Originally Posted by
DropDeadFred
the OP should buy used with his budget...plain and simple. Why buy new crap at the top of your budget when you can find something used with better quality parts somewhere inside your budget if you shop right.
Also a good point. I just read another thread where someone got a VERY nice looking Trek road bike for $300. If you're patient, and you have an active craigslist, you should be able to do it. Of course, I know nothing of the OP's timetable and such.