Do not be too quick to write off flea-bay. I have brought some good stuff; but, look at what else the person is selling. You will know from this if they are bikey people or selling stolen goods. Secondly look for a bike that has a recognised group set (the parts) Campag. Shimano, SRAM. I look for bikes that appear to have been built by the owner (with a mix of components from different groupsets) and avoid bikes that can be bought as a unit from places like Halfords. Nothing against Halfords but I think they attract a "buy it, wreck it, sell it (on Ebay) sort of person. Trying to buy a specialist bike second hand should be safer, as I suspect you are more likely to be buying from someone who knows what they are doing and are upgrading; I think this is the best scenario. Ask a few questions; people (like me) get attached to their bikes and want to see them going to a good home! One big one... bikes used on turbo/static trainers a lot can be rusty, seized, knackered (sweat and salt). But I would say that now is a good time to buy a bike, not many around and who buys a bike this time of year? But come early spring it becomes a sellers market.
