Grumpy,
that nmay work in your neighborhood, but if it is left abandoned and the police had already tagged it, it is pretty much fair game in my area. Most of the time if you call on an abandoned bike here in town, the cops will come look at it take your info and let you keep it if you want it. Our annual police auction had over 500 bikes last year. That was a low number compared to other years. And we have a population of 82,000. Grey area yes, but when law enforcement allows it to happen, I don't feel as if he stole anything.
Stacey

instant fixed gear!
My LBS stated that lots of people are riding Fixed gear and don't know it... because their changers are all rusted stuck

I posted a want ad on my work newsgroup. Ended up getting two bikes:
1) 1990 ish Centurion Accordo with shimano SIS light action for free (aquaintence)
2) 1987 Schwinn Tempo with 105 components for $40

Both bikes were in good usable condition and were well taken care of. I took the Centurion first even though it was slightly small for me. I made some adjustments and was fine on it. Then the Tempo was offered and I jumped on it. It fits me perfect and now the Centurion is my wife's (although it is a tad big for her).

Kobey's Swap Meet—San Diego