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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU and over cautious

24 replies

Birdonapole · 22/04/2019 07:57

My DH has his bike for sale which is worth roughly about £400. Last night I had a message from a person who has no profile picture asking if they could come and test ride it.

My DH was getting excited that he might have a buyer but it doesnt sit right with me. I know that people usually like to test drive a car but generally you go with that person in the passenger seat so they dont steal it! If someone was on a bike what would stop them from riding off on it?! Do people really test ride bikes?

DH thinks I'm being silly but considering that the profile looks dodgy, no profile pic, no mutual friends, cant see where they are from etc. I just feel abit uneasy about it!

OP posts:

Petalflowers · 22/04/2019 07:59

Possibly they mean they want to come and have a look at it, sit on it for size and comfort etc.

Original poster

Birdonapole · 22/04/2019 08:05

I messaged them back and asked them to clarify what they meant and they said they need to check they can ride it

OP posts:

Angrybird123 · 22/04/2019 08:09

I do. Know of cases where people have had their bikes stolen in this way. Ask him to leave something with you like his phone or take a pic of his car numberplate, drivers license etc

BuzzPeakWankBobbly · 22/04/2019 08:15

Is it a high end model or something particularly special?
Or is it just a bog standard Halfords thing on 2 wheels?

Ultimately, if it's a bike thief, he's going to be ready to get away sharpish, even if he's handed you "ID". Although bike thieves usually work as opportunist thefts not as pre planned appointments (hence asking if it is particularly nice model)

BuzzPeakWankBobbly · 22/04/2019 08:16

Take lots of good clear photos of the bike now, all angles, any identifying marks (dings, tears in bar tape, accessories etc), frame number etc. Get it on Immobilise if not already.

Take pics of of the buyer etc, be upfront as to why.

ScreamingValenta · 22/04/2019 08:17

Suggest they meet outside your local police station.

Original poster

Birdonapole · 22/04/2019 08:18

It's a rare model, road bike which is also what makes me wary. We live rurally too do it would be so easy for someone to ride off on it

OP posts:

HBStowe · 22/04/2019 08:20

When they arrive, tell them they can only ride it if you can take a photo of their face and keep something valuable like their wallet or phone while they are on it. If they are legit they will understand and agree. If they refuse, you can turn them away.

Moorfields · 22/04/2019 08:21

Could you pretend your dh is a police officer or similar & say you'll have to check his shifts to let him know his viewing times. You'll be able to tell from his response whether he's genuine or not. Definitely go by your gutt instinct & arrange the viewing in a public place with plenty of cctv.

FriarTuck · 22/04/2019 08:23

Stick a bike lock on it - then they can sit on it, check it for size etc. but not actually go anywhere (nick it)

12pinkchairs · 22/04/2019 08:24

If they want to take it for a ride ask them to leave something of theirs with you, ie their phone

IceRebel · 22/04/2019 08:26

Do you have any outside space, such as a back garden for them to test it in? I wouldn't under any circumstances be letting them on a main road with a £400 bike. I would also be very wary of any money they give you not being genuine.

Original poster

Birdonapole · 22/04/2019 08:28

I've looked on their profile and they do have 1 picture on there that has been liked by 11 people who come from all over the world. If I take a picture of their face and they are not from round here, which I suspect they are not, then what would the likelihood of them being caught?

OP posts:

CastleCrasher · 22/04/2019 08:28

When we've sold things like this, we've asked them to leave the cash with us before taking it out. If they're a serious buyer, they'll have it with them.

Make sure you check it's not counterfeit though, the pens are very cheap.

CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 22/04/2019 08:28

I think you're right to be suspicious about this.

The safest way for you is to say they can take it for a ride of the condition that they leave £400 cash which you will refund in full when they bring the bike back in the same condition (you both need to take plenty of pictures first to confirm this) if it's not for them.

BuzzPeakWankBobbly · 22/04/2019 08:29

I'd just decline the appointment, say it's sold. Go with your gut.

There are umpteen bike sale sites on FB full of legit members (I know, I'm on a few!), or probably ones for the exact brand too. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to test ride, but usually things add up more than they seem to have done here.

If your husbands insists, on his head be it.

Original poster

Birdonapole · 22/04/2019 08:29

How awful that people have to be this wary these days! So many scammers about!

OP posts:

icelollycraving · 22/04/2019 08:31

I agree, take a pic of their face and payment up front. I love the idea of saying you’d check the shifts as he’s police.

Surfskatefamily · 22/04/2019 08:33

I had a guy come to buy my husband downhill mtb. Not cheap. He came with a friend and i 'held him hostage' until bikes return 😂

UserName31456789 · 22/04/2019 08:42

If you live rurally how will he get there? If he's coming by car he'll hardly be able to ride off on it. If not could you follow him by car?

BertrandRussell · 22/04/2019 08:45

Yep. Say they can test ride it if they leave the full amount in cash. Or their passport or driving license. Or the keys to their car.

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 22/04/2019 08:48

Get him to leave his car keys, phone, wallet, first born child
I'd be wary though, if you're living rurally, how do you know he's not scoping the place out to come and Nick it later?

pasturesgreen · 22/04/2019 08:58

Tell him it's sold. It does sound dodgy, and I'd be wary of what Fuckery suggests, that he may be intending to do some recce and come back later to help himself to stuff.

EvaHarknessRose · 22/04/2019 16:05

I did read a story where a woman saw her stolen bike online, arranged to test ride it, gave them an obsolete set of keys/fake wallet as ‘security’ and rode off on it.

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