Originally Posted by agarose2000

A lot of these folks preaching "get at least x level of components" aren't actual users of these intro-bikes. They own higher-end bikes with higher-end components and assume that's a minimum level needed.

Here's the reality from someone who actually owns a $695 Giant Defy3 (and a top-end Cervelo $$$$ bike) and can truthfully compare them.

The intro-level road bikes today are awesome. You can pick ANY of them - Giant, Specialized, Fuji, etc. and as long as it's a true intro-level pure ROAD bike (not hybrid), it will be good enough to train and race on even as a high-level athlete.

My bike has Shimano 2200 (lower than Sora) and Sora components, which most people here on BD would "scoff" at, but since it's a 2009 model, it's awesome. Shifts perfectly, even with a triple chainring. I hammerfest with competitive road cyclists with this bike all the time and it's awesome. It's different than my Cervelo, but I'd have to say I get exactly the same enjoyment, satisfaction, and probably 99% of the performance. I feel that it has absolutely no limitations on my riding.

It's all about your human engine on these bikes. Pick the one that fits you the best, looks the most appealing, and fits your price range.

Keep in mind that you will HAVE to spend about $300 on pedals, shoes, helmet, cycling clothing, inner tubes, floor pump, and gloves. There's no way you can ride without these things, and it's where the LBS makes their real money. The bike is a low-profit item in the intro-level category. (Not true for the hi-level category.)