I agree with Dirk that web-based translation services aren't too useful when trying to converse with foreigners. Basically, they replace each word with the foreign equivalent, from a dictionary, regardless of grammar and other things that make languages unique. Just consider that "bottom bracket" is "Innenlager" in German, which means "interior bearing." The French call it "jeu de pedalier," which your web-based translator probably would translate as "Game of pedaling," but of course, it means "pedaling bearing" or some such. You see the limitations simply on the level of vocabulary. Grammatic differences are even more complex. Try translating a foreign text into English, and you'll see.
A deal based on those tools mostly likely will leave both sides disappointed.
The web-based services are VERY useful when dealing with a foreign text where you just want to be able to understand 20-50% of what is going on, without going into details.
In many cases, people around the world have some English background, so you often get a decent response writing in simple English. This doesn't mean incorrect grammar (which would insult the recipient), but limiting your sentences to 10 words or so, and avoiding words like "surreptitious." Don't use figurative speech like "piece of cake" and "to hell in a handbasket."
True translations require a lot of time and skill to convey the meaning and feel of the original, but in the cultural and language context of the other language. Thus the cost is beyond what most hobby collectors can pay.
Disclaimer: I earn a living as a technical writer and translator. No, Vintage Bicycle Quarterly isn't paying the rent! And no, I am not afraid my job will be lost to automated translations within my lifetime.
--
Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.mindspring.com/
>My friend and I have been seeking to buy some bikes from Germany, and have
>struck up conversations with potential sellers using this web link as an
>interpreter...
>
>http://www.google.com/language_tools
>
>Dave Whitney
>Portland, Maine