Holg

I'm in the market for my first bike. I'll primarily be using it on paved bike trails for exercise since my orthopedic doc told me to stop running. I've looked on Craiglist and found a few options on a budget. I'm ideally looking to spend less than $300 and didn't want go with a Schwinn or Vilano. Any opinions would be helpful!

Looks like I can't post links yet so I'll just describe each option.

Specialized Sirrus V Brake - 2015 model but appears to have higher end components compared to newer model years. Price seems high but looks in excellent condition. ($275)
orlando.craigslist.org/bik/d/orlando-specialized-sirrus/6882322690.html

Specialized Sirrus Disc - Previous year model with disc brakes but higher price and Orange ($400)
orlando.craigslist.org/bik/d/orlando-specialized-sirrus-disc-bike/6868961727.html

2018 Giant Escape - Good price but has lower end components. ($175)
orlando.craigslist.org/bik/d/casselberry-giant-escape/6875074512.html

2018 Trek Marlin 5 - ($415)
orlando.craigslist.org/bik/d/orlando-trek-marlin-like-new/6869869149.html

Trek Marlin - Great price but probably already sold. No response yet from seller. ($125)
orlando.craigslist.org/bik/d/orlando-trek-marlin-mountain-bike/6863069057.html

TakingMyTime

I would go with the 2018 Giant Escape. Not a bad price and it is a newer model. Other than that... go with whatever you want. You stated the the Escape has lower end components and I would say that's ok. Since you stated you're just starting out I would not go and dump of bunch of cash on something that you might find sitting in the garage a month from now. And, if you do like it you can always upgrade the components here and there.

Remember, you're going to need a helmet, pump, extra tubes, water bottles etc. All of these along are going to add another $100 to your overall cost.

EGBigelo

The Giant Escape and Marlin 5 have Tourney components, which are fine but low end (common on Wal-Mart bikes). I really had that high end bike makers use Tourney, especially in a lineup like the Marlin,

I actually have the 2015 Specialized Sirrus, in that same color. I don't ride it much because it's an XL and doesn't fit me all that well, but it's a smooth riding bike. I agree with you that it's priced a little high. I was thinking about selling mine and putting it out there for $250.

For riding on paved trails, I'd go with either of the two Sirrus, or the Escape. And it looks like the Escape is now gone.

Delmarva

I see the Escape is already deleted from CL. You may want to shop around local bike shops for a new 2018 Escape 3. There may be some deals at of below $300.

Skipjacks

Fro help when reviewing a used bike to make sure you don't buy a POS that's about to fall apart

https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bi...what-look.html

Holg

Looks like Craiglist and these other Buy/Sell websites are just a waiting game for responses. I went to a LBS yesterday that just sold Trek and liked the FX3 and a few others but they didn't have many affordable options. The person with the 2015 Sirrus does not want to budge on his $275 price but I did find a 2017 Trek FX3 for $275 but still waiting for a response.

DorkDisk

I'd suggest figuring out what size you need first. Of the four bikes I could see, there are 3 different sizes.