Fuji absolute 3.0
 

I am new to biking and I was wondering if this is a good deal on Craigslist for a good bike. I am on a budget, so I want to buy I used hybrid bike but only if it's fair. Please let me know what you think.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/3177934429.html

Looks good...Nice price...Guessing the first person to look at it will buy it.

Nice bike for the price. However, you can never be too sure. I'd offer $280 but bring $320 anyway, just in case!

Take someone with you who knows a lot about bikes so that they can inspect the bike and see if it fits you.

Bike looks in good condition with a rack. I don't know what year that bike is, but older models usually have better components. But if the bike does not fit, PASS. Bikes in the sfbay CL are often overpriced, so don't wait too long on a good deal. As Slim says, offer less, but be willing to pay the full asking price. And best to do this when looking at the bike since the seller won't want to turn down a sure sale :-)

Not sure if xandygurl will be chekcing back in here, but I also saw this:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/3180491354.html

Should be same size, and while I think some of the components are a little better on the 3.0, it looks like a good bike for the money (assuming it's in good shape).

And this too, in case you hadn't seen it:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/3172759316.html

$280 is liable to insult them..and you risk losing the deal. A bike in such good condition, will go fast. In the grander scheme of things, $40 to place you on a nice bike like this is worth it. Lowballers get very little respect on CL.

Usually upon arrival, one can detect imperfections and captalize upon them. Unsuspecting buyers, get ripped of on CL too! It's always best to offer a slightly lower price, unless you can't afford to lose the deal. In some cases, losing the deal, is a blessing in disguise...

Besides, many CL sellers expect to be low balled, that's why they set their asking price way too high in the first place!