K2 carbon ebay help

[MisterMoo]

Just bought a bike on ebay and was wondering if I am paying too much for it at £281. The guy genuinely seems not to know much about the bike and am going to have a look at it this weekend. These pictures are the only thing I have to go on at the minute:






What do you think?

[MisterMoo]

What do you think?

[Matno]

You paid WAY too much. You should cut your losses and sell it to me for half that much right away. It looks just my size...

Actually, that sounds like a great price. That frame is awesome, and if it's in good shape it should last you a good long time. The components and suspension may not be top of the line, but they look functional (although I'd wager those pics werent the first time the bike's been wet, based on some minor rust). And anything that doesn't work can be replaced. (You already know where to find the best deals - eBay).

The wheels look nice, but I have no idea what kind they are. Get that baby tuned up and RIDE!  

[Simon]

What do you think?

Over here absolute bargin
well done.

Simon.

[MisterMoo]

Anything I should look out for when I go to view it? Please bear in mind I don't know much about technical side of bikes and have been out of riding for a few years

[Ionit]

He has allot of items on there that are not original but I can take a good guess that it was a 98 4500 proflex.
The original parts include brakes, fork and shocks, xt derailleur, probably the same up front, the seat post, and housing.
All of the other gear he swapped and as it looks he made a significant downgrade. Lucky for it because you often see this sort of downgrading with people that want the bear essential and is not consistent with someone who is hard on components. Ask him if he has ever swapped the hanger. Chances are if he does not understand the question this bike has only been ridden to the cornerstore and back. also ask him why the wheels where changed if his answer is purely aesthetic you hit the jack pot. This guy never made it past the curb on his driveway.
The fist thing you want to check is the frame for any cracks but you should be ok as these frames are very tough. And second make a quick check of the mechanics. The cables should slide easily, The shocks should compress and rebound well. The wheels should also be rattled to see if there is any slope at the hub.

He made an odd headset selection as far as matching components. The original headset was very strong and I don't see him changing it unless he ruined it. Infact he upgraded this time to a RaceFace. If you choose any question ask him about this one. this swap could indicate he was in a head on collision where the oem headset got damaged.

[will]

Unbelievable... yeah that's a decent price.
But what kind of hooligan leaves a "collector's item" bike like this out in the rain?
Methinks Matt was a little too kind on the rust. The chain and front shock look positively corroded.
I know it's a tough frame, but that baby has seen some long term UV as well. Make sure it's not delaminating. (Look very carefully.)
He should pay you to buy and preserve it. They just don't make 'em like that anymore. [smiley=beer.gif]

[jeffhop]

thats a very good price, the bike looks in pretty good nick apart from the chain and possibly the front shock but if it all works what the hell just go out and enjoy one of the  the best bikes ever created (imho). must admit im a bit beffled about wills comment about the uv, if he is reffering to the fact the frame looks `whiteish` its cos it was photographed using flash mine looks exactly the same under the same conditions.  

[shovelon]

Well if I was going to look at it, I would check for any looseness. Like in the swingarm pivot, seatpost insert and headtube area.

All of these conditions can be repaired though. Also flip the bike upside-down. Check for cracks in the downtube and around the BB and swingarm pivot.

Ride it and listen for creaks. You may have to do some climbing though, as my carbon frame creaks like an old house sometime when climbing and not otherwise.

The price is good, definately go for it.

Terry

[Colin]

I saw this for sale on eBay and considered it, but turned it down because of the lack of photos and the limited knowledge of the seller, maybe it's nicked.........?
But maybe you got a great bargain, £500 over here wouldn't be too bad..........?(IMHO)
Bottom line is..............you bid on it and won it, contract made!
I know he wants cash in hand for it, so I suppose you can back out...........
But........I'd have bought it for that price (apart from the fact I've already got too many Pro~Flex's!!!)

Good Luck!
Col.

[shovelon]

of the seller, maybe it's nicked.........?

But........I'd have bought it for that price (apart from the fact I've already got too many Pro~Flex's!!!)

Good Luck!
Col.

Nicked? As in swiped?

Too many Proflexes? Nah.

[MisterMoo]

Well it'll be my first proflex so should be interesting, but hope I don't get addicted like you lot! Do K2 bikes have serial numbers that I can perhaps check with them to see if it is stolen? TBH I don't think it is stolen but best to make sure.

Busy composing a list of questions to ask and what to check. Will put it up here when finished!

[MisterMoo]

Picked up the bike today. Overall in excellent cosmetical condition. No cracks that I can see on the bike and there isn't really any rust (the pics made it look rusted for some reason). However, it does kind of creek when I stand up and pedal. Do most of the carbon frames do this? Seems to do this most when the rear shock is compressed.

Will post some pics up in a new thread and ask about upgrades I can do to it tomorrow

[shovelon]

Hi Moo,

Yep, the carbons have a tendency to creak. Take a look at OP's decreaking techniques in the How Tos. I t is located on the menu bar to the left of the screen.

I did find one abstact area which was me crankring bolts and splines on my Shimano Hollowtech XT crankset.

Our Carbon frames amplifiy any noise. Just tap on the side and you can hear the clack.

Terry