I saw the bike below on e bay for 369 plus 40 for shipping. I am new to MB ing and would like some advice.

I am hooked already.........................
WindsorBicycles.com
The Windsor CLIFF 4500 has a custom drawn 7005/6061 mix Full Aluminum Frame including integrated headset and hour glass stays {this is easily the nicest mountain bike frame on any bike under $2500}. Fork is RockShox Judy, Crank TruVativ 22/32/42, Sram PG-830 11/32 8-spd cassette, Sram 5.0 rr der, 24-speed full Sram drive train, WTB grips, WTB Tires 26x2.1, WTB Speed V seat, Brakes are TEKTRO AQUILA DISC Rims are ZAC-19 double-wall with CNC sidewalls, Hubs are Formula DC-20 ~~~ IN OTHER WORDS ALL THE COMPONENTS ARE NAME BRAND TOP NOTCH QUALITY.


The CLIFF 4500 comes in SMALL (15inch WITH 29.5 INCH STANDOVER) AND MEDIUM (17inch} WITH 30.5 INCH STANDOVER) AND MEDIUM/LARGE (19inch] WITH 31.5 INCH STANDOVER) JUST TELL US WHICH SIZE YOU WANT WHEN YOU PAY.
We sell lots of bikes but it is generally hard to get any mountain designs at less than $1000 with this level of frame and spec. The WINDSOR CLIFF 4500 is perfect for Cross-Country Trekking, general off-road, or even Commuting Rider who wants a top quality bike - but does not want to spend over $1000 to do it. The CLIFF's ride, quality and looks are fantastic!

I couldn't even find it on E-bay but in general, unless you are already knowledgable about bicycles (maybe you are are road rider), I would suggest you stay away from buy bicycles on-line...even new ones. Bicycles must be adjusted from time to time but if you buy on-line who's going to do it for you? Your local bike shop? If something breaks, who are you going to take it to for warranty work? Your local bike shop? What if something doesn't fit right and you need a new stem or a new saddle or seatpost? Who's going to help you? Your local bike shop? You would be asking a lot of someone who hasn't made any money off you.

Also, how do you know if the bike fits you? How do you know how the bike rides? Looking at pictures on-line doesn't tell you a lot. Sure the bike above might be the ride of the century but then again it could be a dog. You won't know until you get it and then it will be too late.

Your local bikeshop is more then just a place to buy a bike. They have lots of information on riding and can hook you up with other riders. They can fix the bike and if something goes wrong, they are your connection to the manufacturer. You may pay more (and I'm not convinced that the above bike is that great, it certainly isn't a $1000 bike) but you get more.

Scroll down to the part where it says Online Purchase, in closing...........um yeah that about says it all.

https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/67259-please-read-before-asking-question-mtb-faq.html

That's a lot of hype. Nothing on there shouts "Quality". This is one of those rare cases where I'm sure your LBS would have a better bike for less. I can't see that selling for even $300. Honestly, I'm not being snobby or anything, but those are cheap parts. The Judy is nothing special, and Zac rims/Tektro discs are pretty entry level stuff. I'm sure you could get a Giant Boulder for $100 less, and it's a much better bike. Do some more research, and ask more questions. Best to make an informed purchase. And yes, if you're new to MTBs, best to get one locally.