Road Cycling - beginner in need of help

Help! I'm very very active, but I've had to take a break for the last couple of months due to overuse injuries. Knew this break would be coming, so I've been setting aside road bike money for several months.

It looks like a blast, but I'm not sure how much I'll like it. So, I don't want some expensive, fancy road bike. I also don't want some cheapo that won't last long if I do happen to fall in love with the sport.

Where do I begin? Friends have said to research, but I don't know how to get started. Any suggestions on how to get started? Any suggestions on particular bikes? Particular brands? What's a good price range - don't think I want to spend more than $1000. What about used bikes? I want a reliable bike for exercise and fun - not to race with. I just need help on where to begin and to know what to look for.

HELP - MUST EXERCISE!!!

Yes. The particular bikes you want are on eBay at 30-80% off what you would pay in your LBS. Pick out several on eBay and then list them here for comments. You'll get at least twice the bike for the same money if you shop on-line.

I too recommend ebay. I got my first one of there then 2 months ago bought new. Try looking at as many different brands as you can, trek,giant,lemond,bianchi,cannondale,specialized. There are so many options out there that you should be able to find one for your purpose. Just off the bat I would recommend a 105 bike, thats shimano's middle of the road, good solid group. I dont know what campy's comparable level is. Like paramount said, find some you are interest in and we'll tell you what we think.

roadbikereview.com

what they said,
however be sure of the size you want coz fit is everything. The best bargain of the century isn't worth
squat if it doesn't fit.
I highly recommend Bianchi Campione del mondo (sp? my
italian is not so hot!), also Fuji gets a very nice review
here as does Felt. You can find most of these on e-bay
regularly.
When you find something interesting post here, we love
to give advice and debate the finer points of your choice. All kidding aside, feel free to ask all the questions
you can, remember Knowledge is power!

Marty

Hi,
the problem is, you have no idea what will fit. This time of year, the 03 bikes are on sale, and you can get a nice bike for a grand. If you're lucky, you might find a REALLY nice bike used for that amount. But the single MOST important thing is fit.
If it doesn't fit, it's an art object. Go to several bike shops in Austion, try a whole bunch of bikes, and buy the one you like best.

Forget e-bay, unless you know exactly the size you need, and are savvy enough to not get ripped-off in the numerous scams there.
What you need is a good bike shop that sells used bikes, as well as new.

Ride a variety of bikes at your LBS. It'll give you an idea of what you want and what size frame you need. When you do, make note of the components, tires, etc... Look that stuff up on the web. You'll wind up having fun learning about it.

Everyone's motivations are different, but, with a goal of exercise, consider spending as much as you can possibly afford, for 2 reasons:
1) so you don't discover in 2 or 3 months that you "need" a better bike, or better components, if you find you do love riding
2) so you keep riding, even if you don't love it initally, because you "spent too much to just let the bike collect dust in the corner", or "isn't it gorgeous? makes me want to take it for a spin" until you DO love riding -

and voila': your money was well spent for your goal of exercising.