Originally Posted by
swampyankee2
So I've been looking at the mid-value bikes like early 80's Schwinn Voyageur, Raleigh Super Course, maybe Austro Daimler, although it's harder to ID which models of those. They all seem to be offered in the $200-300 range, less if I can find a true estate sale or yard sale find.
The cost on an other road bike can be upfront or pay later. If you find a $200-300 bike that needs $200 worth of rehab, then you will still probably have a $300 bike.
If you buy needing "a few things", you may get shocked with the costs. Sometimes these things have hidden defects that cause trouble.
Your local bike shop may be less than enthusiastic to work on your older bike.
Good luck