Need bike for temporary stint - Where to start...

[Chinook]

Hi. Sorry about the confusion RogueDog - my fellow Canadian was able to understand (is it our style of conversing?)
Yes, I'm in Sacramento for the next two months, want to purchase a nice relatively nice (is it considered mid-level at $1300 or is that low now a-days?) cheap bike for commuting and training.
Looked at some of the shops online, was looking at the Giant and Bianchi's, but thought maybe there was a new up-and-coming bike on the market that I don't know about. Also, has anyone had any experience with the Dama Bianca or the Avails?

[KnottedYet]

want to purchase a nice relatively nice (is it considered mid-level at $1300 or is that low now a-days?) cheap bike for commuting and training.

$1300 is high-level in my universe.

I consider $400-500 midlevel. Lots of nice commuters at that range.

With such a large amount of money for a 2 month-long temporary bike, wouldn't it be more cost effective to simply ship your Bianchi Brava to Sacramento with you?

[Chinook]

KnottedYet - Thought about shipping the Brava but no time to pack - and it will cost just as much to have it packed and shipped as it would to buy a bike there (and resell). I like RogueDog's idea of buying bikes from the college kids who are selling the bikes their parents bought just for some quick cash...hmmm...

[crazycanuck]

Chinook-are you an Albertan by chance?

I think picking up a bike from some uni kid would be a great idea! I had that idea last year when I was searching for a uni commute bike..

[Cataboo]

check the local craigslist.org - I think you'll be able to find a bike that'll work for you.

[Chinook]

CrazyCanuck - Yes, SOAB. I'm here and have checked out craigslist....nothing yet.