Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,642
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
If you like Trek, you should be able to pick up a nice 80s vintage model for $250 or less. Or go with one of the myriad of nice Japanese bikes from the 80s: Univega, Miyata, Panasonic, Lotus, etc. Should be able to find one of them for under $200 in clean, ready to ride condition.
A nice 1985 Trek 670 with all Campagnolo Nuovo Record components just sold yesterday on ebay for $160.