It is but it's a better solution than getting a bike on the internet where he may not even like it just to stay within his budget. He can craigslist it and he may get a good deal but I've tried shopping for a single speed on craigslist but the sellers know what they have and they ask for a premium. Don't expect to get a volume, pk or any decent build for less than 300 unless it's got a defect. This is of course in so cal so it may be different where you live.

If you spend more, you will get a better bike but personally I'm fine with non brand names like vilano or bikesdirect bikes. Get a low weight, good fitting bike that you LOVE. In my experience with cycling, people get high end bikes and may not even really know what they have. The advice given to them is that anything less than 105 is bad and it just shocks me because the people that buy them are not even racers. So if you're just cruising around...you don't really need an expensive bike.