Bicycle Blue Book is close to worthless for valuing bikes. There is a large discrepancy from one area to another. I am a fan of used bikes, but, if one is inexperienced, it is hard to judge what is worth the price to you. That is what matters price wise. Also, if one does not have the tools and knowledge, or access to those, a used bike can wind up with a lot higher cost than anticipated. There is a lot of self satisfaction in obtaining and getting a used bike to be what you envision it to be. As to a new bike, real good idea for the inexperienced, with the caveat the purchase is made from a reputable shop with a salesman and mechanic that can make good suggestions towards making the bike what you want, with a good, comfortable fit, within your budget.