I have purchased a bike locally listed with good results, I have tried to purchase a bike on Ebay that turned into a big hassle that ultimately didn't happen, and I have purchased a bike and various other things on Pinkbike.com which were totally positive and I would whole heartily recommend. Pinkbike like Craigslist, you are working with individuals where you can communicate directly and you are not universally charged sales tax. You may be up for sales tax if you are purchasing from a bike shop and there are several that seem to list their clearance bikes on the site.