10-13-2025, 10:54 AM
DO NOT PURCHASE FROM STEEL VINTAGE BIKES ("SVB"), unless you just do not care about getting ripped-off!
Everything I submit here is fact, not opinion unless stated as such.
I have been following the SVB business from some years now (merely as a reference for examples of older bikes; they are extremely overpriced) but I had never purchased from them until about 3 months ago. I was not purchasing for myself but merely acting as a go between/broker to conduct the sale even though I made the purchase directly with SVB via my own accounts. The actual buyer had paid me already when final cost was agreed upon by myself and SVB before I actually transacted any monies to SVB. I was not receiving any profit from the the client I was buying the item for. My income results from properly servicing the bike and/or adding/modifying parts as requested (some parts I sell from my own stock, some are client provided, some ordered from reputable sellers I know). I merely conduct the transaction due to my experience with buying items from European dealers (as well as with other countries and domestically) over many years and I understand what can occur if you do not get things correct regarding cost, shipping, and the details of what you are buying in order to receive what is expected and advertised.
More than once a seller (sometimes through their own ignorance, sometimes utterly intentional; in this case the latter) has an item incorrectly described or inadequate info and/or imagery and I have had to correct them or get more info/imagery to confirm an item's authenticity and condition before buying, or refusing to buy if not receiving that which was requested as a condition to purchase something. Yes, there are deceivers out there who will try to be misleading. Those who are not have no problem giving info required and/or correcting info that may be erroneous since it pertains directly their integrity if things go astray, and to avoid complications (refunds, returns, bad feedback, legal action, etc.) resulting from a "bad" sale. I have had many sellers thank me for providing to them the correct info/history of something they are selling whether I am buying it or not. At times I inform them that they have something much more or less valuable due to incorrect listing info. Usually those trying to sell something overpriced who are unscrupulous are not happy and do not thank you, nor do they correct their listing to reflect the items actual history, details, condition; as they just want to get whatever sucker they can, make their money, and move on to the next sucker. If you ever have any doubts just move on and save yourself the time and hassle of having to later deal with the issues which arise if you are not diligent when conducting business.
So my client sees something they are interested in and asks for my advice and assistance in purchasing the item if everything seems kosher since I had much more experience with the item itself and general value. I asked both questions from my client, as well as my own to ensure what was being listed was as advertised by SVB. I received answers to our queries and extra photos not shown in the listing in less than 24 hrs, sometimes within a couple hours so everything seemed good and I passed on everything to my client to confirm going ahead with making the purchase on their behalf. I told the client that even though the item was "on sale" (I think it was 25% off) I thought the price was still too high (overly worn part, missing parts: no pedals; and mismatched group parts) so I gave my valuation and asked what action should be taken. It was decided to make an offer at another ~10% off (though I advised more!), and SVB readily agreed. Great; purchase price was locked in and the only thing left was to determine means and cost of shipping. SVB inquired if standard or express shipping. I contacted my client and received the go ahead to have it shipped at standard rate (7-10 days, Germany to USA; express would have been 2-3 days at a higher cost of course), and so everything was agreed upon by all parties involved; item was paid for and receipt was provided. This all happened in 6 days, again with SVB replying to all messages in a very timely manner. Everything seems great correct?
Now the reality:
1) Improper shipping not in line with agreed upon method:
Since shipping was going to be 7-10 days, I knew I could be away from the delivery address to get some travel time in before receiving the bike, inspecting it, and performing requested work that I would earn a few dollars from. I allowed myself 5 days just in case delivery came early (it has never happened that I received a package with standard shipping from Europe in less than a week regardless of size; and this item was definitely having to go through customs, 1-2 days normal delay); but I did not want to risk any issues since it was technically another's property with myself already having been reimbursed the transactional costs incurred thus far (still customs expected). If I thought I would not have been available in person at the delivery address I would have placed a hold on the package and picked it up at the shipping company's distribution site (which I have done before). I luckily checked my emails (I was supposed to be on vacation!) after 2 days and discovered that the package was "out for delivery" on an email, and on a following email 1.5 hrs later "package delivered". This all occurred 2 days from the order being confirmed and receipt for the transaction! I was more than a little irritated because it is hard to put blame of shipping damage on the shipper if I was not there in person which is always my intent (shipping damage has happened before!). Also, I now had to stop what I was doing and rush home to secure a rather expensive item that was not my property, but that was still my responsibility. I arrived a day later in the evening with the package just dropped off by FEDEX on the side of the road (about 6-8 ft away) in the grass and having been rained on for about 1/2 a day before I got back. It had been sitting roadside for a full day and a 1/2 for anyone to take at will. I was very thankful it was there, but I was fuming at losing my vacation time, a wet package, and possible theft. FEDEX is to blame for delivery situation only, not for speed of delivery which SVB changed on their own. Normally I would be happy for an unexpected speedy delivery. This was not one of those times. Although SVB shipped express delivery at their own cost (I was never charged for shipping change); I was not informed of the change at any time either before, during, or upon later attempts to contact SVB to inquire why the change was made.
