Originally Posted by steve53mg

If you are considering a Santana, you should be able to get something a bit newer in your price range; probably at least into the mid '90's. If you look at Arrivas (not visas) of this period, you should be able to get an 8 speed cassette, with 145 mm dropout spacing. This will allow you to expand to 9 speed for minimal investment. Try to stay away form the 7 speed freewheel. If it has an Arai drum brake, they are pretty much bulletproof and can be removed if not needed. They are no longer being made and can be sold to help defray your cost!