Originally Posted by
Rex81
I'm going to respectfully disagree with the idea that this will suit your needs just fine. My fear (and I've seen this happen time and again) is that you'll buy that bike (or something equally crappy) and hate it because it's rough and unreliable. Then you'll have this impression in your brain that riding a bike isn't fun and you won't ever ride again. When it actually is great fun, as long as you have half way decent equipment. I really think the extra $200 (or $400 if you go to a bike shop) will be completely worth it.
If you really only have $300 to spend and nothing more, you should get a friend who knows bikes to help you find one on craigslist.
Agree that the best way to go with a $300 budget is to have a buddy who knows bikes help you deal with craigslist. You can find some great bikes on craigslist if you are patient and know what you are doing. I just bought my daughter a bike for $80 (an older specialized hardrock sport with a rigid fork) that is in terrific shape and which she is riding the heck out of but it took me almost 2 weeks to find the right bike for her. I put on 1.25 slicks, changed out the cables, and overhauled or adjusted the entire bike.
Personally I would not go the bikesdirect route if you don't know bikes well. One thing the OP has not made clear is what kind of riding he wants to do. We need to know that (as well as the budget) before anyone can give you good advice as to which bike to get. The point is that you need to find a bike that works for you and the kind of riding you want to do.