bighum57

I've been wanting to get a bike for a while and now that I have a friend that likes to go riding, it seems like a good time to finally pull the trigger.

1) Your budget. How much do you have to spend on the bicycle (not including accessories such as helmet, gloves and other accessories).
I'm looking to spend less than $300 dollars. I've been looking online only. I know it will be a used bike.

2) What bikes, if any, are you already considering? (Please try to limit the selection to a handful if at all possible, and provide links to those bikes. Remember, we don't always know the exact specs of all the bikes out there!)
Schwinn Mesa GSX $150 https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/1571157673.html
Specialized Rockhopper $200 https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/1584203103.html
Trek 4300 $200 https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/1587723207.html
Cannondale F7 Hardtail $400 https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/1579861847.html
Gary Fisher Tarpon https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/1561027574.html

3) What type of riding do you intend to do? (e.g. Cross Country, Freeride, Downhill, paved paths)
Want to do trails but I know for weight lose I will be doing road riding .

4) Do you have a preference over a hardtail or full suspension?
I like hardtail

5) Age, weight and height. (In many instances very important for a variety of reasons).
33, @270, 5'9"

6) What sources will you consider buying from? Craigslist

7) Do you want people to offer you alternative suggestions to issues such as budget, bikes already considered, and sources?
Please do

All feedback is welcomed...thanks.

sscyco

^^ I would suggest the Cannondale - it is a medium - best size for your height - generally. However, if you a serious and want to really lay down some miles to lose weight I would suggest new. They will do a basic fit and you will have a place to take the bike to if components fail. Good luck.

reptilezs

the cannondale but not for 400 try 300

urbanknight

+1 for the Cannondale. The Schwinn has higher end components and would probably be just fine for you - I just bought a 2000 Rockhopper with the same components and I'm screaming up and down trails on it - but the Cannondale is newer (better chance the components are in better condition and not worn out), and it's questionable if the Schwinn will fit you. The Trek and Fisher seem to be much lower end, and the Rockhopper is no longer listed.

https://www.bikepedia.com/Default.aspx is a great resource for researching specs and original retail values when considering a used bike.