how is this done? never tried it before, but i would need to organise a courier to collect a bike from the seller and bring it to me.
must it be boxed?
any recommended companys?
can i give the seller a rough time the courier will come?
(the seller isnt interested in postage and i dont want to drive halfway across the county to collect it.)

http://www.interparcel.com

Must it be boxed? DOH!

Parcel2go.co.uk

I've sent two bikes with Interpacel and never had trouble. Should be able to get a box from your LBS/Halfords no problem.

you'll need to get the seller to box it which is going to take them time and effort.

this is a forum right? where bikers unite?

get a forum memebr that lives nearby to go round this fellas house and pick up bike for you. then get forum member to post it for you.

send forum member beer or beer money or similar.

solidarity brother! where is said bike?

There's a few that sell their services on ebay – I don't think they need to be boxed

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BIKE-COURIER-FOR-ALL-MOUNTAIN-BIKES_W0QQitemZ280472226027QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_localservices_courier_delivery_GL?hash=item414d7288eb

Here's a possible solution…

1. Phone a local bike shop and agree a price to box up and hold the bike for you.

2. Ask seller kindly if he'll drop bike off at shop for you, bunging him a few quid extra if need be.

3. Book courier to collect from shop.

Worked for me. Paid shop £20 or £25, well worth it.

http://www.senditnow.com

It's parcel force in disguise. it's cheeeeeap too!

its akids bike so small, but also not high value so i woulnt mind dishing out cash if it was a £1000 jobbie, mind you id collect it mysel if it was.

Interparcel: you get the option of about 8+ (?) different courier companies, various options on collections and delivery times too.
But assuming you're clicked on the previous link, you already know this.
Can't imagine they'd transport anything not wrapped or boxed.