Buyer Beware!

Everyone likes to get good stuff cheap--I sometimes even enjoy getting good stuff for free--but when shopping for MTB parts, trying to get too good a deal might instead get you taken or at least not as good a deal as you think you might be getting. Ebay is a notorious place for such things:

A couple months ago I sold my old Superlight on ebay, described as follows:

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This is a 2006 Santa Cruz Superlight frame (size XL) with a FOX Float RC shock. Though it shows cosmetic signs of use, both the suspension pivot and shock have been fully rebuilt and work excellently. The canti bosses on the rear triangle have been removed, making the bike disc-only. Removing the bosses has no structural effect on the frame. The frame has some cosmetic marks consistent with a few seasons on the trails. See last photo for detail.

This has been an incredibly efficient pedaling, smooth and utterly reliable frame. So good, in fact, that I recently bought the newest version (this one has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the new one and was a bit too small for me)

Having owned both v1 (2001) and v2 (2006) Superlights, I've accumulated a number of useful bits for the frame that are included in this auction:

- Salsa Flip-Lock seat clamp (possibly the most secure clamp ever made)
- An array of extra suspension pivot parts and hardware( see pic), in varying states of newness
- 2 pairs of replacement pivot bearings
- Cane Creek S5 Headset with newly replaced bearings (has small cosmetic nick on cup that can't be seen when headset is assembled)
- Extra headset bearing
- 1 cable stop hose-guide adapter.
- A one-of-a-kind, handmade, solid-brass driver for removing the suspension pivot

I made the driver mentioned above to more easily service the pivot bearings and safely remove the pivot for airline travel. With the fork and linkage removed, a bike with this frame can fit in a standard size airline case such as: http://www.plattcases.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=322211AH&Show=TechSpecs
With the right build the bike in the case will also be under 50lbs, which means no airline fees for bike vacations. Instructions for using the driver will be provided.

Buyers willing to pick up in Boston Area need not pay shipping.

Geometry:
Top Tube (horizontal): 24"
Head Tube: 5.7"
Head Angle: 71.5 deg
Seat Tube (center-top): 21.5"
Seat Angle: 73 deg
Wheelbase: 42.8"
Chainstay: 16.7"
BB Height: 12.3"
Standover: 29.2"
headset: 1 1/8"
Seatpost: 27.2mm

Based on a fork with 461mm axle-crown length

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For full disclosure, detailed photos of the numerous marks the bike had acquired after having the crap kicked out of it for three seasons were included. Note the detailed listing both of the geometry of the bike AND what's actually included in the auction.

The bike sold for a pretty fair price, shipped, positive feedback was garnered, blah blah blah...

Not two months later, it's back on ebay from a 3rd party (in same state as the buyer) with this description:

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I have a Santa Cruz SuperLight in black. XL frame.

If you are looking at this ad, you are quite certainly aware of this bike's reputation as one of the best true XC full-suspension bikes out there. The design is relatively simple w- their Single pivot design and elevated chainstays. This has not changed over the years, nor has Santa Cruz's reputation as a manufacturer of world-class high-performance bikes.

This auction includes:

XL Santa Cruz Superlight frame

Cane Creek S-5 sealed cartridge bearing headset

Fox rear shock

Salsa QR post binder (black)

extra set of pivot bushings and such

a tool specifically made for 01-06 SC Superlight frames to make changing these bushings easy.

There are no dents/ dings/ cracks in this frame. The pivots and bushings appear to have no play or slop....everything is tight. The Fox Float RC shock has no scratches on the stanchions and the seal shows no evidence of leaking. It is ready to ride. This bike is disc only. 2 owners ago, the guy must have not liken the v-brake posts aesthetically-speaking, as they were removed and brazed (filled) in. I do not think this would save much weight (but I could be wrong), so i am assumin he did it for a cleaner look. The owner before me had it for 2 years and built it up but did not ride it much, and never off-road. I am guessing this bike to be around an 04, but not for certain.

Please ask any and all Q's prior to bidding. If you would like additional photos, just ask, but please be specific in your requests for what you want captured in photo. Item is sold as-is, but check my feedback and bid with confidence. I will ship internationally, but please ask before you bid as some countries will not accept large packages and I can give you an estimate as i will shipt it via USPS. The stated shipping price of $30 is only for shipping via Fed Ex Ground to the lower 48. Expedited shipping can be had, but buyer will pay the extra charge(s). While shipping insurance is optional, I strongly suggest that you use purchase it. I will not be held liable for any damages occuring to the product after it has left my hands. I have shipped well over 50 frames and bikes and this bike will be well-packaged and secured. I will ONLY ship to a confirmed PayPal address if using PayPal.

I accept PayPal. Cashier's check and USPS MO are the only other forms of payment I will accept, unless you are picking the bike up personally, and then cash is always "king."

Thank you and Good Luck !!

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The seller quotes the wrong model year (in Q&A, not above), cleverly walks around the fact that there's a lot of cosmetic imperfections, and says it was "never ridden off road". SERIOUSLY? One look at this thing will tell you it's been ridden HARD. It's probably logged more miles in a week than many bikes on ebay have ever seen.

Buyer Beware.