I've been hunting on craigslist for bikes, but no one replies back my emails, and when they do its either already sold or the frame is too big.

I figured I might as well go new; don't have to run around everywhere in town for something that may or may not be what I am looking for, the bike could be stolen (I've seen a post that said 'lots of bikes, $50', and they ranged from generic NEXT or Magna bikes to a couple of Treks), and I don't think anti-theft guarantees on locks honor used bikes. There was a perfect Gary Fisher Kaitai for $250, and my size for the frame, and only 1.5 years old, but the guy hasn't replied to 2 emails I sent today or 3 days ago.