chaza01

Hi
I am looking to buy my first road bike. I am looking for something in the sub £350-400 range - though I accept that will leave me with fewer choices, I cannot financially justify anything higher, especially as I am just starting off.
I would really appreciate any sort of reply to the following questions:
(i) Is there a particular new bike from the price range outlined above you would recommend?
(ii) Are there any particularly good brands you recommend, or any you would avoid like the plague?
(iii)The nearest bike shop to me is Evans, is this a good company to buy from?
(iv) What makes a good road bike? What differs lower end gear systems from higher ones (same for brakes)?
(v) Is it worth buying an older model of the same bike, e.g 2010 version, if it is cheaper, and how much changes in a bike model, usually, from one year to the next.
And finally,
(vi) After procuring a bike, would there be any immediate modifications you'd recommend?
P.S. someone I know got a specialized (the brand) bike reduced to £350 from around £600, do you know of any such drastic discounts (and if so, a link would be appreciated!)?

Regards