2) Upon opening the package to inspect for damage (I take photos before opening; after opening, but before removing anything; and incrementally upon removing separate pieces until completely done). No obvious damage from shipping, or from water exposure; but I could see some packing issues that could potentially be an issue due to incomplete packing material not providing proper protection and loose parts not secured to larger parts which allow them to bounce around and chaff or dent other parts/frame. Upon actually removing everything there was minor damage; and though minor it could have easily been prevented with a little more packing material and very little time considering the time spent to do what was already 95% complete. The handlebar which had brand new black cloth tape had been exposed (due to not being completely covered!), and had gotten white grease (excessively applied to inside of headset/steerer tube & not properly cleaned up) on it due to not being completely protected leaving some areas exposed; and it could not be completely cleaned off after trying. More damage occured on the bottom bracket shell which had packing slide off causing chafing of paint on the cardboard box (it could be buffed out, but more time wasted). Loose foam tubing packing material was found in bottom of box because it was not properly secured to parts.
Upon removing frame, oil started dripping out, not a drop or 2; but enough so that even after it initially drained, it later drained out more and stained my wood floor. I do not know what this was from; and I have never experienced this in decades of similar purchases.
3. The parts did not match the description on their website:
After inspecting the entire bike for damage issues I discovered that the bottom bracket assembly which was listed as Campagnolo had used at least one non-Campagnolo part. One bearing cup was OFMEGA clearly seen on the outside of the cup. How is it possible that their "crack" (maybe doing crack) "professional mechanics" blatantly installed the wrong part? This could only be intentional, and now required dismantling, ordering a another part, reinstalling, and adjusting which is time and money that the buyer should not be required to deal with.
4. Improper adjustment/intallation of parts on a bike they state as being tested:
Headset way too tight and needed to be readjusted. Tubular tire was improperly glued and needed to be redone. Both issues again requiring time/materials that should not have been needed if done properly as listed by the site.
5. Improper cleaning:
Upon removing the large chainring, the small ring was found to be dirty in areas obstructed by the large ring because they were too lazy to remove the large ring to do what only 5 mintues of the professional grade work that was required.
6. Lack of claimed testing:
The chain was brand new, but the large chainring was excessively worn (which I had noted before purchase and addressed to my client) where there could not be proper engagement of rollers and teeth unless an old "stretched" chain had been used to test the bike, and furthermore the new chain could not have left the dirty black residue on the partially cleaned small ring since it was still clean like new.
7. Failure to address any issues found upon being informed:
I sent multiple emails to 3 different SVB addresses listing problems encountered above. Not one was replied to after attempting over a period of weeks to a month. Remember, SVB quickly replied when they were expecting a sale; once money was received that came to an abrupt halt. They have yet to reply over the past 3 to 4 months. I requested a partial refund of $55 dollars only the deal with parts and labor to address the BB issue and that was at the lowest cost since often BB work is $30-$50 alone without any parts. Part would need to be ordered and shipped costing another $50. Total labor to clean, remove parts, reinstall parts, and adjust all issues would be well over $100 dollars in parts and labor (doing it myself; a shop would charge at least that or more).
In summary: they lied in their advertisement about bike being as received: not tested with parts received, and wrong part(s) (unethical fraud= crime), they changed shipping dynamics w/o consulting customer (unprofessional), they failed to properly pack and clean the bike (unprofessional), they claimed value nearly at 50% less on shipping voucher (unethical), and they did not provide compensation to the buyer for their own mistakes whether intentional or not (unprofessional and unethical), and they did not reply to multiple attempts to contact them once sale was completed (unprofessional).
Given only one or two of those discrepancies should be enough to avoid doing business with them.
But of course there is one aspect that should also be taken into consideration: there are extremely
overpriced and that is apparent on their own website. Here is their 40% off EVERYTHING sale announcement; and I guarantee that they are still making a profit even giving that discount. My only advice if you feel you must do business is to ensure you see detailed photos of every part at multiple angles if necessary to identify each part by brand and view condition, and ask for 40% or more off at the very least before any purchase. Best just to avoid them since they are not worth the trouble dealing with. What I experienced cannot possibly be a one time failure considering all the issues which occurred. Unethical criminals have no problem doing exactly what they did!
Remember, SVB is not some "amateur" ebay seller (they do list on ebay, as well as on their own site, and they have a brick & mortar store & coffee shop- wonder how much they charge for a cup of coffee); although aside from the initial purchase transaction everything was at an amateur, unprofessional, and/or unethical and criminal level.
Although I doubt this applies to the majority of readers on this site, I hope it provides some insight into this "business", and when dealing with any seller.
