Some really nice old road bikes have come my way, over the years. Top of the line Italian, French, Canadian, Japanese and British. Such bikes tend to cost anywhere between $0.00 to acquire but always consume dollars and cents during street restoration. All except one, that is...
I found the Legnano at the dump, one day, and brought it (the bike) home. I decided to see what I had without spending one single cent on the bike. I did use this and that, from a spare parts bin, though. As nearly as I can recall, only things like grease, chain lube and cables might have needed replacement attention. If so, used was used - nothing new at all.
So, not a cent spent and an old bike that, believe it or not, offered me one of the most memorable rides in my life...