dgbarrett88

I'm looking on Craigslist for a bike to ride to and from classes this summer and to take to the local bike trails. I do not have much experience with bicycles and really don't know if I'm looking at bikes worth buying or pieces of junk. I'm willing to spend more money on a decent bike but would rather have a used starter bike to begin with. These are 12 ads on craigslist I found interesting but any feedback I could get I would really appreciate! I finally had to give up looking and researching and come here for help because I really feel lost.

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399360292.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2398743635.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2395883767.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2397380934.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2397595184.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2396300056.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2394691793.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2394607219.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399849628.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399788018.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399623285.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399381348.html

dgbarrett88

My apologies if this thread is in the wrong place, or not appropriate for these forums. I just don't really know where to start.

eboard17

If you want to get a good deal, I would not get any of them. The Bianchi and the Raleigh are the most promising. Go for one of those.

10 Wheels

How tall are you ?

pitchpole

Most of those look like fair prices. I would buy this one:

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399381348.html

dgbarrett88

5'9

10 Wheels

I like this one best. I had a bike that size and I am 6 FT.
You could go look at it. Seems to be the best in the group.

dgbarrett88

Given my needs is this the best way to approach buying a bicycle?

And I really appreciate the quick responses. Thank you all.

Retro Grouch 

Honestly, a bike to ride to and from classes says POS to me. Try to find something you feel is semi-expendable. That way you won't feel so bad when it gets stolen.

AlphaDogg

I like this one:
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/2399381348.html

commo_soulja

Get the crappiest looking bike that's still in good mechanically working order so it'll be less of the target for thieves.

And sorry, I'm not going to even bother to click on CL links to help you decide on a bike.

NightShift

If you want a cheap beater bike the Free Spirit could be a good deal.

The Raleigh is a really nice bike, and if you like vintage could be a serious keeper.
The Centurion Mixte is my favorite of the lot.

You really need to find out what will fit you. I'm 6'1" (with short legs) and most of those would be to tall for me.
You'll be better off with a low end bike that fits than with a high end bike that doesn't.

realestvin7

That Grand Prix is an exceptional deal at $175, but it would be too large for you. You need something more along the lines of a 54cm.

NightShift

Given the number of times I've been told I should be riding a frame size that would have several inches NEGATIVE stand over height I'm not going to assume I know what size bike someone should be riding based solely on height.

If someone post bike inseam, hip length, and sternal notch height maybe we can give serious useful advice on bike fit. As is I'll limit myself to saying I would expect most of these bikes to be to tall for someone who is 5'9".

Sloping top tube and Mixte frames tend to be easier to adjust to fit a wider range of body types/sizes. That doesn't necessarily make them a better choice. A diamond frame of the right size can be made lighter, stronger, and stiffer. But if you can't get a frame perfectly fitted to you a compact frame (of whatever variety) can be a good option.
And Mixtes look cool.