Ok, I'm a self admitted cheap bastard but I somehow worked up to a very solid commuter rig with a few not used accessories and parts. Took me 8 years of sucking it up, and upgrading here and there. Still use a flashlight with 2 hose clamps as a headlight, rigged a plastic light switch cover with Velcro for my iPhone mount which doubles for my gps, never wear cycling specific anything but my shoes. I could be more comfortable I know, but I also enjoy the challenge. 4 bucks for a homemade pair of knickers from goodwill? Right up my alley.

I want to hear what other budget minded commuters do to keep costs down or non existent. I love diy ideas and other ways of trying to save $, down to using alternative cheaper but just as effective chain cleaning techniques to the cheap but bomb proof Rigs you commute on. What worked, and what didn't?

Donor Bikes. I ride several mid 80's sport touring style bikes as commuters. To keep them maintained and accessorized, I buy unwanted ladies road bikes (usually less the $10) at garage sales. I can then salvage bike bags, bottle cages, aluminum rims, tires on ocasion (but almost always the tubes), rear racks, fenders, pumps - handlebars, shift components and an occasional chain. It takes some effort but as you say I enjoy a challenge.

Great idea, even if you only got 2 good tubes at 10 bucks still cheaper than new!

Mountain bikes from the 1980s are usually under-priced and have lots of useful parts. They also make great touring bikes and commuters.