Like an old Cadillac, they aren’t the fastest or most efficient, but I’ll be damned if you can find a more stylish or comfortable ride out there than a high end steel bike from the late 80’s or early 90’s. Those old touring and mountain frames are capable of handling almost any conditions and generally simple to repair, highly recommended for a solid commuter or all-rounder.
If you know what you’re looking for, sometimes you’ll stumble upon a real steal. My Miyata 615-GT (little sister to the legendary Miyata 1000) shown here came off Craigslist for $200.