hi, lm looking to buy a bike in california for a trip south, anyone got something suitable, trip prepared would be an advantage but anything considered.
my email adress is davidvrees@hotmail.com

david.

David,
Bike shopping here is considerably easier and cheaper than the UK.
(I know, I bought....and sold a '99 Tiger in Oxford....what a pain
in the butt!!)

Try here:
http://www.craigslist.org/mcy/

The Craig's list link is for the San Fransico Bay area but Craig's list is in Los Angeles too. In fact its nation wide. But Craig started it HERE in San Fran. He still lives here. Be sure to use the Search function. Its Google tech (Craig is friends with Google) and works very well. Ads stay on the list only for 7 days.

The Bay area is much smaller and much easier to navigate and there are simply far more bikes for sale in this area than in L.A.

Good deals come and go very quickly on Craig's list. I would take a look for bikes want so you can learn prices for the bikes you're interested in.
I believe you can find any bike you want. Wait till you're a few days from
arriving to make any firm commitments to buy or open a dialouge with a seller.
It is about 90% private party sales. Most all deals are CASH or cashiers check
that must be cashed at the bank. NO travellers cks. NO UK pounds, and no bike deliveries. Many foriegn nationals try scams. Many scams are UK based.

I have sold 8 bikes on Craig's list and bought 3. Also bought and sold a lot
of gear. All typical precautions must be observed. It is NOT Ebay. (thank God)
Ads are free. Its the best system I've ever seen.

Good luck,

Patrick