Southern California - COMPLETE newbie looking to get into riding

Hey all,
I'm a student here at USC, and after my bike got stolen just recently (it happens a lot here...), I decided that I want to get my own road bike. Building one from scratch might be a little bit advanced for me right now, but I wouldn't mind maintaining and upgrading an older bike.

So, I guess I'm here for suggestions... Are there any great places around LA to find a cheapie road bike? What things do I need to look for in a ride-able bike?

All help is appreciated :)

Look at Craigslist, 700 bucks can get you an older but good entry level bike. By the way the Pinnarello Prince for 1300 is a scam.

Check with Bicycle Kitchen http://www.bicyclekitchen.com/

They specialize in helping students get and maintain bikes. Great program for a good cause. If anyone in the LA area has some spare parts and equipment to donate (I've given them a few bikes, wheels, components etc), they are a non-profit willing to take your handouts!

I think it goes without saying, if you get a decent bike, don't EVER lock it up outside. Keep it in your room, or at your parents house. I'd just get a beater to ride around campus.

Go cheap and serviceable/ridable or entry level....new or used. If thief rates are high and even if you have the best locks and chains, it's not worth having something nice "right now". And pay the $3 (good for 5 years) at the USC campus police station (http://capsnet.usc.edu/dps/bikeregistration.cfm) to get your bike in the statewide bike registration system...easier to recovery your bike if stolen. Stealing bikes at any school/college campus' is easy pickings for an outside thief or from other students.

For new entry level stuff:
The best 'X-Box' bike would be the Forge CTS 1000, if it fits you. Or buy one of the entry level road bikes from Bikesdirect:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm
At this price point, change the rim tape to Velox and get the wheels trued and tensioned. You can grease and adjust the rest of the bike yourself in less than an hour before assembly (BB, wheels, pedals, and headset).

Buy 2 u-locks (Kryptonite or On-Guard), don't bother with cables. One for front wheel to frame and one for the rear wheel and chain stay to the bike rack. If you like chains, OSH sells a Krytonite 10-12mm thick hexagonal chain equivalent by the foot (very heavy though and they have to use a cutoff wheel). Take/remove your seat with you to class or where ever you are (most bikes come with a quick release seat post clamp for some reason). High bike thief or parts removal is not limited to just the USC area, but it's city wide...the economic times are that bad.

Bring your bike into class, most teachers won't mind. Or lock it up inside a office building at the school or somewhere with alot of traffic

I believe your school, USC, has a cycling club. Why not contact them to see what you can get. Most cycling clubs get discounts on bike related purchases. Here's their web site:

http://www-scf.usc.edu/~cycling/Home.html

the bike shop in the UV sells used road bikes.

By the way the Pinnarello Prince for 1300 is a scam.

Oh darn, so I guess mine is a fake =(

hahah