I Need Bicycle Help

[Scuba Stache]

Fellow Mustachians, I need to finally take the dive into riding a bicycle once again and need some help. There are endless craigslist options here in Jacksonville for the choosing, but I have no idea what brands are quality (other than googling and ignoring the brands that show up at walmart). I am looking to pay up to $150 each for a couple of quality used bikes for myself and the gf.

Question 1: Are Schwinn bikes worth purchasing as they seem to have many listings that look nice (Men's - http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/bik/3322777670.html  Women's - http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/bik/3327342719.html
Question 2: What other brands should I look for in a Mountain/Hybrid bike?
Question 3: Is sizing critical enough I should get "fitted" at a bike shop and only look for that specific size? Or will any 20" or so frame be suitable for a reasonably tall person

[Bakari]

You're in luck -  Someone asked essentially the exact same question some months ago, and I wrote a very long and detailed response:

http://biodieselhauling.blogspot.com/2012/01/buying-bikes-from-craigslist.html

1) Older schwinns were good bikes.  Newer ones are sold at Walmart.  Of course, older ones are also old...
2) too many to list.  The list of brands to avoid is shorter.  See blog post
3)it isn't critical, just be sure the clearance between your special bits and the top tube is about 2-4 inches for a road bike or 3-5 for a mountain bike.  Again, more details in the link

[Scuba Stache]

You are the man Bakari, thanks for the info.