Originally Posted by
Atamayo
I’m interested in road cycling and I was wondering what are some specs that I should be looking for? I don’t wish to spend too much money so I want to go no higher than $550. I know this won’t buy me the best bike but I hope it’s a good start to a first road bike. Also, if you have any links or stores I should check out please include that. Thank you!
$550 is a bad price point for a new entry level road bike. Unless you go with something like Bikes Direct, which I wouldn't recommend unless you know what you are doing.
The most basic road bikes you can find are around $750 to $800 retail, and that will get you an 8 speed Shimano Claris drivetrain, and aluminum frame and fork. If you want to go up a 9 speed drivetrain, carbon fork, and somewhat upgraded non drivetrain components, you need to go a bit higher, like around $900 to $1,000.
For $550 budget, you have a couple of options. Buy used, look for a sale, buy a flat bar hybrid bike, or save up your money and wait until you can afford what you really want.