Originally Posted by
seymour1910
I think you are giving sound advice. I also think you are right in telling someone with limited knowledge to try a shop. Where I think differently is when I look at the OP's budget. I can't speak for ALL bike shops but I have NEVER been in any shop that sold any bike for $500. The shops around here don't even sell their bikes equiped with Shimano 2300 for that cheap. One of the local shops here does carry used bikes. Currently the cheapest used bike they have in stock is $600 +tax.
I don't know what the market in Mississippi is like so the OP may have better luck at a shop in his area, but from my personal observatiion the only thing one can get from the LBS with $500 is accesories.
From what I have seen so far you are correct about the 500 budget only getting me accessories - this is why I started looking for used bikes. I have seen some fairly nice bikes for sale. Most of the ones in my price range have sold already. I think if I keep my eyes open and stay on top of this I can find something. Also if it comes to a 700 - 1000 dollars for a bike to test the waters then I will have to just go to wally world. I am trying this out in hopes that I will like it as much as I think I will but I can't go out and drop that kind of money on a bike when I am not sure - besides my wife would kill me...