thanks I just checked ou the links. It seems the new bikes for $400 like Republic aren't great bikes? They look neat but forum posts say they ride badly, which is a bit vague but I'll just have to take their word for it.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1309774246.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1308489483.html

any thoughts on these? the city's nearby and it's in my budget and frame size.