Doing what's right

I sold a bike recently through this site and got a fair price for it (a little over £100).
On inspection the buyer found that the top tube had been repaired or even replaced which would imply the frame was involved in an accident.
I was not aware of this and the bike did not show any signs of weakness to me and I am 14 stones, however I only rode it for a few miles and I am not very technically minded for these sort of things.
On a brief check of the bike when we conducted the transaction the buyer did not notice the problem either.

The question is what would be the right thing to do?
The options as I see them are :
Take it back and give the money back (of course I would rather not do this)
Pay some compensation for something I was not aware of
Leave it (this I think is not very fair).

A general question would be are frames repairable? and if so how can you determine if they are safe to ride?

Any advice gratefully received

1 Attachment

what does the buyer want to do? that's probably your answer.

it's an old bike frame sold for not much money second hand. it's not broken and still functional.

caveat emptor

is that a Gillot, with Simplex?
Would be expensive to replace the top tube, any competent frame builder can do it.
Mr Smyth is entirely correct, Caveat Emptor...

If it's been repaired what's the problem?

He suggests some money back but does not give any figure

if it's a reasonable amount then it would be pretty reasonable of you to agree. or if you can't agree get them to resell it with the damage disclosed and split the difference between you.

Sorry just had to look up what caveat emptor meant.
I have emailed a reply to him asking what figure he was looking for and will see what he comes back with.
I would not have started this thread if I was looking to stitch him up with a dodgy frame, however if it has been adequately repaired I would trust it is OK?
How can you tell if the repair is good and safe?
It looks good but we are talking safety.

I am unaware of any possible safe repair short of replacing the tube.
But really is it a Gillot?

Is the thumbnail supposed to show the repair?

if it's had a crash there is a likelihood that the top tube and the down tube are going to have been damaged and possibly the forks as well. it's almost impossible to tell without sandblasting or x-raying the frame. any frame builder would be the best person to advise but i wouldn't waste yours or their time to be honest. the frame will probably be fine for light use or pub bike use. who knows though. not me.

Not sure what a Gillot is, but the thumbnail does show the repair, unfortunately as I do not have the bike any more i cannot get a better picture.

What make is the frame Phil?

FH Grubb

I think it looks like an early 50s A S Gillot (South London frame builder of note) and I really think if you buy a bike that is almost 60 years old cheaply and there is a fault with it, it should not come as a huge surprise, I think it is admirable that you want to do the right thing and if you feel comfortable with returning a small sum as compensation, good on you, but I really feel there is no moral obligation to do so.

FH Grubb

Nice.

Got to say I agree with those who say buyer beware.

You didn't know, he didn't realise. I think its something you both need to put down to experience.

Also its £100... (which to me a the moment is quite allot of money), but it's not big money. It sucks to overpay for something, but like I said it's not a huge amount. So he's just got to take the hit.

If the buyer really doesnt want to risk riding, you could offer to buy back at £50. That way he's only lost £50.

If you feel really bad give him £20 - not too much for you and is a significant % off... I still don't think you need to tho.

The only thing is I'm not sure what the situation would be if the frame failed and buyer had an accident - is there a danger you would be liable.

IMO sold a seen is sold as seen and If the guy didn't pick anything up when he inspected it then I don't think you need to give him anything back. I've found dents and allsorts on bikes when I've stripped them after buying and it's just one of those things.

I appreciate all feedback, I will point him to this thread and see what he has to say when he next logs on.
I need to log off now, but once again thanks for all comments, they will help in the final decision.

Fuck that shit. He looks, he buys. Job done.

Off topic but my cat is sitting on the sofa having a dream and doing some well funny twitching. Classic entertainment.

takes pics of the cat Dov, and posted it here. So that the buyer can see it.

Id agree with the guys, he bought it without inspecting , tough luck. ALso have you seen the frame for yourself, how does he know it has had the top tube replaced??

Thanks for all comments added I hear today that the bike has a couple of bent tubes (albeit very slightly bent). Thus rendering the frame potentially dangerous.
As an act of goodwill I have offered a refund of £25 or to buy it back for £65.

Hugo7 thanks for the balanced viewpoint (the bike actually sold for £115)

I stand corrected I offered £20 refund sorry.

Seems more than fair to me.