Too good to be true ?

[latusaki]

I am looking to buy a commuting bike that I will be leaving in bike rails often(and possibly rain), therefor dont want to spend more than £150. Internal hub and 1 chainring are also ideal for commuting (I think). Im mainly looking at used bikes (good frame for low cost), but came across this 'amazing' offer:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sturmey-A...422450?hash=item2809d196f2:g:YqIAAOSwHmhV8Fez

Looking up the hub, does indeed bring prices higher than the bike.
Although, having ridden average or above bikes, I am not sure what I can expect from a bike like this.

Do you guys think this is a good offer? Or will I be spending double that on repairs/replacements...
Have you had experiences with bikes on this range?

 

[Drago]

I think I'd rather walk!

In your position I'd find an old knacker for 50 quid and return it to A1 mechanical condition but leave the scruffy cosmetics as they were.

 

[ANT 666]

For 100 quid if it falls to bits after a year you still have the hub!
Pretty heavy though.

 

[steve50]

you could get a lot newer and lighter for £100 but the choice is yours, if it suits you and your commute go for it.

 

[RichardB]

So they are selling a hub, and the bike is free, and they can't guarantee that the bike isn't damaged in transit as you aren't buying a bike but a component. I think I see where this is heading. Nonetheless, I quite like the style of the thing, and for a short commute it should be ok. Much better for your stamina than a highly-efficient road bike . I'd make 'em a silly offer and see what happens.

 

[latusaki]

@RichardB it also worries me how they say the bike is 'free' and a 'bonus' ... Guess I'll keep it on watch list for now. Wish there were reviews, amazon style

 

[ufkacbln]

Brand: TESCO Heritage

 

[RichardB]

@RichardB it also worries me how they say the bike is 'free' and a 'bonus' ... Guess I'll keep it on watch list for now. Wish there were reviews, amazon style

Yes. If there is anything, anything at all, wrong with the bike, they will say it was a free gift and you can't complain. Legally, that's a bit dodgy, but it would make any serious complaint a messy business. To me, this means that they are expecting complaints, and are possibly knowingly supplying damaged goods. I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole, but if you could get the bike for trivial money it might be fun to play with.

 

[midliferider]

If it is too good to be true...

 

[Pale Rider]

Yet another barely literate ebay advertiser.

However, the offer may be worth a go.

Looks like they may be returned bikes or ones that have been kicking around for a while, so may need more fettling than most new bikes.

The bikes are cheap, but a basic Dutch bike can be had for around £250 if you look around, so this offer is not so cheap as to arouse suspicion.