The latest buzz word on ebay for bike sellers is to claim that their bikes up for sale are "restored by a Pro Bike Mechanic" or Professionally Restored etc etc.
Unfortunately most restorations we've seen so far from these so called "Expert bike mechanics" are not built to the standard that you would expect from a qualified or experienced bike mechanic.  It seems that anybody can claim they're pro bike mechanics these days!!! Might be worth asking them which retail bike shops they've worked for and for how long and check it out..

If you're buying a  VINTAGE / RETRO BIKE and the seller has claimed that they have "SERVICED" or "RESTORED" the bike then don't be afraid to ask them to detail what has been done. There is a big difference between a full rebuild service and a general service or just oiling the chain and pumping up the tires!

We find it very frustrating when sellers claim to have carried out a "FULL SERVICE" when in fact they've just pumped up the tires and given the bike a clean - there is a lot more involved in a "Full Service" than you may think. Unfortunately MANY SELLERS are not experienced bike mechanics nor have the right tools to do the work correctly and some are simply misleading buyers in order to achieve maximum sale price.  There is nothing wrong with putting up un-restored bikes for sale on ebay, as long as the seller is clear in their item description for example this item is  "Sold as is" etc or "we would recommended new tires" or a "service".

Most vintage bikes will need:

New Gear and Brake Cables ( it's very easy to tell if this has been carried out - if cables appear rusty, corroded or frayed then the seller HAS NOT replaced them) good cables are paramount to ensure the safety of the bicycle. The outer casing can also have tears/cracks/rust marks - if this is the case it'll need replacing.
An experienced bike mechanic should run through the gears to ensure the are working correctly.  Otherwise it could be a safety issue if not adjusted correctly.
Vintages bikes should have New Tyres, if not then ask the seller if the rubber on the tyres has perished (check sidewalls in the pics).  If seller has described the tyres as having "GOOD TREAD" but you can see that the rubber is CRACKED on sidewalls then they need to be replaced as they won't hold air for long! Some sellers even try to estimate how long they think the tires will last for! LOL - If only we all had a crystal ball.
If new tires are needed factor in the cost to buy and labour to fit by a bike shop  - it will be an added cost to your purchase!
Brakes and levers should be checked and adjusted to ensure that they work properly and that there is enough rubber on the brake pads.  We have seen many bike sellers that have claimed to have serviced the bike but DO NOT know how to adjust brakes correctly - this could be a safety issue!!
Rims should be trued and tensioned and spin freely, if they don't then they'll need the bearings serviced or will need truing by a qualified/experienced bike mechanic.
Bearings in the bottom bracket, headset, and wheel axles should be serviced on all vintage bikes and should be cleaned, repacked with grease or replaced with new bearings.  Many sellers who claim to have serviced their bike do not do this.  Often the cones or bottom bracket can be over tightened, the headset can too, if it has a "grinding feel" to it then it needs attention as your bike won't work for long.
Drive train ie: chain & cogs should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled, some use degreaser in the wrong areas, degreaser can be harmful to some parts of the bike. 
Vintage bikes should be inspected for cracks in tubing, as some could have been in a front impact and or accident.   Look for cracks or wrinkles in paintwork as this could be an indication that the steel tubing has been compromised. Also look around the lugs/joins in tubing as this is a common place for cracks. Ladies bikes usually have cracks or bends in the seat tube or head tube.  Just run your fingers over the suspected area for creases in tubes. 
Also we've seen plenty of bikes for up for sale on ebay that have BENT FORKS, ask the seller if they can provide a side shot/pic of bike so that it clearly shows the angle/alignment of the fork. 
If you're not sure ask someone who is experienced with bikes to have a look.
Basically everything on a vintage bike should be checked over thoroughly by someone who knows what they're doing. Remember a bike mechanic will know what to look for and check.
Remember if the seller has performed a "service" on the bike they are selling or is claiming to be an experienced bike mechanic ask them
a) Do they work in a bike shop? 
b) How long have they been repairing bikes? 
c) Are they just a hobbyist?  Unfortunately any "back yard bob" can call themselves a bike mechanic just to make a quick sale!  Again if you're not sure just ask lot's of questions. 
The experienced ones might even give you the name of the bike shop they are associated with or how long they have been working in the bike industry.

Lastly it's always nice to buy a clean bike that has been washed and polished.  Although I have seen many bikes for sale that have been cleaned but haven't been serviced.

Remember, when buying a vintage bike to ride, ask the SELLER lots of questions and if you have doubts as to weather the work has been carried out, simply take your purchase into ANY bike shop and get a bike mechanic to check it over (they can usually tell pretty quickly if work has been carried out). 

Vintage bikes that have been properly serviced will be a joy to ride.
 
Vintage bikes have a lot more style than the newer models and they are becoming harder to find and a lot more collectible.  If looked after properly a vintage bike can provide many years of enjoyment and can actually increase in value!

sydneyvintagebikes

    
 

If you think this guide will be helpful when purchasing a bike on ebay, please tick the Yes box below, cheers.