General Cycling Discussion - Newbie Question

I'm basically looking to buy a bike to ride back and forth between work and school. I've narrowed my choice down to getting a road bike but can't decide to buy new or used. I'm not looking to spend over $500 and the local bike shop has a Fuji League for $399 but there is a Bianchi in the paper for $200. The ad says 1996 Bianchi Campione d' Italia road bike with clipless pedals and computer.

So should I go with the Fuji, Bianchi or look for a better deal?

Thanks

It sounds like you need a utility bike, rather than a competition bike.
Racers can be OK, if you stick to older style, or more touring oriented one. Look for threaded eyelets on the frame for fitting a luggage rack and fenders.
You may want clearance at the frame and brakes for wider tyres. I think that 28mm is about right for a fast utility bike, but most racers are limitted to 25mm.
Clipless pedals are not needed on short-haul rides. You have to carry or store extra shoes. Toe clips and stiff-soled trail shoes are a practical and economical alternative.
Race bikes are often over-geared. A modern road-triple chainset is OK (30-40-50 teeth), but a 39/53 is for athletes riding athletically.

I use an old race/training bike with rack/fenders/lights and toe clips and low gears. It works very well and only cost me £100 used.

The reason I narrowed my choice down to a bike such as these is I want to get to work/school as quickly as possible and comfort and utility really aren't an issue for me since the most I will need to carry will fit in a backpack. I will also be converting to clipless pedals back to the tradional kind.

WHich one fits you best? If they are both the same size, I would go with the CDI, but then again, I have a 1995 that I'm very partial to.

Its all in the fit, forget about price right now and go see if which one feels better...:)