I have posted this many times, but Ill post it again, try to stay awake
This is a recipe I've used for years and will continue to. An absolutely
bombproof commuter can be built for 300.00, which is my limit on what
I will put out for a bike that is going to get abuse heaped on it as a
utilitarian work bike.

A) 125.00 - Used japanese steel from CL. Might take a week or two, but a good bike will eventually show up
B) 100.00 - Good, flat resistant tires.
C) 75.00 - Lights & mirrors. If you are willing to forgo "bike specific", you can get great lights at CVS type places for 1/3rd of what B.S. are