Radh

My current bike does nothing but bog me down. I know I'm not fit, but I also know I'm not THAT unfit. It's extremely heavy and I'm basically dragging it up a hill.
I'd like a singlespeed/fixed-gear bike to avoid complications and extra weight, and to keep the continuous cycle of pedaling.
My budget is $200, which is extremely low, I know.
I'm basically using it on the road and on pavement.
I just need it to be as light as possible.
I'm also 5"5 (and female), and my parents do not trust eBay, but I think craigslist is allowed.

I have not gone to a bike shop yet, but I hope to next week.
I don't know if I want a women's bike in particular, because I don't know if I need it; if I can still ride a man's bike.

Philasteve

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm I think they have a size 43 that would maybe fit but I would get sized at a bike shop before buying. Trusting craigslist but not ebay is just insane in my mind.

Dynocoaster 

Bike Island has bikes in that range https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=2426

Scrodzilla

+1.

At least when using eBay/PayPal, buyers are protected.

Santaria

What kind of experience in wrenching your own bikes do you have? I fully endorse the idea of saving money by purchasing through BD or other established online vendors; but you've gotta have at least some know-how to put them together. I suggest you go down to the LBS and talk with them, maybe see what they have used, then look to eBay or Craigslist. If your mom or dad have an aptitude to fix mechanical things, maybe you'd be okay with a BD bike. Otherwise, you're going to have to still go down to the LBS. You still will have to account for maintenance in the budget you've stated and, with an online purchase, you probably will have to include a build/adjustment charge upfront.

Philasteve

I hate recommending this but Santaria is right, if you can't put together a bike and have no idea about sizing which you prob don't. I would save up a little more money and buy from local bike shop. Saving money sucks but your most likely going to end up happier with a bike that fits/is put together properly.

redpear

And you'll have less troubles down the road.

The troubles you will have, you can always go to the LBS you bought the bike from. While there are no guarantees, if it is something they did wrong during assembly or adjustment they probably won't charge you for it.