i'm going to be staying at 1st and lime (east village arts district) for the holidays, and would like to buy/rent a beater to ride around town and possibly keep in california (where my mother-in-law lives).

where should i buy it? i'd rather not spend more than $50 to get something that works. for what it's worth, i'm about six feet tall and typically ride in the 58-60 range.

You probably won't be able to take advantage of this, but LB used to have a killer police bike auction. You can call the police to find out if they still have them. Check the LBCC and CSULB campus bulletin boards, the pennysaver, the recycler and Craigslist too.

The number for the police auction is (562) 570-1074. I was going to check out the one in september, but i forgot. I'm not sure when the next one is, but if you call, they will have a recording that will tell you. As for other places, I can't think of much. There is a bike shop on anaheim near atlantic that has a bunch of old crappy bikes. I'm not sure how much they go for as I've only been in once, but its worth a shot. There is also a relatively new shop on 4th, just west of cherry that has some used stuff. There is a goodwill on alamitos and broadway (I think) that may have something if you're lucky. At the very least, I'm about your size and can bring an extra bike if you want to go for a ride. Or we can just meet at the v room or house of hayden for a drink. Which reminds me. There is another shop (I think its called long beach bikes) at broadway and linden that usually has a bunch of older bikes.

One more thing. If you have access to a car, there is a used car dealer in Fullerton (about 3o minutes away) that always has a bunch of crappy bike boom style bikes for $25. If you want a serious beater, thats where to go.

I think Bikestation in Downtown (1st and Pine) rent bicycles. I think they have Rush Hours.

The OCC swapmeet has a guy that sells 80's roadbikes for around $50-$80. Usually japanese steal and not overly crappy. I got a nice panasonic from him once when I was down there visiting my family. Also, post a wanted on CL, lots of people will respond.

Where in fullerton?

I think it was near brookhurst and commonwealth. Pretty crappy looking dealer, has some weird dune buggy thing in his lobby.

Bike Palace in San Pedro (16th and Pacific) usually has a bunch of well-used bikes parked in front.

thanks everyone. all of this info will be much more useful once i am firmly planted at my mother-in-law's and she can help me figure out what's what.

sounds like renting a rush hour might be the way to go if only because it's easiest.

i've been to house of hayden before, kind of a weird place, like if a church youth group set up a bar.

I love House of Hayden.

red room, V room, Alex's bar. are my favorites.