Introductions - Hello from Boston - Need Help Buying 1st Road Bike

I'm looking to get my first road bike and need help. Since its my first bike, I'd like to keep it chep (under $500) to see if its for me. Any suggestions? I've been looking on bikesdirect.com, but wnted some help. I'm 6'.0", 195lbs.

Try CraigsList or buy used from a Bike Shop.
Ride it before you buy it.
Community Bicycle on Tremont (my most local LBS) in the South End always has a few used bikes out front and way more in the back.

Having ridden around Boston, I would get a bike that will accept at least a 28c tire.
Some bikes in the sport category will, CX bikes, touring bikes, and some others.

Welcome to bike forums... To get anything half way decent for $500 you will have to buy used. Anything new for $500 in crap...

Welcome to bike forums... To get anything half way decent for $500 you will have to buy used. Anything new for $500 in crap...
+1
The cheapest road bike we sell at the shop I work at is ~$650.

If you aren't sure what size bike you need, visit your LBS and ask them.

How could I forget: Try Bikes Not Bombs in Jamaica Plain.
Good used bikes, good people and a good cause.

I'm looking to get my first road bike and need help. Since its my first bike, I'd like to keep it chep (under $500) to see if its for me. Any suggestions? I've been looking on bikesdirect.com, but wnted some help. I'm 6'.0", 195lbs.

Welcome to the Forums. I am a year round commuter from Kenmore Square to Norwood and an occasional centurian. I bought my Bridgestone RB-1 about 20 years ago, over $500 then as a year-end model, and it has served me well, so I don't know much about current road bikes. I think the advice about used bikes is a good one and I bought a nice Cannondale Mountain Bike used as a beater bike from Back Bay Bikes, though I don't think they usually sell many used, mostly their rental bikes. Boston Bicycles at 842 Beacon street may have used bikes too. BTW, when asked about buying bikes, I refer people to the Back Bay Bikes website which has a good section on buying bikes.

Where are you in the Boston area and what kind of riding are you planning to do. e.g. commuting, distance riding, etc.?

Jim,

Thanks for the help. I live in Brookline and was looking to get bike mainly for exercise. I'd probably take it outside the city. I will check out those websites. Thanks.

John