On deals, my basic rule is grab now, research later. A quick scan of a bike priced cheap (let's say $20) will let you know whether the parts alone are worth the price. So I do not worry about the model, brand or whatever. The bike could be a "Uncle Bubba" brand made in BFE, spray painted fluorescent green. I don't care.

Does it have a decent cotterless crankset? Does it have alloy rims? Does it have decent derailleurs? Does it have a cromoly frame? I only need a YES on ONE of these questions to make the bike a deal at $20.

I have grabbed $5 bikes just for the value of the seat and pedals. Great way to get cheap consumables: seats, tires, tubes, pedals, whatever. I bought a $5 Huffy a couple of weeks ago just for the tires, seat, pedals, and thumb shifters. And sometimes you score a great bike.

The best deals tend to be at garage sales around here. People are just getting rid of stuff. The super deals on Craigs List go lightning fast, so unless you are lucky, they are gone before you see the ad. I have gotten some sweet deals on Craigs List, but more in the $100 range (a $250 bike for $100 is a sweet deal).

The $5 or $10 garage sale bike just cannot be beat!