Road Cycling - New to cycling, looking for first bike

Hi, I'm looking for a bike to ride around on for exercise and maybe race once I get experienced riding it and get in better shape. I'm 14 years old and became interested in cycling after reading "It's Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong. I went to a local bike shop earlier in the day and saw a nice race bike made by Fuji for about 400 dollars. I don't know what kinds are good or bad and I am looking to spend a low amount of money, because I just want a bike I can get some experience with. Any ideas?

Anything in the 400-500 range is going to come equipped with the same components (for the most part) so go find some bikes you like, and test ride them... choose the one thats most comfortable...then just get your butt out there and ride.

like Jakey said, "buy what's comfortable to you". This is true for everyone, but more so for you. You don't need some expensive bike unless you think you're not going to grow any more. I'm guessing that you might need 2-3 bikes of larger sizes to get you thru the next few years.

In fact, if you find a used bike that you can test ride and you wind up liking, go for it. Even if it's fairly used, it'll probably last you longer than you'll need it to.

For said used bike... if it needs new parts, spend your money on wheels, saddle, seat post, and pedals first. These are parts you can easily take with you to your next bike. So, if you find a decent steel frame that fits you and the drive train works well, don't worry about the wheels, etc. Buy the bike and buy some new wheels, etc. Repeat this process until you stop growing.

Have fun!

14 is pretty young, especially if you are still growing. you can easily grow out of the bike and have to purchase another one. i know i didnt hit puberty til i was 16 or so :(

i had a small cheap moutain bike that i just bought from toysrus and when puberty hit, i quickly grew out of it

I'm 22 and hit growth spurts at 17, 19, and 20... so you'll still be growing for some time so I wouldn't spend a whole lot. Maybe see if a reputable bike shop in your area has anything used. Fuji's are usually a good value for the money, but at $400 any road bike is going to be extremely low-end. Sometimes with guys your age we will sell them a size bigger so they don't outgrow it TOO fast.

im 14 too and well i am done with puberty. im 6'0 180Ib and i dont have a problem with changing bikes. TRY GETTING ONE THATS SLIGHTLY BIGGER THAN YOU SO YOU CAN GROWN INTO IT !!!