When I started commuting in Chicago my 1st bike was a beater. Got it from someone I helped move. The calipers were seized, saddle was ripped, tires flat, couple of spokes missing, etc. So, I did what I could(duct tape on the saddle) and ended up stopping it w/my foot jammed between the seattube and the tire...wore a groove in my sneaker. Took to a 2nd hand sporting goods store that was advertising bike tune-ups for 19.95. The owner said he'd do it for 50.00, but I'd have a bike that rode like it was brand new. And it DID!

I ended up buying alot of gear from him over the next few years. It was a crappy, noname, pac-rim rb, but I loved it. Gave it to a friend who rode the crap out of it and gave it to someone else...wonder if that bike is still around?