"there's a used bike ""shop"" on houston street a few blocks east of lafeyette on the south side of the street. It's less of a shop and more of a lot, filled with used bikes. There's also recycle-a-bicycle somewhere close by there. Don't confuse RAC with another used bike shop around there who's owner had once disparaged RAC to me, claiming their mechanic service was less than professional."

I know you're asking for a geared bike, but have you considered a single speed? You can get a much nicer, lighter bike, new or used. And unless you live in Riverdale, you probably don't need all those gears. They're easy to keep clean in winter and possibly less interesting to thieves.

Less is more, baby.

I got my Specialized at Bicycle Habitat, which also has other models. Ron got his scrumptious Bianchi Pista at Larry & Jeff's. Sid's has Bianchis. More unique track bikes can also be found.

The Specialized Langster is a good city bike because it comes with front and rear brakes for freewheeling and a flip-flop hub that lets you go fixed. Those brakes deprive it of the tough-guy cachet of the true track bike, but I happen to love life more than beauty.

Joe,

1) What about your old Raleigh? I know it's a bit small, but you've got history!
2) I think a Wanted: post on the Bob is your best bet.
3) I'll keep an eye out as well.

Regards,
- Christian

Bike Works has a ton of old used bikes. Another great way is to check the garbage. Got a $700 de bernardi steel lugged frame that a guy on my block threw out!

i think craig's list is the best place to find a cheap used bike. beth got her commuter, an old, but functional motobecane, for $75.

i bought my latest commuter, an even older schwinn for $80. i love the bike and it ranks really high in the cool factor.

my experience is that you will probably pay much more than what is necessary, if you buy it from anybody but the original seller. i.e. a bike shop.

btw, my last commuter was a functional fuji track bike that i also bought off of craig's list. unfortunately, the drive train (crank arms, chain ring, etc.) was ripped out of it while locked up outside at work. now it's sitting in my hallway. i'd sell you what's left of it for practically nothing, but i know you're not interested in a track frame.

In my neighborhood both bike shops have used bikes for sale: Bike Works on Rivington and Ridge and Frank's on Grand between Madison and Henry.

Are you looking for a bike that you can chain to a post on the street all day without any worry? I prefer that kind, because it gives you so much freedom and peace of mind. If so, you can find bike-boom era stuff very cheap at flea-markets and such, with little attraction to thieves.