I'm in the process of saving up for a decent road bike (1500-2k range, don't need anything crazy). Would it be a waste of money or effort to just pick up an old 80s road bike off of craigslist or a garage sale for 100$ or less? I kinda just want to have a road bike, because as much as i love the hybrid for certain things, i like the riding style of a roadbike more. Obviously a 30lb 80's bike won't be as comfy/fast as a new bike, but i'm sure the "speed limiter" is me right now, and not any bike.

Thoughts? I know some people have tons of fun with old used bikes.

I did. I wanted to have something to ride while I saved up. So I got a 10 year old Trek. When I got close to my financial target I flipped that bike and rolled it into the price of my current ride.

try

Searchtempest.com for nearby areas.

I've been looking for a deal on a road bike for weeks.

Most people seem to want too much for a used bike, and I didn't respond that many ads.

The ones I responded too - either were already sold, or with more information I didn't want to pursue.

You have to jump fast - I mean really fast.

I'm not saying you can't do it, but depending on your local market - it may not be easy to find.

I got a great deal from a dealer - so went that way

You can find some GREAT sub25lb bikes for ~$100

Nice to have a bike to run errands with and not be biting your nails while visiting friends, wondering if that Kryptonite lock will hold through the visit. In London or New York it probably won't hold your $1500 bike! Better yet, you could fashion this bike with fenders (all weather) add a back rack and voila a commuter/shopper bike! No excuse to grab a pound of coffee or a dozen eggs while out and about cruising. Besides a great excuse to take a long ride without having to feel guilty. "Just going out to get the bagels, Ma!" 2 hours later. "Boy that Bagel shop was crowded!"
Buyer tips: make sure you know your correct cm frame size prior to buying a bike (don't want a bike that doesn't fit!); if you can, take it on a test spin, even in the dude's driveway, if you have to!
Good luck.

Yeah i figure i could do that with it also, throw a rack and panniers on it and use it to shop. Maybe fenders for the canal trail during winter.

A beater/rain bike is always nice to have.

Get a good 80's road bike, though, not some steel-rims-stem-shifters-suicide-brakes Schwinn Varsity or worse...

Get something with a double-butted chromo frame and indexed downtube shifters and you'll be OK.

Also, don't buy anything that doesn't fit. Ever.

Yes, in addition to those things mentioned (e.g., rain bike), having some experience with a castoff vintage will be the only way that you will later realize that its not the newer bike that necessarily causes you to be "as comfy/fast" (instead, you will know that you have bought a new bike mostly because you wanted it and that is justification enough).

+1.

SP
Bend, OR