Road Cycling - Where do I begin???

I would like to get into this sport (mainily casual rides on weekends 25-40 miles) for exercise and just to be outside. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a road bike, but want to get a decent quality bike. What is a good bike for a beginner and has no plans to do anything more than using it for exercise. I am 6' 6'' tall so I need a bigger bike also.

I am really pretty clueless. I see people posting things about components and so on, but I don't even really now what all that means. Can anyone point in the direction of a good decently priced road bike?

What do you mean decently priced? Under $500?

Yes, I would like to stay between 300-500 if that is possible.

I would like to get into this sport (mainily casual rides on weekends 25-40 miles) for exercise and just to be outside. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a road bike, but want to get a decent quality bike. What is a good bike for a beginner and has no plans to do anything more than using it for exercise. I am 6' 6'' tall so I need a bigger bike also.

I am really pretty clueless. I see people posting things about components and so on, but I don't even really now what all that means. Can anyone point in the direction of a good decently priced road bike?

Check with people you know who cycle. Get their recommendations on a few good local bike shops and go there. They are used to helping beginners and cycling can always use new participants. As you become more knowledgable, you can help other folks who want to start riding..

Your local bike shop is probably a great place to start if you don't have friends into cycling. Here what they have to say about fit and whatnot.

I'm riding a bike I bought for $10 at goodwill a few months ago. Seems to suit me fine, although I'm saving my pennies for something newer. This $10 bike is taking me out three or four times per week, sometimes as far as 25 miles (and growing!).

Raleigh road sport
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Yes, I would like to stay between 300-500 if that is possible.

I am a newbie also and I just purchased a couple of months ago a 2003 Fuji Ace for just over $300 (cycling on a budget) and I think it's a pretty decent bike. The only thing I have changed are the pedals...went with clipless. Here's info on 2004 model, very similar to 2003...2004 Fuji Ace (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=12&yr=2004).

The 2004 is yellow/white while the 2003 is silver/red/black.

Here's a picture of my 03.


http://ramell5.home.comcast.net/03fujiace.jpg

Hopes this helps you...

I would like to get into this sport (mainily casual rides on weekends 25-40 miles) for exercise and just to be outside. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a road bike, but want to get a decent quality bike. What is a good bike for a beginner and has no plans to do anything more than using it for exercise. I am 6' 6'' tall so I need a bigger bike also.

I am really pretty clueless. I see people posting things about components and so on, but I don't even really now what all that means. Can anyone point in the direction of a good decently priced road bike?

I found my Giant OCR3 on ebay last year for $330. Owner had it for 6 mos and barely rode it. Good starter bike.

The Fuji League is a good starter bike. It has wheels with 36 spokes, ideal for larger riders, and the frame has threaded eyelets for a luggage rack and fenders, so it can be turned into a commuter bike.
You may have to get some help with bike fit, so see your local bike shops and find one you like and trust.