Road Cycling - want to get into road cycling...

Heya, new to this forum, and i've been looking for a good bike forum, this seems to be it! Well i've been mountain biking for years, but i never have the chance to really GO long distances because i end up going over lots of logs and rocks and other such obstacles (not that it's not fun). Yesterday i saw the Saturn team or whoever it was roll through my city going across the country. It got me thinking, how cool would that be to start racing next summer. For fun mostly. Anyways, i was wondering if anyone knew of any CHEAP (under $500 :( ) bikes that i could buy new or used and if they're good for starting. Also, where do you guys ride if you live in a city? My city isn't huge but the drivers are annoying and on my mountain bike i can just jump off the road, but on a road bike i won't have that option, do you guys just go with the flow? Basically i wanna buy a cheap bike now, train hard during the winter, buy a nice road bike next spring and get into as many competitions/benefits/bike rides, around the nation, as possible. Thanks for your information!

DrGonzo...I'm sure there are a lot of people with that nick...but you wouldn't happen to be the one that plays an online turn based game called Earth would you?

Almost every majjor maker will have their enrty level bike on clearance for about $500 or less shortly.There may also be some 2001 models kicking around too.Performance bike shops have their house brand at under $400.

You should check out Felt bikes. They've got a model that starts at just under $600. that is a very nice bike w/ decent components.

L8R

K thanks, i'll check out the clearance sales and Felt as well. Perhaps someone could give me some help me out, i'm looking at a Vitus 979 road bike, Here's the Ebay link to bike (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1844703907)

could someone tell me if this bike is worth 100-200 or so $$$? Btw i'm 5'11"ish will 52cm be good for me? Thanks

btw i'm not dr. gonzo from earth

You should be looking at a 55-56, a 52 is much too small

Originally posted by DrGonzo
where do you guys ride if you live in a city?
Have you asked around at a few bike shops? They usually have information on rides and races. Some bike shops sponser these groups or clubs.

Originally posted by DrGonzo
...... Also, where do you guys ride if you live in a city? My city isn't huge but the drivers are annoying and on my mountain bike i can just jump off the road, but on a road bike i won't have that option, do you guys just go with the flow?

Dr.G, on a road bike a good afternoon ride is 20 to 50 miles, and if you have racing intentions a lot more than 50. So pick a town 10 to 30 miles away and ride to there, get a gatorade and ride back. You just can't get the miles around town.