Craigslist bikes... help?
 

I have almost no idea about bikes, been reading a bit but still don't know enough, so I would appreciate any bike savvy people to help me out here. I have a local bike shop and tested out a road bike and a hybrid bike (which I never knew about, only road mtn bike as a child like 10 years ago).

Want to bike to get to classes/commute at uni and for cardio.

I liked hybrid better, it felt better and simpler and it was cheaper, so I'm looking for hybrids on craigslist, since the cheapest hybrids at the bike shop are $500. However, if a good road bike is cheaper, i'll go for it, i'm probably just not used to riding.

I'm 5'10".

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/b...inAsk=&maxAsk=

Been looking through that and found bikes like these not sure if they are worth it. If these suck would appreciate help finding something else from my area.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2519984704.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2520358700.html

look for shimano components on the bikes. Some older hybrids might have SRAM grip shifters - those are ok. You probably want an all aluminum frame and fork. Look for worn tires and dirty components. You should be able to find a $600 hybrid for $300 on craigslist very easy.

For road bikes you should be able to find something in an aluminum frame, carbon fork, with shimano 105/tiagra mixes for $400-500 maybe less depending on age.

For your height look for 54-58cm probably. You can be as picky buying used. Maybe get fit at a bike store, get you used bike that fits and go back to the bike store for helmet and accessories.

^^^

If you go to the LBS and get fitted ...buy something. Anything.

First link is expired. The second looks like a 2007 Marin Larkspur:

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2..._larkspur.html

Retail was $429, and the seller is asking $195. Assuming the bike is in good working condition, less than half price is pretty good for SF area craigslist where prices tend to be ridiculous. Marin makes good bikes.