His Brain is Gone!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Posts: 9,979
Bikes: RANS Stratus, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 7600, Sun EZ-Rider AX, Fuji Absolute 1.0, Cayne Rambler 3
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A typical LBS road bike price range starts at around $500-$550. Lowest priced bikes on the floor of my two closests LBSs are $525 & $550.
So the options are department store bike, something from Bikesdirect, used, or slight bump up to bottom of line LBS bike.
I've seen a Schwinn LeTour down in the $575 range. And the Fuji Newest 4.0 for under $500, but that's a pretty striped down bike. The 3.0 is better but up around $600. Then there is the Trek 1000 that lists for $700, but my LBS sells it for $650.
If you know what size best fits you, and you can make your own fit adjustments, then I'd go used as $500 will get you a nice used bike.