnolo, Rock Shox, Shimano, etc.)
- Speeds
- Age (if known)
- Accessories (toe clips, tools, lights, etc.)
- Color
- Measurements (length of tube that connects the seat to the bottom bracket, diameter
of wheels, etc.)
Bicycles can be complicated to describe. Visit the website http://www.whycycle.co.uk/tech.htm for a good overview of
parts and terminology.
Storage and Shipping
Bicycles should be stored away from daily traffic, extreme temperatures, water,
pets and children, preferably in a garage or shed, or in a crate specially designed
for the bicycle. If the bicycle is not crated you can store it on the floor standing
upright or hanging from a wall or from the ceiling.
Bicycles should be shipped in specially designed crates, which you can purchase
from a bike store or from the website
http://www.crateworks.com/. Most bike shops will pack your bike for you
for a cost of $50-$100.
