Originally Posted by
blacknbluebikes
Definitely consider the Craig's List approach, especially the Brooklyn or Queens editions - lots of sellers due to moving out or upgrading, especially as we "roll" into Autumn... Remember that there's a fair chance that the bike will get stolen or damaged one day (welcome to NY), so keep a limit on both financial and emotional investment (spend that on the badman roadbike you use in Prospect or Central Park one day).
I don't want to spend more than $500 I think since I finished reading all the stories about no matter what you do parking your bike outside, someone will find a way to walk away with your bike at some point.