many1989

hello i am 25 yr old male, 5.11 and looking for a beginners road bike. I am on a 500$ or less budget. Any recommendations, websites, brands would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

RoadGuy

Fit is everything. You can't buy a bike online when you don't know what size or style of bike you need.

The best first bikes are used bikes. Bikes depreciate rapidly. A Bike that sold for $1000, three or four years ago is $300-$400 today. A higher end bike that sold for $1500-$2000 ten years ago is $300 today.

I suggest that you enlist a friend who knows bikes to go bike shopping with you looking at Craigslist bikes. You need to have cash. $500 will buy you an incredible bike if you are willing to shop.

There is much more to buying a used bike then looking for/at shiny paint or new tires. Don't get sucked into settling for a shiny bike at a good price that does not fit. You will never ride it.

If you add a post with your location, and your bicycling inseam (bare-footed, slide a book up between your legs to your crotch, and measure the distance from the top of the book to the ground). People will look on Craigslist in your area and offer suggestions.

dmanthree

Agree on the used bikes. But be sure to visit a good local bike shop who won't sell you a bike that doesn't fit. As the RoadGuy said, fit is everything.

mcours2006

Pretty daunting task to ask of someone just starting out to ride to go look at used bikes. If he does happen to have a friend who is knowledgeable about bikes then great. But would he have gone to this friend first before posting here on BF?

Sure we can find some decent bikes for you if you tell us your locations. I enjoy shopping with someone else's money as much as the next guy, but OP still has to go and look at it and determine the fit and condition of the bike himself. Pretty daunting indeed.

He could order from BD, if he can determine his size, but again, that's difficult to do, and some assembly is required.

I'd suggest you go to your LBS. Talk to them and see what they can offer. Maybe they have some bikes on consignment or know of someone who wants to sell his bike.

12strings

Of the major brand new bikes that you are likely to find in a bike shop, a Giant Contend (more $600) is about a low as you will find a road bike at a bike shop.

I'd say Google to find a Giant dealer, go let them help you find your size, and see how you like it.
If not, go look at other brands, but most other brands start over 700 for road bikes.

Hiro11

One other tip: if you plan on $500 for a bike, plan another $300 for a helmet, apparel, tools, water bottles etc.