Originally Posted by badger1

...... If you want a decent recreational-level mtb that will actually be useable off-road and actually last, go to your LBS and purchase something from one of the 'major' mfgs. ...........
If I were you, I wouldn't buy a used mtb off Craigslist unless/until I had developed some good ideas as to what to watch out for in the way of worn-out parts, cracked frames, etc.