eBay: Club Tour (caution, due diligence advised)

[Danneaux]

Not mine. Photos don't match description, so be alert, caution advised!

The description of the handlebars and brakes are so at variance with the photo...it just doesn't seem possible the seller could be so clueless: The description reads "Bars and stem are The XL, bar end shifters are Shimano, Aero brake levers are Shimano 105, Bar tape", but the photos show straight 'bars and bar-ends. There are other anomalies in the description, such as "...my Thorn race club touring bike" that do not make sense to a knowing reader.

The seller has a history of only two transactions, both purchases, not sales.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THORN-TOURING-BICYCLE-REYNOLDS-XL-/300701484685?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item460334868d

There have been some sketchy Thorn offerings on eBay.co.uk recently. I am posting this listing as a reminder to use due diligence and so it will see the light of day among Thorn cognoscenti in the event it does not belong to the seller.

Best,

Dan.

[jags]

well spotted there Dan can't be to careful

[macspud]

It does seem suspicious as the photos and description do not match. Having said that it does say that cash on collection is preferred.
I think it would be wise to ask many questions to clarify and only pay cash on collection.

[jags]

and maybe take a cop along

[macspud]

What's the correct procedure for making a citizen's arrest?
 

[macspud]

Just noticed that the listing has been pulled now.

[Danneaux]

Just noticed that the listing has been pulled now.

Noticed that too. Yay.

Best,

Dan.

[bertie1]

Dear all, sadly this is (was) my bike stolen in Cheltenham last Monday night (24th April).  Police have been brilliant and can`t go in to detail, but auction was won to get it back but the seller was spooked by something and the bike (and another) were withdrawn from ebay.  If anyone sees anything elsewhere I would much appreciate knowing but I fear it it now in pieces or dumped somewhere....

[jags]

can ebay not give the email address to cops in this case,
sounds like the senseable thing to do

[bertie1]

Police have been in on warrant but bike is gone so really asking for help in keeping eyes open for the bike appearing. Many thanks.

[Danneaux]

What a horrible thing, Bertie; I am so very sorry you've lost your dear bike, and hope it will return soonest to you. Now I know, I'll keep my eyes open. Though I'm on the wrong side of the pond, the Internet knows no bounds, so I'll be looking for any sign of it and will PM you immediately I hear something.

Very best wishes and sincere condolences -- Man! Wish I could find the guy myself...

Best,

Dan.

[bertie1]

Delighted to report the bike has been recovered intact as a result of another posting on CTC, a vigilant potential buyer who saw an ad on Gumtree, someone who noticed the advert pictures were taken from somewhere else- good point to check- and the help of Gloucestershire Police. Thanks to everyone who has commented.

[jags]

excellent result now go and buy a very very very strong lock
fantastic you got it backwell pleased for you.

[Danneaux]

Bertie!

What wonderful news to hear your bike is recovered and intact -- couldn't be better!

Good on everyone involved in the recovery. Thanks so much for telling us "the rest of the story" and letting us know it all turned out fine.

Man! What a wonderful outcome!

All the best,

Dan.