Worst of NYC Craigslist Bike Ads, #2

This ad didn't annoy me that much the first time I saw it, but it's been posted regularly for like three months now, and it's finally burst through the fragile miniscus of my patience. The bike is fine for a beater or rain bike, and the price, though at least $150 too high, doesn't reach the ludicrous heights of some other Craigslist NYC ads. But the more I see it the more it irks me.

JAMIS Comet Road Bike...sweet deal for the summer!!! Lower Price - $550 (original URL: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/354949227.html)

OK, let's start with the photo. This guy has been posting this ad for months with the same shitty picture. Uh, the bike's not moving--maybe a shot in which the bike is actually discernible might help. And what's with him holding it up in the air? Is that to show how light it is? OK, you've proved your point, the bike is obviously under 60 pounds. But perhaps most annoying--is this guy taking a picture in the mirror, or is the drivetrain on the left side of the bike? If you don't have a friend, family member, or significant other to take the picture for you, just flag down a passer-by like the Japanese tourists do. Or lean it against a goddamn wall and take a picture that way!
Date: 2007-06-18, 5:02PM EDT

If your looking to get into road riding the price of entry tends to be steep. The cheaper bikes come with lame and heavy components and the jump over $1000 happens quickly.

Thank you for the insight into the bicycle retail industry. Yes, the jump over $1,000 does happen quickly. It comes right after $999.

Benefit from my job at a bike shop...this bike is custom.

In this case "custom" is another way of saying "shop rat cobbled together a beater with some stuff that followed me home from the shop."

Money was spent where it matters and everything is in great shape.

Great shape--yes, this is quite clear from the photos.

Jamis Comet...53 cm, aluminum aero frame, steel surly fork, ultegra front derailer, itm stem, dura ace crankset, rx100 brakes and rear derailer, SPD pedals included! new tiagra 9-speed shifters, new chain and cassette. ...only needs new tires and bar tape.

Surly front fork? Tiagra levers? RX100 derailleur? Yep, no "lame and heavy components" here.

Compare this to a new bike at the shop and something of the same quality would run easily over a grand.

I don't know, I just checked the Jamis Race on their site, which at $1,000 comes pretty well-specced. More than $550, sure, but not over $1,000 and brand new with a warranty. And you don't need to undo all the "custom" mistakes.

Im moving SOON and need to downsize...I have too many bikes! make an offer...

Uh, you can't have too many bikes. Not possible. Upgrade your ad. You should be able to get $375 for that.