What's the chances of it being stolen???

[beanbag]

I've been doing a lot of hunting around for "urban" bikes. Ie, no suspension, v-brakes for riding around the city and my commute to work.

Just this morning I stumbled across a Marin Muirwoods for just £100.
http://www.marin.co.uk/marin-2008/bikedetail.php?M...

It looks ideal! Rigid forks, v-brakes and a reasonable quality component set as well as a good frame and slick road tyres!

Now this is all great, but it's selling like I said for £100, and the retail of the new bike is £399. Is it me, or is this a little too cheap???

The chap mentioned he got it as a gift and it's not wanted, but ready to pick up from London today if I wanted. Of course my bro-in-law would have to go get it as I live abroad and he'd send it over, but I'm not 100% keen on buying dodgy goods.

I had my bike stolen and I know how it feels so by buying it, I don't feel so great.....if of course it's nicked.

What do you all reckon....???

[Chris71]

Havign ahd a bike nicked too I totally agree with your worries about buying a dodgy bike.

But there again, if you look at eBay you regularly see bikes 'ridden once' or 'unwanted gift' going for silly low prices, they can't all be nicked! I'd take a look at the bike (both for conidition and signs of locks being wrenched off or anything!) and ask a few probing questions. Then as long as it seems legit buy it.....

[Rico]

It's damn hard to tell on a bike like that. If there was an Intense M3 for £500, then it would be very dodgy, but £400-£100 isn't bad.

I'd look it over. See if the serial numbers have been filed down, signs of damage etc.

[istoo]

hard call, i have had in the years 3 bikes stolen.. which is fustrating enough.

but i have picked up somed utter bargain sfrom bike forums with folk "not liking the characteristics" or to tame for them... dont mind them as i have some semblance as to who i buy from. other than checking serial numbers you have no real way of telling.