1.) Four to six hundred for an entry level road bike, less if you choose a hybrid. I'm still riding the bike I assembled for around $400, and then improved along the way, but that was after I used a mass produced bike for a while. I say go cheap until you get the experience to know what you really want.

2.) There is no difference except that women's bikes have the top tube out of the way (maybe less stout) and are usually the smaller frames.

3.) The assembly is a piece of cake, but it's better if you're experienced enough to be confident of wrenching everything on the bike. On fit, my opinion is the minority one but I think you're better off with online resources and doing it yourself than getting a shop guy involved.

4.)No, the sum of the parts is more than the whole. However if you're patient and flexible enough to grab good deals where you find them, you can come out ahead.

5.) It varies but that's a good commuting distance in my opinion.

6.) beats me.

7.) No.

8.) The French fit has a lot going for it.