Well I had some bad luck with craigslist.com in the beginning. Basicly on craigslist is like ebay except you buy localy. Like someone will adverstise in your area. For instance, I was looking in the Los Angeles Area for my bike.

Two times I came out to look at the bikes and realized they were peaces of crap. I mean some people exaggerate "good" condition. I finally found a great deal on a great bike. It cost me about 300 but it came with some nice components. Even if I overpaid(which I dont think I did) it was worth it because the guy was very nice and very reliable.

Basicly on craigslist you can come out and see the bike you are buying before you buy it. You can also take it home with you .

Ebay=people overprice and you usually dont get anything close to a nice used bike. A used bike is just as good if they maintained it well and nothing is bent or broken.

But, that bike will kill you. You only have one gear which basicly means you will be pushing REALLY hard up any hill and going downhill is going to be difficult if your not used to it. I rode my friends fixed gear and it was crazy. I almost died going dowhill, you cant coast. You have to backpedal(its odd).

You have a good range, with $400 you can find quite a few beginner bikes and get a good feel for biking. I must say, after buying this bike. I am hooked. I have spent much more than the bike at this point. I saw numerous cheap road bikes going for $100 because people are trying to get rid of them. $100 is good to see if you will enjoy riding. Just mainly try to choose a frame of your size or it will be an unpleasant experience.