How to tell if a bike is stolen?

[AyBee]

I've just seen a bike on ebay which I've very keen on but don't want to buy if it's stolen. The bikes are very rare and stand out so probably a target for being stolen. I've asked for the original purchase receipt and a photo of the frame number - what else can I do and what's the best way of checking the frame number once I've got it?

Thanks,
AyBee

[Dazza1968]

have a look at what other stuff the seller has sold/offered on ebay... get a feel for what they are like using this info. If they have been selling car stereos, golf clubs, lawnmowers etc, prob safe to assume it "might" be dodgy. reason for sale? if they are giving up cycling, they should have locks, lights, pump etc... also might be worth asking some questions about servicing, see if they know all about the bike etc etc or where they took it to get serviced/maintained if not by themselves... nowt much else you can do i guess?

[anonymous-user]

Pop up a link and well have a look... Do a search for the "bike model" and "stolen" to see if it comes up with anything. If its genuine there should be a good reason for sale, question any upgrades and ask where they used it etc. you can just walk away if you so win but get a dodgy feeling if you're the winner and you turn up to collect.

[AyBee]

Have sent you the link Pablo - didn't want to post it up for obvious reasons. His ebay history doesn't really scream "stolen" and he's got posting history on bikeradar and MTBE too. Original receipt can't be provided but the original bars and stem can so doesn't sound like it's been stolen and passed on quickly. If I got the frame number, what could I do with it?

[Dazza1968]

AyBee said:

Have sent you the link Pablo - didn't want to post it up for obvious reasons. His ebay history doesn't really scream "stolen" and he's got posting history on bikeradar and MTBE too. Original receipt can't be provided but the original bars and stem can so doesn't sound like it's been stolen and passed on quickly. If I got the frame number, what could I do with it?

treat it like a car sale mate... if you win it, i'll assume you'd collect from him? so you'll have an address, get a receipt with said frame no on it, and check his id (driving licence etc) to make sure he lives there... any honest individual, will do all he/she can for you. that's reasonable precautions without going overboard!

[AyBee]

Not sure whether I'd collect or get it posted - have done a username search on his forum posting ID and he pops up numerous times on many bike forums so sounds like he's a genuine bike nut

[Dazza1968]

Nice one... whereabouts is it (roughly) someone on here might be able to pop over and have a look for ya ! ?
depends on the value, i guess, but i know PH'ers that do it for cars ??

Hopefully all good for ya... good luck with the bidding