Looking at grabbing this.
 

What do you think for a good starter bike?

http://chattanooga.craigslist.org/bik/2694134082.html

I don't know enough to give you much good advice, but I personally wouldn't go for it at that price. According to bikepedia, it didn't go for nearly $900 new. MSRP was $650, and you can often times get bikes for a little less than MSRP. I'd think maybe worth ~$200 if the Dart 2 is an OK fork and if the bike were in good shape, but again, I don't know enough to give much good advice.

http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...last&Type=bike

aaaand it needs a new rear wheel. which won't be cheap.

........aaaaaaand who knows what else followed suit after the rear wheel.

You can get a better used bike for $350. I would maybe consider getting a cheaper $100-150 in good shape steel rigid frame MTB to see if you like to MTB. If you like MTB then save up some money, and buy a decent hardtail (or a fully if you think you need one..but add some time to saving up =P). A hardtail with good front suspension fork/wheels/brakes and line choice is more than enough bike for A LOT of riding. This also depends on how smooth you like your ride I guess.

Edit: Remember it is about sport and fun. If you aren't having fun (which you probably wouldn't with a crap bike that keeps falling apart) you might as well just be jogging or lifting weights.

I would talk him down on the price

I'd bet the fork internals are trashed too.

The price would be still be a tad high for me if it was in MINT condition. I have paid as much as $425 for an older hardtail, but I expect tippy top condition and the MSRP was, for real, well over $1K because it had top teir components.

Frankly, there is nothing about the craigslist bike that argues for a $350 price, imho.

Totally overpriced, not even close. Considering the rear wheel and other repairs, I wouldn't pay $100 for that bike. For $350 you can buy a brand new entry level Trek with a warranty in perfect, ready to ride condition.