The number doesn't work and they've taken the email off of the advert.
Being that I am not small and can handle myself well, I would
relish the chance to meet and view the bike. But these people don't return calls or emails.
From reading the experience of others on stolen bike forums, people who have followed up on Gumtree ads, even if the they sight their bikes and call the police it can be very difficult to get the bike back. (one guy did
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=37562 and kudos to him for lifting our spirits on this depressing forum)
There are only two authorised Kuota bike sellers in London. I bought my bike from one and went to the other over the weekend (who were disappointing in their attitude when I tried to register my frame serial number with them). I thought that if someone is stupid enough to take the bike in for a service, I could get the IBS to notify the police. The shop I purchased it from are hot on this I am glad to report.
I think the best way is to make sure one's bike is insured, period. With photographs of the bike with the final kit and the frame serial number you will know you have the basics in place to ride it. I also have personal indemnity in case of some idiot in a motor vehicle or a novice rider not respecting my space or the rules and etiquette of the road.
I also have a philosophy that it is just a material item which can be replaced. My lady and I look to the future and getting our shiny new bikes by this bank holiday weekend so we can ride off into the sun. Ahh.