CliffordK

There are a number of reasons why the quality reproduction bikes are extraordinarily expensive. Materials, components, and labor, and perhaps "brand name" are all expensive. That is, assuming you want a quality bicycle. There are plenty of cheap Walmart specials.

Of that grouping above, the Meister has pressed steel dropouts and no derailleur hanger. A sure sign of what to AVOID.



They do serve their purpose, for a $125 bike, but there is a good chance the bike is very heavy. Look for bikes with cast or forged dropouts and an integrated derailleur hanger.

I'd probably lean towards the Trek 1220 as a good entry level vintage bike.

Then PlaneX bike would also be good, but it is twice as expensive, and you could do better.

A couple of more bikes for your consideration.

58 cm Cannondale R900 Road Bike - $550 (Marietta) A bit on the tall side.
Performance R103 Road Bike - $350 (East Cobb)
Bianchi Campione D'Italia (1988) - $350 (Johns Creek)
Road Bike - Cannondale - $325 (Lavonia, Georgia) (R300?)
Scattante R-560 Road Bike - $450 (Johns Creek)

The vintage bikes can make solid commuters/college bikes. I am, however, a bit split. I do like the more modern 1 1/8" threadless stems, and brifters, a few more gears, and smoother shifting.

I'd probably avoid sewups/tubulars often found on some of the oldest racing bicycles.

Another class of bikes to consider for the commuter would be the Gravel/Cross/Cyclocross bikes.
2015 Motobecane Fantom Cross CX or Gravel Grinder - $450 (N Macon)
3 Jamis bikes - $400 (Columbus)
FELT V100 Brand New (2015) Gravel Bike ROAD Cyclocross - $788 (Woodstock)

Thinking of the Motobecane. It is worth poking around the BikesDirect website.
Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Cyclocross Bikes - Fantom Cross Outlaw