Raleigh - I have found that damn near anything raleigh is a good bet. Some have weird threading but if you get a fairly complete bike you will be fine.

Schwinn - There are some wack-a55 schwinns out there and there are some real beautys. I have one of the really awesome ones.

Panasonic - nothing bad to say

Miyata - Some nice bikes

Nishiki - Sweetness

Trek/specialized - good stuff

AVOID

Puegot - French, Smelly and ungrateful.

Sears Bikes in general

This: press fit dropouts


This:Cottered Cranks are super cool but tough to work on and not as reliable.


Almost any old bike that fits you will be usable. For $20 theres not much to lose.