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A nice inexpensive entry level road bike would be something like this:

The Jamis Satellite Sport ~ $700
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/satellite/12_satellitesport_gy.html

You might want to join a local bicycle co-op. Discuss your need for a road bike with the leadership. They will further advise you. Often times, co-ops have spare bicycles and/or frames available upon which to build.

If your terrain is mostly flat, then single speeds are usually less expensive and require less maintenance.

I wouldn't purchase a multi geared bike from a big box store outlet like Target, Dick's, or *Mart. Though some might take a chance at one of their single speeds...

Google the Mongoose Sinsure...

* If I were you, I'd pay very close attention to my local Craigslist and look for a used chromoly steel framed 80's styled 10 speed road bike.