Looking for a used bike off of craigslist might be your best option. New road bikes definitely aren't cheap, there are some that cost under the $1200 dollars but they will be the most basic. They will work just fine and be fun, but in my opinion if you get the road cycling bug you will want to upgrade. Hell, I bought a Giant Defy 2 ($1100) just this summer and already want to upgrade the components and wheels on it. Used, once you know what you're looking for, will often times let you get a higher quality bike, or even just a cheap 10-speed, depending on what you want.