Originally Posted by
Hub Spanner
@
bikemig has great advice, the kind of advice I usually give. However, this can really be tough for a self-described "total newb". If you have a cycling friend who can help you navigate Craigslist, that can help. Without that, CL can be a time-consuming hassle and you might end up with a bike that doesn't fit, etc.
SO...I kinda think that *this* OP will be best served by going to a good local bike shop.
Agreed that a used bike can be a pain for a newb. But the folks on the C&V forum will steer the OP right on which bike to pick up. The only question is whether he has some basic mechanical aptitude to work on the bike.
There are some other advantages to going for a used mtb (in addition to the cash savings):
(1) The OP will have to learn some basic mechanical skills which he'll need to keep the bike running;
(2) The OP can use the cash savings to buy high quality, tough tires that are unlikely to get a flat (lschwalbes for example), high quality fenders, lights, helmet, etc. This will allow the OP to have a high end bike and components for well under his $1k budget.
Agreed that this may be a pain in which case the OP should look to a new bike or a used bike from an LBS.