Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,642
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
53 cm is a really common size. Cast a wide enough net, and you will find something sweet. A lot of vintage bike models came in 21 inch frame size which is ~= 53 cm. I don't know where you live, but one common tactic I use on Craigs List is I look in other "relatively" close metro areas. In my case that is Atlanta (3 hours away one way) and Charlotte (two hours away one way). I have picked up a lot of nice bikes in both of those areas. I also scout out C/L on any/all road trips. Picked up a couple of super deals in Greensboro, NC that way (I was coming home from Richmond, VA).
Regardless of how hard you look, be ready to launch when you see one. Don't wait until it is convenient, the best deals will be gone.
Out of the last 50 road bikes I have found, about 20 were 21 inch frame, 20 were 23 inch frame, and the rest were other sizes.
Happy hunting!