Axiom

You can get a lot of bike for $700; that's not a good deal at all. In fact, even at $200 it's probably not worth buying.

Fuji Roubaix 3.0 LE Road Bike - 2014 Performance Exclusive - Racing Bikes

The newer Sora isn't bad at all. More than ideal for someone new to cycling. Sora is now at Tiagra's level, Tiagra at 105 and so on.

crad159

If you wait until the right time of the season where bike shops are looking to move old inventory for the new year, generally around October to November, you can get great deals. For instance, I was able to work with my LBS to lower the price on a '13 Madone 2.1 to $999. If you have a few extra hundred that you are willing to spend, you could get a great aluminum - carbon fork bike with some Shimano 105 components, during the off season.

kv501

Depends on what side of the deal you're on...

I got a year-old $2,999 treadmill for $750 with exactly 11 miles on it, because several people had flaked out on buying it. Older couple in a hurry to sell because they were moving several states away and didn't use it. I've got over 900 miles on it now with zero problems and couldn't be happier.

f1russgp

May I offer you some advice from a Cat 3 racer and bike cazy nut,if you are going to race or club ride then you could do more with your $700,BUT this bike is worth a lot more because its a Kestrel 4000 and these are bloody hard to find in good condition,the frame alone is worth $500 if its in good shape(no cracks) I know because I bought one and built it with Shimano Dura Ace 8 speed STI,the down side for you as a beginner is the 6 speed down tube shifting.The upgrade to downtube to STI(shimano total intergration) can be confusing,the 3 things that you have to intergrate are the shift levers on the brake levers,the front derailleure,rear deraillure,and the cogset on the wheel,if you can teach yourself how to do this BUY the bike it will be worth it when you come to sell it,if not then buy something that you don't have to do any work on yourself,even if it means missing out on a good deal