What checks do you do when buying off Gumtree et al?

[LittleSkink]

I have recently sold a couple of the kids bikes on Gumtree and been looking to spend the cash on a cheap tandem - two things have struck my

When selling
1. no one has asked me to prove the bike I am selling is mine to sell - but they all want it cheaper

When buying
2. everyone I have asked about the frame number has said they didnt know what it was (or where it was)

Now I really dont want to end up with a pinched bike so would aim to check the frame number on BikeRegister et al

Is it just me?

 

[doctorstewie]

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of it really. I should go and check the Dynatech's number...
When I bought my Marin the guy clearly knew his stuff and was in no hurry to have me get it out of his home so I wasn't worried.
And If i get anything off here I just assume they are legit ( unless they are a brand new member but I haven't bought anything from a newbie yet )

 

[LittleSkink]

With a bike pinched every 60 seconds in the UK my bikes are well protected (I hope) and registered on Bike Register - but few people seem to bother

Trying to check out a potential bike is hard on Bike Register as you need the frame number, but this place allows key word search
https://stolen-bikes.co.uk/?s=dynatech

 

[highlandsflyer]

Re:

We mainly buy vehicles from Gumtree, so not such a problem checking those.

Bought a bike the other day and the chap provided all the paperwork and receipt without being asked, which is great in terms of frame warranty.

Older bikes are a bit of a fiddle really, many having been passed through many hands.

I tend to trust people, but then we are in an area where everyone tends to realise they might bump into you the next week in church.

 

[KDM]

Re:

I normally ask for the frame number in advance so I can check it with plod. Genuine sellers will have little problem with this.