Previous discussions about replicas etc. got me to thinking about what's involved and expected as appropriate disclosure when buying and selling vintage bikes. I operate under the idea that as a buyer, it's my responsiblity to check, inspect, ask appropriate questions, etc. about a bike before I buy it. If I miss something, mismatched parts, dings, etc. it seems that I can't blame the seller. If I ask a specific question I expect an honest answer. I'm pretty clear about what it takes from a buyer's perspective. The seller's position is not as clear to me. Throwing this question around some old timers at my LBS this was the final wrap up. Let's say I know a frame is slightly bent. As a seller what is my reponsibility to a buyer? The conclusion was that if it's a $500 bike you tell the seller. If it's a $5 bike you don't. I get the point here, but it's still not very clear. E-bay compounds the problem because you really can't see what you're buying and have to trust, at times blindly, the seller. So what do you think. Is it buyer beware? If there is a structural problem to you offer that info...on e-bay and at live sales like swaps? Do you tell the buyer if the parts aren't original whether you're asked or not? I'm curious. I've sold stuff in person and felt comfortable about it, but have avoided e-bay because I haven't felt like I could verbally describe a bike in the same way a potential buyer could inspect it. Especially if it is high dollar. Any horror stories either way on this subject?
Art Smith Thinking about a fixed gear/track bike and open to any opinions off line Phoenix