First time poster and complete noob to biking. I'm thinking of starting to really get into biking, and would mostly be doing short/medium distance rides down a canal path and other trails as well as commute a few miles to work and around town. I'd also like to take it offroad once in a while in local parks (nothing extreme). I currently have a old piece of crap big box store bike which rattles like no other so I've been on craigslist the last few days and came across a 2001 Cannondale Bad Boy ultra listed for 425. It comes with 2 sets of tires, one for MTB and the other road use. Seems a little high, but should this be something to consider if the price can be lowered a bit?

Cannondale Bad Boy

I've heard nothing but good things about Cannondales, but I don't know if this is just too much for what I need right now. I've come across some cheaper used Giants and Specialized which seem like they may offer similar performance for a little less money. Any thoughts or comments would really be appreciated, thanks for the help!

Man, that is a fairly old bike but if in good condition, the extra set of wheels makes it very compelling. I would say make an offer and see what they say. Nobody pays listed price on Craigslist.

According to www.bicyclebluebook.com that 2001 Bad Boy Ultra has a decent price attached to it, unless it's not in good to excellent condition.

If it's in good shape,then I'd say it's completely fair with the second wheelset thrown in. Note that US made C'dales hold their value better now that they've moved overseas.

I would grab it but obviously try and work the seller a little on the price. I recently sold almost the same bike (but it had a brand new fork on it) for $700 with one set of wheels. Those older C'Dales are nice rugged bikes that will last you for a long time.

That extra set of wheels is a BIG bonus, especially disc wheels. If I could get it for 400, I'd grab it - heck, it's worth the asking price if it is in really good condition. Around here, you could easily resell it for purchase price. On bikes, I don't look at age, but condition.

Thanks for the info everyone, really appreciate the input. I'll take a look tonight and see what kind of price can be had.

One area of concern I have is the Headshok - being relatively new to this I don't probably need/want something which may require frequent maintenance/upkeep relative to other shock options. Anyone have any opinions on the longevity and reliability of the headshok and how often it really should be maintained?

If I had anything close to $425 for the purchase of a bike, I'd go online and get something brand new.

Something like the Marin Muirwoods 29er @ $450 from Amazon.

www.marinbikes.com/us/bikes/description/2014-muirwoods-29er

* Almost looks like that Bad Boy...

Srsly? First,you're comparing a 30lbs BSO to a USA made,LX/XT specced C'dale. Second,the BBU has more tire clearance,way better brakes,way better frame,and comes with 2 wheelsets. You basically just suggested a new Yugo over a used Mercedes.

Ask the folks over in the MTB forum how they like them. Headshoks have been around for over 20yrs,and are the best dual-purpose suspension option out there. Since there's only one 'shock',they basically require half the maintenance of a traditional suspension fork. C'dale still makes them,and will prolly continue to do so for quite some time,so parts sourcing isn't a big deal.

Thanks for the suggestion, I've looked into those and they seem like a decent deal. Anyone had any luck with Marin? I'm not sure I'm sold yet on the 29er, especially since I'm on the shorter side (5'5") and there seems to be little difference between 26 and 29 for mostly road use. Amazon has a 2012 Muirwoods 26er version for 450 as well, though if I order there I most likely give up any warranty coverage, though hopefully that would never be needed...

If you're 5' 5", then you should most definitely go for the '12 Marin Muirwoods 26er, instead!

Man, that deal is uber freaking crazy!

Do NOT pass it up!

I'm also 5'6" and my 2001 Bad Boy Ultra with upgraded Magura brakes, XTR, SRAM X0 and Velocity 29er/Hope hubs wheels comes out to 19.8 pounds. I've been offered $1000 for it a few times, but I still cannot seem to part with it: