Get the bike fixed good enough to ride around on early Sat mornings to visit Garage Sales between 7-9am. If you make that your week end exercise, I gaurantee you that you will be able to move up to a decent road bike in the next 3-6 months for $5-$20. don't be afraid to "make an offer" You will find mostly Japanese steel frames--with Suntour componets--and those will serve you well for the money!