Originally Posted by
IceNine
Personally, I think you'd have much quicker success if you were open to other brands. Last year I picked up 21 vintage bikes. About 6 of them were the right size for me, including a Trek 620 and Raleigh Portage. If I had been searching for a Panasonic or Bridgestone in my size at bargain prices, I'd still be searching for my first bike.
However, that said, you could post a WTB post on the Chicago CL. Also, if you can figure out who the most active flippers are in Chicago, if you respond to their ads and tell them what you're looking for you may get something quicker.
One other thing--would you consider a Panasonic-made Schwinn? I have a 1984 Voyageur that is a very nice bike. I think they also built bikes for some other brands as well.
+1 The more open you are to brand, the easier finding becomes. I have picked up some nice Japanese bikes in the last year, varous sizes, Miyata, Univega (x3), Panasonic, Lotus, Fuji, Schwinn (x3) and a nice Nishiki. But I am flexible on brand, size and model, as long as it is reasonably priced.
One Univega and one Schwinn were small frames (19 inch). Only two were my size.