Originally Posted by
SlimRider
Welcome To Bike Forums, KT043!
My advice to you, would be to look for a used 80's chromoly steel road bike, that's in fair to good condition. Join a bicycle co-op, so that you can learn basic bicycle mechanics. Upgrade your newly acquired road bike right there, under the watchful eyes of veteran bicycle mechanics.
You might even have the desire to disassemble your bike and have it powder-coated by a professional paint company first. After the upgrade, your bike will both look and perform like a brand new bicycle. When you're done, you most likely would've spent considerably less than seven hundred dollars.
Estimated costs:
Bike - $150
Powdercoating - $100
Upgrades - $150
Bicycle Mechanics Education (Co-op membership fee) - $50
Total = $450
Tell us Mr. Slim how does a self-confessed new person find a good 80's crmo bike if they don't know what to look for or what a good bike is?
Your other advice is good. Find and join a co-op for the learning experience. Join a club or at least club rides.
KT,
Do a quick search to find a decent LBS in your area and buy a new or used bike from one. Stay within your budget and it will be fine. Most of us have fond memories of our first real bike but very few of us still have it. It might seem like a big deal now but if you're still riding it next year you'll then have a much better idea of what the next bike should be.