http://www.bianchiusa.com/site/bikes/21_Brava.html

This is a little more than 600. but you may be able to find it on sale this time of year. Bianchis are as good as it gets at any price level.

A good book about cycling from your library or bike shop will also be helpful.

A book that will teach you all about competition from A-Z is Serious Cycling by Ed Burke.

All the best! Feel free to ask questions here. You'll always get lots of answers.