I recently messed up my cyclocross bike on some "light-moderate" trails and now i'm looking for a used bike to kind of beat around on the trails. I found a 2003 cannondale f300 for $175 that needs a new chain on craigslist. Is this a good deal? and should I be cautious that they do not have a chain?, could this be a identifyer that there is something wrong with the shifters/ deraillers.

Thanks

That's a fair price. If you're worried, buy a Sram chain with a powerlink, then throw it on the bike when you go to see it. If it's shifting like a pig, there may be something wrong with the derailleurs. However, shifters and derailleurs are not really rocket science, so it's usually pretty easy to ascertain if there is a problem from a visual inspection.

Not sure from your post whether the bike has an old chain on it or none at all. If there's a chain on it and it "needs a new one", the bike may need new cassette and possibly chainrings as well if the bike was ridden hard with a worn chain. If the chain is just dirty and not stretched too badly, it may be OK as is.

I don't know if the 2003 F300 came with a headshock or a standard front shock setup. If it has the former, be aware that Cannondale no longer makes parts for a lot of these older headshocks. Found that out the hard way when I tried to get the one on my 2001 Jeckyl rebuilt.

If the bike works OK and the shock isn't shot, $175 seems reasonable.

thanks guys, went look at the bike and it appeared a bit worn. I have decided to buy a new entry level hardtail gary fisher.