Everything I submit here is fact, not opinion unless stated as such.
I have been following the SVB business from some years now (merely as a reference for examples of older bikes; they are extremely overpriced) but I had never purchased from them until about 3 months ago. I was not purchasing for myself but merely acting as a go between/broker to conduct the sale even though I made the purchase directly with SVB via my own accounts. The actual buyer had paid me already when final cost was agreed upon by myself and SVB before I actually transacted any monies to SVB. I was not receiving any profit from the the client I was buying the item for. My income results from properly servicing the bike and/or adding/modifying parts as requested (some parts I sell from my own stock, some are client provided, some ordered from reputable sellers I know). I merely conduct the transaction due to my experience with buying items from European dealers (as well as with other countries and domestically) over many years and I understand what can occur if you do not get things correct regarding cost, shipping, and the details of what you are buying in order to receive what is expected and advertised.
More than once a seller (sometimes through their own ignorance, sometimes utterly intentional; in this case the latter) has an item incorrectly described or inadequate info and/or imagery and I have had to correct them or get more info/imagery to confirm an item's authenticity and condition before buying, or refusing to buy if not receiving that which was requested as a condition to purchase something. Yes, there are deceivers out there who will try to be misleading. Those who are not have no problem giving info required and/or correcting info that may be erroneous since it pertains directly their integrity if things go astray, and to avoid complications (refunds, returns, bad feedback, legal action, etc.) resulting from a "bad" sale. I have had many sellers thank me for providing to them the correct info/history of something they are selling whether I am buying it or not. At times I inform them that they have something much more or less valuable due to incorrect listing info. Usually those trying to sell something overpriced who are unscrupulous are not happy and do not thank you, nor do they correct their listing to reflect the items actual history, details, condition; as they just want to get whatever sucker they can, make their money, and move on to the next sucker. If you ever have any doubts just move on and save yourself the time and hassle of having to later deal with the issues which arise if you are not diligent when conducting business.
So my client sees something they are interested in and asks for my advice and assistance in purchasing the item if everything seems kosher since I had much more experience with the item itself and general value. I asked both questions from my client, as well as my own to ensure what was being listed was as advertised by SVB. I received answers to our queries and extra photos not shown in the listing in less than 24 hrs, sometimes within a couple hours so everything seemed good and I passed on everything to my client to confirm going ahead with making the purchase on their behalf. I told the client that even though the item was "on sale" (I think it was 25% off) I thought the price was still too high (overly worn part, missing parts: no pedals; and mismatched group parts) so I gave my valuation and asked what action should be taken. It was decided to make an offer at another ~10% off (though I advised more!), and SVB readily agreed. Great; purchase price was locked in and the only thing left was to determine means and cost of shipping. SVB inquired if standard or express shipping. I contacted my client and received the go ahead to have it shipped at standard rate (7-10 days, Germany to USA; express would have been 2-3 days at a higher cost of course), and so everything was agreed upon by all parties involved; item was paid for and receipt was provided. This all happened in 6 days, again with SVB replying to all messages in a very timely manner. Everything seems great correct?
Now the reality:
1) Improper shipping not in line with agreed upon method:
Since shipping was going to be 7-10 days, I knew I could be away from the delivery address to get some travel time in before receiving the bike, inspecting it, and performing requested work that I would earn a few dollars from. I allowed myself 5 days just in case delivery came early (it has never happened that I received a package with standard shipping from Europe in less than a week regardless of size; and this item was definitely having to go through customs, 1-2 days normal delay); but I did not want to risk any issues since it was technically another's property with myself already having been reimbursed the transactional costs incurred thus far (still customs expected). If I thought I would not have been available in person at the delivery address I would have placed a hold on the package and picked it up at the shipping company's distribution site (which I have done before). I luckily checked my emails (I was supposed to be on vacation!) after 2 days and discovered that the package was "out for delivery" on an email, and on a following email 1.5 hrs later "package delivered". This all occurred 2 days from the order being confirmed and receipt for the transaction! I was more than a little irritated because it is hard to put blame of shipping damage on the shipper if I was not there in person which is always my intent (shipping damage has happened before!). Also, I now had to stop what I was doing and rush home to secure a rather expensive item that was not my property, but that was still my responsibility. I arrived a day later in the evening with the package just dropped off by FEDEX on the side of the road (about 6-8 ft away) in the grass and having been rained on for about 1/2 a day before I got back. It had been sitting roadside for a full day and a 1/2 for anyone to take at will. I was very thankful it was there, but I was fuming at losing my vacation time, a wet package, and possible theft. FEDEX is to blame for delivery situation only, not for speed of delivery which SVB changed on their own. Normally I would be happy for an unexpected speedy delivery. This was not one of those times. Although SVB shipped express delivery at their own cost (I was never charged for shipping change); I was not informed of the change at any time either before, during, or upon later attempts to contact SVB to inquire why the change was made.
2) Upon opening the package to inspect for damage (I take photos before opening; after opening, but before removing anything; and incrementally upon removing separate pieces until completely done). No obvious damage from shipping, or from water exposure; but I could see some packing issues that could potentially be an issue due to incomplete packing material not providing proper protection and loose parts not secured to larger parts which allow them to bounce around and chaff or dent other parts/frame. Upon actually removing everything there was minor damage; and though minor it could have easily been prevented with a little more packing material and very little time considering the time spent to do what was already 95% complete. The handlebar which had brand new black cloth tape had been exposed (due to not being completely covered!), and had gotten white grease (excessively applied to inside of headset/steerer tube & not properly cleaned up) on it due to not being completely protected leaving some areas exposed; and it could not be completely cleaned off after trying. More damage occured on the bottom bracket shell which had packing slide off causing chafing of paint on the cardboard box (it could be buffed out, but more time wasted). Loose foam tubing packing material was found in bottom of box because it was not properly secured to parts.
Upon removing frame, oil started dripping out, not a drop or 2; but enough so that even after it initially drained, it later drained out more and stained my wood floor. I do not know what this was from; and I have never experienced this in decades of similar purchases.
3. The parts did not match the description on their website:
After inspecting the entire bike for damage issues I discovered that the bottom bracket assembly which was listed as Campagnolo had used at least one non-Campagnolo part. One bearing cup was OFMEGA clearly seen on the outside of the cup. How is it possible that their "crack" (maybe doing crack) "professional mechanics" blatantly installed the wrong part? This could only be intentional, and now required dismantling, ordering a another part, reinstalling, and adjusting which is time and money that the buyer should not be required to deal with.
4. Improper adjustment/intallation of parts on a bike they state as being tested:
Headset way too tight and needed to be readjusted. Tubular tire was improperly glued and needed to be redone. Both issues again requiring time/materials that should not have been needed if done properly as listed by the site.
5. Improper cleaning:
Upon removing the large chainring, the small ring was found to be dirty in areas obstructed by the large ring because they were too lazy to remove the large ring to do what only 5 mintues of the professional grade work that was required.
6. Lack of claimed testing:
The chain was brand new, but the large chainring was excessively worn (which I had noted before purchase and addressed to my client) where there could not be proper engagement of rollers and teeth unless an old "stretched" chain had been used to test the bike, and furthermore the new chain could not have left the dirty black residue on the partially cleaned small ring since it was still clean like new.
7. Failure to address any issues found upon being informed:
I sent multiple emails to 3 different SVB addresses listing problems encountered above. Not one was replied to after attempting over a period of weeks to a month. Remember, SVB quickly replied when they were expecting a sale; once money was received that came to an abrupt halt. They have yet to reply over the past 3 to 4 months. I requested a partial refund of $55 dollars only the deal with parts and labor to address the BB issue and that was at the lowest cost since often BB work is $30-$50 alone without any parts. Part would need to be ordered and shipped costing another $50. Total labor to clean, remove parts, reinstall parts, and adjust all issues would be well over $100 dollars in parts and labor (doing it myself; a shop would charge at least that or more).
In summary: they lied in their advertisement about bike being as received: not tested with parts received, and wrong part(s) (unethical fraud= crime), they changed shipping dynamics w/o consulting customer (unprofessional), they failed to properly pack and clean the bike (unprofessional), they claimed value nearly at 50% less on shipping voucher (unethical), and they did not provide compensation to the buyer for their own mistakes whether intentional or not (unprofessional and unethical), and they did not reply to multiple attempts to contact them once sale was completed (unprofessional).
Given only one or two of those discrepancies should be enough to avoid doing business with them.
But of course there is one aspect that should also be taken into consideration: there are extremely
overpriced and that is apparent on their own website. Here is their 40% off EVERYTHING sale announcement; and I guarantee that they are still making a profit even giving that discount. My only advice if you feel you must do business is to ensure you see detailed photos of every part at multiple angles if necessary to identify each part by brand and view condition, and ask for 40% or more off at the very least before any purchase. Best just to avoid them since they are not worth the trouble dealing with. What I experienced cannot possibly be a one time failure considering all the issues which occurred. Unethical criminals have no problem doing exactly what they did!
Remember, SVB is not some "amateur" ebay seller (they do list on ebay, as well as on their own site, and they have a brick & mortar store & coffee shop- wonder how much they charge for a cup of coffee); although aside from the initial purchase transaction everything was at an amateur, unprofessional, and/or unethical and criminal level.
Although I doubt this applies to the majority of readers on this site, I hope it provides some insight into this "business", and when dealing with any seller.
![[-]](https://forums.bikeride.com/images/flatty/collapse.png "[-]")
