Best way to sell a bike?

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi all,
Just looking for sensible advice.
I advertised my Dawes Karakum on here a couple of weeks back and reduced the price about a week ago but no takers. No problem with that but I need to sell it. Perhaps I'd be better with a wider audience. Really could do with the space before my new touring bike arrives in a week or two. We already have five bikes between us in the garage (plus the motorbike).
So my question is, what's the most efficient way you folks have found for selling bikes? Really don't want it to be costing too much.
By the way, here's my post on here advertising the bike, so you can see what I'm on about:
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/dawes-karakum-tourer-reduced.166486/
I'd also take on board any sensible comments re the asking price.
Anyone help?
Cheers
Geoff

 

[Globalti]

A bike like that has a very limited market but it will go on Ebay because Ebay reaches so many buyers. However I would suggest that in your ad you make it clear that the bike would make a great commuter if the racks etc. were removed.

In fact I'd be tempted to remove all that stuff and fit the original bars then sell it. You may love butterfly bars but not many others do. It's a bit like selling a house - you need to make it as neutral as possible so that buyers can imagine themselves owning it.

 

[Geoff Crowther]

A bike like that has a very limited market but it will go on Ebay because Ebay reaches so many buyers. However I would suggest that in your ad you make it clear that the bike would make a great commuter if the racks etc. were removed.

In fact I'd be tempted to remove all that stuff and fit the original bars then sell it. You may love butterfly bars but not many others do. It's a bit like selling a house - you need to make it as neutral as possible so that buyers can imagine themselves owning it.

Thanks for the advice Globalti.
Those bars ARE the originals though, but I do have a flat bar kicking about somewhere, from OH's hybrid.
Never used Ebay for selling but I'll take a look.
Cheers,
Geoff

 

[upandover]

Hi Geoff,

I can't comment on the price, but my last two bikes I sold on Gumtree to people who lived fairly near. They get to come and see the bike,and I got a good price each time. Even though my last one was fairly niche, it sold fairly quickly, to somone who just wanted a nice light bike.

Edit: I did swap the very narrow handlebars on my last one for a more normal width pair through....

S

 

[Globalti]

I've sold four or five bikes easily on Ebay. The biggest pain is packing the bike and getting it collected. I recommend Paisley Freight, see their website.

 

[MarkF]

Agree with Globalti, it's a bike for a limited market but within that market there are buyers who will fight over that bike, Ebay will see it produce the best price. It's like XL bikes, pre-Ebay they were hard to sell, nowadays they fetch good money.

I'd like a Karakum but it's too small for me.

 

[NorvernRob]

The Facebook page 'cycling buy, swap and sell' is worth a go. There are 13,000+ members and I've sold everything I've advertised on there really quickly.

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Thank you to all for your advice.
I've now managed to register on both the CTC forum and Gumtree and advertised on both those.
Certainly didn't know Gumtree was free, nor would I have thought a non-member could post on the CTC forum.
Thanks again.
Fingers crossed.
Cheers
Geoff

 

[Banjo]

Sorry geoff I meant to reply to this thread but accidently replied on your for sale ad.

Good luck with the sale it looks like a bargain to me .

 

[biggs682]

@Geoff Crowther gumtree gets another vote from me as well

its a nice bike and a fair price in my mind

but sales have slowed in the last few weeks hence my garage is almost bursting at the seems

 

[User32269]

Hi Geoff
I used to sell my bikes on Gumtree but found that
1. Potential buyers would promise on their kids lives they would appear with the cash if you saved bike for them; either wouldn't appear after telling 78 people it was sold, or would inevitably pitch up £20 light.
2. Got sick of calls at 2am!
Now always use eBay. I only sell "vintage" bikes...old steel racers. It is suprising how the bidding ramps up and usually get more than I would have asked. I state buyer collects, but this is a bit limiting as type of bike I sell go for more £ in London. So will ALWAYS agree to buyer arranging courier. Packaging easy, go to local Halfords, Evans etc and they will happily give you a bike box.
Great bike by the way.

 

[steveindenmark]

I wouldnt take any of the equipment off it. I commute my 25 miles on a Koga World Traveller, which is similar to your Dawes and it is great. The next owner might want butterfly bars. I know I would.