neverridden

So I want to buy a used road bike really cheaply, I don't have hardly any money, but need to be able to transport myself more quickly than my feet can take me on their own.
So a bike seemed the way to go. However I know nothing about bikes other than I know that I want a light weight road bike that I can ride up hills without having a heart attack.
Thanks for any suggestions, I really appreciate it. I have no idea what to look for when I'm searching garage sales and thrift stores and such.
Brands, components, models, etc...

TheDTrain

Try craigslist.org and search wherever you live near.
But for $450 you can buy a nice new Fuji.
For $600 you can buy an aluminum light new Felt.

cooker

In some places you can get a "beater" crap bike for 20-30 bucks and get a local bike store (LBS) to make it roadworthy, and that might suffice until you know more. Need more info on your needs...what sort of conditions will you be riding in?
Robert

Oakie

If you really are in a bind, look for an old Centurion Iron man from the 80's . These japanese bikes were built with high quality chromoly light weight frames and jam packed with aluminum shimano components throughout. Lots of people bought these things for 600 bucks to train for triathalons , rode them a few times and then lost interest in the grueling and demanding training regimens required to be halfway competitive.

Look for something like "Dave Scott" ironman, or Nishiki "Tri-A" for 20 to 50 bucks in good shape and you will have scored a good ride.

sunninho

If you live in a bike town, craigslist.org is a good idea. If you don't live in a bike town (like SF, SD, Boston, NYC, etc.), you won't find much there.

You could also try ebay if you know what size and type of bike you're looking for. To figure out the bike size, go to a LBS and test ride bikes of different sizes to get an idea. Then, get on ebay or online stores like bikesdirect.com.

Also, the LBS may have new old stock, affordable bikes; or talking to the mechanics (over time) could lead to some deals.

HWS

Try thrift shops and garage sales. 20 bucks can get you an old road bike around here (Dayton, OH)

madman91

ebay.// 1st find a good fram size and get on ebay
i got a specialized hardrock pro 2003 disc on ebay for 300$
couldnt be more happy with it..

same with roadbikes..
good luck

neverridden

I'll be riding short distances semi-often (3 or 4 times a week) mostly just around town, so only up to 2 miles or so, but my town has a couple really big hills that will be tough on a bike that's very heavy. It also gets really rainy in the winter, so I'd like to be able to add fenders for those months.
Thanks for your help!
Oh, and I'm looking to spend less than $50 hopefully, I have a friend who can do repairs, so I'm looking for something really cheap that she can fix up a bit.

MichaelW

Any non suspension MTB or hybrid bike will do the job. An old sports bike (with drop handlebars) may be geared too highly for steep hills, but a touring bike will be good. When it comes to steep hills, low gears are just as important (if not more-so) than lightweight.

giorgios

If you live in an area where they rent bikes during the summer months, they tend to sell thoose rented for one season bikes at a great price. I live in Chicago, Navy Pier and North Avenue Beach rents entire fleets of bikes that they start to sell in early September...

cooker

A mountain bike would certainly have the gears you need for a hill. Fenders can be added. If you get a road bike look for one with a triple front chainring to to ensure good climbing gears.
Robert

neverridden

Thanks for all the tips, I'm starting to check out the thrift stores and garage sales, and craigslist.
Hopefully something comes up!
I really do want a road bike though, and not a mountain bike. I rode my friend's, and like the feel of the road bike a lot better.
She has a schwinn world sport from 1988 or so, and it seemed pretty nice.

neverridden

Thanks for all the tips, I'm starting to check out the thrift stores and garage sales, and craigslist.
Hopefully something comes up!
I really do want a road bike though, and not a mountain bike. I rode my friend's, and like the feel of the road bike a lot better.
She has a schwinn world sport from 1988 or so, and it seemed pretty nice.

Retro Grouch 

It's not really that much different from buying a new bike from a store. The operative words are "fit" and "budget". Search around all of the sources the other posters have mentioned for a bike that fits your body. Your budget will determine everything else.