Originally Posted by
BFisher
Other excellent options include the tons and tons of English three speeds sitting unused across the country, Chicago Schwinns, Free Spirits, etc. We don't need new bikes. We need to use the ones we already made.
You're right that these are good solutions.
Where you're wrong is in that they're not sufficiently available where they're needed.
Availability is contingent on someone deciding to clean out the basement or garage, then putting it up for sale (or donation) in a path that gets it where it's needed. Just had a look at my regional craigslist, and in terms of what you are talking about, nothing. There are a couple of "steel is real" road bikes that might be almost temping if I were in the market for one though...