^^^Honestly, I totally agree. I got my brother inlaw into biking and he went out and bought a road bike without consulting me. He spent $300 on a Vilano road bike with Shimano A050 components. When it came, sure it was all new, shiny, and did I say new? After riding it, he wasn't very impressed. I told him to give me $150 (half what he paid) to see what I can do on craigslist. Got him a mint condition, well-maintained, late 90's Specialized Allex with 105 components. Sure, not everyone can get a deal as great (or lucky) as that but with that said - just try to be as patient as possible and check craigslist as frequently as possible for a road bike in your price range. I live in Portland, where bikes tend to be a bit more over priced, and I know that for $300 I can get a very good used road bike.