Pacific Northwest - best starter bike

I have been riding an entry mountain bike for a few years now and Id like to crack into the road bike market. What is a good entry level road bike that is good to get started with? I have been looking at the Novara Divano, Novara Strada, Scott s40, and the Marin Venezia (as well as similar bikes for similar prices).

For between $800 and $1000 what is the best I can get?

Cannondale CAAD or Specialized Allez would be good on that price range.

Peace,
Rey

In that price range you would have a hard time beating a Scattante R560 from Performance. That is if you have a Performance store near you. Its not a well known brand, but I've had it for 2 years and love it. Plus you get carbon fork and seat stem, and Shimano 105 components. Performance doesnt have the best service in the world, but for a starter, its hard to beat.

I had the same budget when I started looking into getting a bike, I rode quite a few (even the Scattante, didnt like the frame flex going uphill) and I settled on the Cannondale Synapse 7, I love it! I have made some changes to the bike since I bought it, Ultegra SL compact grouppo, different saddle, and upgraded wheels, I didnt need to do any of these with the exception of the seat, I just fell into good deals with each upgrade that I wanted. I would recommend riding a few brands and see what fits you and the type of riding you plan on doing best. Buy a good frame, and if you want to upgrade to nicer bits later the option is always there.

I think you might be able to jump into a Scattante 660 (ultegra) with the sales that Performance has right now.