Around what price should this road bike go for?

Question

I am going to buy a bike soon and this one looks like it fits my needs. However, I am under a strict budget, and if I cannot find one for my budget I will build it from the ground up. How much should I expect this auction to go up to?

My budget is around 200-400$ by the way.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120272026617&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002

Answer 1

The front derailleur is positioned way too high on the seat tube and the rear derailleur doesn't appear to be hooked up to a derailleur cable. if you look closely at the pictures you'll see that there are no derailleur cables going into the downtube shifter bosses. That means as soon as you get it you will have to put cables on it or take it to a shop to have it done. The gears aren't going to shift as is. they will need work.

I think I'd pass on it. Who knows what else is wrong?

Take your money and go to a bike shop. You should be able to get a new hybrid bike, better than your eBay special, for around $400. Plus everything will work and you'll get a warranty.

My point is that you're going to have to spend money to fix the eBay bike and, in the end, you'll still have a used bike.

Building one up yourself will likely cost more than buying new.