Sodding Ebay

[neil_cardiff]

Grr, it's just cost me another £200 quid this weekend.

I've been building my trick GT hardtail, with nice bits, and so far its nearly there (don't as how much so far as its more than I can afford) - it's for the missus - and that thats my excuse that I'm sticking to.

However, "hmm" I was thinking, the Trek Y needs the front brake sorting, and I can't be arsed to toe in the damned thing.

"I quite fancy a disc on the front";

Arse. £150 later, I've won (admittedly damn cheaply) a front Hayes Nine disc brake, and new set of Mavic Crossrides.

Poo. I hate Ebay.

Can't wait for the bits though.

Anyone else had any trick bits off Ebay?

[skinnyboy]

not bike related but i 'm always scouting for rare, hard to find JDM parts for my Honda. Currently watching a spiffing bit of JDMness I haven't seen other than in Japanese catalogues for the Prelude. I recently bought a Fidanza racing clutch and lightweight flywheel, about 1200 dollars to buy here in OZ, eBay? 400 bucks delivered from the US! I love eBay...

[vrooom]

I bought Mongoose Ritual frame in black for £60. really good frame no cracks.

[pombstard]

Local bike shop reckon they see 5 people a week come through the door with a few carrier bags of bike bits - Ebay purchases all.

[neil_cardiff]

pombstard said:

Local bike shop reckon they see 5 people a week come through the door with a few carrier bags of bike bits - Ebay purchases all.

Its part of the reason why servicing costs have risen recently - the shops are seeing a small downturn in parts sales, and an upturn in people bringing bits in to fit.

My sole reason for buying all the bits off ebay is because its easier and cheaper in many cases (2nd hand hardly used parts) - plus the fact I've been sellnig loads of computery stuff on Ebay so have lots of Paypal credits.

However I am acutely aware of the need to support my local shop, and wander off down there to get things like tubes, cables and the whatnots - all things they make rather a handsome markup on thus making them the profit they need.

Having worked in a bike shop for an eternity years ago, I'm only too aware of the difficulties that shops face!

Ebay is great for those things like 2nd hand parts - predominantly the reason I've managed to build two bling but cheap bikes.

[pooh]

I baught a Whyte JW-4 frame and most of the bits to build it up, including Avid Juicy 5 brakes and SRAM gears from E-Bay and saved a fair bit of money in the process. There were a few thing I could not get on E-Bay and I got them from Chain reaction who are cheap and very good.

[pombstard]

I agree that for cheap, barely-used parts, Ebay can be good. but I think I'd stop at buying a 'complete' bike, just cos if I can't collect it, chances are it'll turn up in bits.

As for Chain Reaction - I get a lot of stuff set over to Oz from them. Even including postage, prices are usually about half local shop price. Highly recommend them - great service too.