[*BCM*] Need help with a new used bike...

[Thomas John Vitolo]

Y'all:

So, as I began my ride this morning, my circa 1980 Huffy 12 speed got some
mangled gears and grindage, and my rear derailleur cogs bent.  In short, it
looks like it'll need rather expensive repairs/replacements, relative to the
cost of the bike.


So -- methinks I need some help acquiring a new-to-me used bike.  I'm 5'10" with
a 33" inseam, and I ride about 25 miles a week, mostly between Brookline and
Cambridge or Brookline and Dorchester/Southie.  I tend to ride in city traffic,
but hit potholes/curb cutouts on a regular basis.  I ride the bike hard, and
probably abuse it a bit.

Also, I'm a graduate student, and hence pretty much broke.

 * What kind of bike should I be looking for?
 * What price range should I expect this bike to be, used?
 * Anybody know of particular places to buy used bikes that aren't stolen goods?
 * Anybody on this list looking to get rid of a sturdy (but not high end) bike?

Your thoughts please, either over the listserv or to me directly.

Thanks!
 - Tommy V

Thomas John Vitolo
Ph D Systems Engineering Candidate,
Boston University