There were some posts about the Flying Pigeon from China early in this thread. Seems like they are getting more popular. There is actually a
Wikipedia article about them, and several distrbutors/dealers in the USA now. Here is one,
http://guanxi-trading.com/bikes.html
They even have a cargo version for only $1750 shipped. The single top tube Roadster is $500 shipped. Unfortunately it only comes in a 22 inch frame, no 24 inch, and is single speed only. Of course you can buy one in Shanghai for $150, or from eBay for $299 + $80 shipping. Or you can buy one for $45 as someone mentioned, just jump in your wayback machine and go to 1993. I have heard that the export ones are better quality than the ones you get in China however.