Originally Posted by j3rmz
is there any specific brands I should look out for or just start digging? Thanks for all your help guys great info, I am sure I will be back for more!
Depends a bit on your cash situation. You can find old mid 70's 80's POS's around for next to nothing at thrif stores or garage sales. You can often find frames by ten speed boom bikes like Nishiki or Bianchi around for not too much. If you get into more 'vintage' frames (e.g. de Rosa, Masi etc.) it'll start running into $. The lightweight vintage guide
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/vrbn-a-f.html is a helpful reference.
Best of luck in your search.