Originally Posted by
blaise_f
Possibly the worlds ugliest rack! That aside, that seems a little pricy to me, even for SD. You should be able to snag something, in the $50-100 range that needs tyres/tubes and maybe bar tape, that is worth $300 in tuned up condition.
Good advice. If you have two or three weeks to wait, you're best bet is to post some "wanted" ads (online and in paper) and see where that gets ya. Check CL several times a day. Check garage/yard sale ads, if possible call or email before the sale and ask about bikes. Assuming your budget is in the $300 range, you should be able to do well. Note that this forum has a classified section, and while you won't see any $20 Paramounts, there are good solid deals to be had here.
Colleges often auction or sell off unclaimed bikes...